Priest Holes and a Perfect Pint
A last minute walk and the Ramblers Web Site used for inspiration. I need a local walk. I need a local walk that I haven't done for a while. I need to be out for a couple of hours.
A 7.5 Miler from Harvington Hall. Last walked in 2016. Will it pass a pub? Only one way to find out.
First Harvington Hall - a moated manor house, with a little Catholic church attached. Stunning from all angles.
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| Moated Harvington Hall |
Harvington Hall is an Elizabethan manor house located in Worcestershire, known for its remarkable preservation and rich history. Built in the 1580s by Humphrey Pakington, a Catholic during the Protestant Reformation, the hall is a testament to the turbulent religious tensions of the time. The house is particularly famous for its numerous and ingeniously concealed priest holes, secret spaces designed to hide Catholic priests during periods of persecution. These priest holes, some of the best examples in England, were believed to have been designed by Nicholas Owen, a master carpenter who dedicated his life to creating safe havens for priests.
An the historical references don't end there, as I head out on the Monarchs Way to Hillpool. Waterside walking along the Belne Brook, fields and then a woodland section past Mount Segg to Stone. Maybe its the rare blue skies. Maybe its escaping for some peace and quiet before the Christmas madness begins in earnest. Whatever it is, I am in a delightful mood.
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| Sheep huddling together for warmth like penguins |
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| A weir on Belne Brook |
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| Worcestershire Fields |
Harvington Hall is closed for winter, but the adjacent Catholic Church is doors open. Although there is an ominous sign warning an alarm will be triggered if you get to close to the wooden carvings.
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| Zoom on a Pixel 8 |
The walk did pass a pub - but a two meals for the price of one but twice the price chain pub (The Dog) wasn't going to cut the mustard.
A short journey to the Plough, Shenstone.
I know that Camra say that a seasoned drinker should only award 5 stars to a beer very occassionally.
So I will allocate a 6 to this perfect Bathams Bitter..... as it always is.
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| Quiet at 12:30 but soon filled up with haggard last minute Xmas Shoppers. |
Walk Details
Distance - 7.5 Miles
Geocaches - 0
Walk Inspiration - The Ramblers Website
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