A short walk was all I needed today.
I’m always driving through these two villages, so I thought it was time to visit in more detail. During this Covid-19 pandemic everyone seems to be out and about. All the car-parks are overflowing and the honey spots overwhelmed, I’ve usually kept well clear but today I had to park up in Newton. Mea culpa. I found a safe spot outside the village but noticed some thoughtless blocking of farmers’ gates etc.
I first wandered around the olde worlde hamlet of Newton – in – Bowland.
Then I was ready to start the riverside walk to Slaidburn. The River Hodder.
Ahead was the limestone bluff above Dunhow Hall.
There are cliff faces up there in the trees and I had time to climb up and explore. On closer acquaintance the rock was overhanging and compact, not much scope for my style of climbing, i.e. too hard.
Whilst I was up here I explored further and came out into meadows on top of the hill with good views towards Slaidburn.
I wandered down to re-join the path near the gatehouse and then walked into Slaidburn on a short stretch of busy road. The 15th century St. Andrew’s Church turned out to be open, I had never visited it but read of rich internal features. Most of the interior was taped off, so I only had a glimpse of the elaborate screen, Norman font, box pews and pulpit.
Outside there was a sundial from 1796 and a shaft of a Medieval Cross.
Next door was the Old Grammar School founded in 1717 and still in use as a village school.
Rows of 16/17 C cottages lead into the village and there in front of you is The Hark to Bounty pub.
The inn’s name is from the sound of the C19th Squire’s dog, Bounty.
At the top of the steps was the old courtroom of the district. On the outside of the iron rail the lower steps were used for horse mounting.
The war memorial is on an island and an old Wesleyan Chapel has been restored.
The café on the village green was doing a roaring trade from passing travellers. Some impressive motorbikes were on display.
Leaving the hubbub I climbed away from the bridge and crossed into fields heading over into the Easington valley I’d been in a few days ago. The weather conditions today were much pleasanter with clear views of Easington Fell.
At Broadhead Farm I chatted to the farmer as he selected lambs to go to auction.
Following Easington Brook…… I came to the impressive Easington Manor House once again.
Easington hamlet was as quiet as normal.
Onwards through fields by Easington Brook to join the Hodder and a path back to the elegant Newton Bridge.
And that was just a short walk.
*****
Another gem of an area – not surprised it has been so heavily invaded. “Hark to Bounty” would be what the huntsman would be shouting at his pack of hounds when he thought Bounty had found the proper scent, i.e. “hark” in the sense of pay attention to. I’m sure you would know that but it may not be that obvious to others.
Yes. This is what the owners say –
Most of the existing fabric of the building dates from the 16th century. The inn was known as The Dog until 1875, when the squire of the village, who was also the Rector, had a pack of hounds. One day whilst out hunting, he and his party called at the inn for refreshments. Their drinking was disturbed by a loud and prolonged baying from the pack outside. High above the noise of the other hounds could be heard the squire’s favourite dog, which prompted him to call out ….
“Hark to Bounty!”
Terrific pics – fascinating architecture,
If those two villages were in the Cotswolds they would be famous. Almost half the properties are grade II listed.
As it is they are attracting far more tourists than ever. On my walk I hardly met anyone once into the fields, so I can’t complain.
An area I must explore more.
I’ve been to Slaidburn – my partner and I got an old Billy Goat from a farm there about twelve years ago – but not to Newton. It looks a nice little place so I must make an effort to go there sometime 🙂
Both are pretty villages, busy at present like everywhere else. There is a shorter walk than mine between the two of them.
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