Coxwold and Beacon Banks from Kilburn
10.5 miles Warm and fair
The Forresters Arms at Kilburn is closed for renovation following a fire in May and as we were unsure whether we would be able to use its car park we decided to start today's walk from Coxwold, where parking is easily found.
Today's walk from The Walker's Guide to the Hambleton Hills |
The Fauconberg Arms |
We drove into Coxwold via Thirsk Bank and parked at the roadside near to the Fauconberg Arms, which we were pleased to see was open 11am to 11pm.
Coxwold High Street |
Walking up Coxwold High Street |
After booting up we walked up the High Street to a crossroads where we turned right to commence a steady climb out of the village. After half a mile we entered a field at a wooden sign and continued to climb, following field paths until we reached a stile and High Leys Farm.
The drive of this bungalow was the old railway line |
Turn off the road at the sign |
Across fields and then a steady climb |
Looking back we see the White Horse, with us for much of today's walk |
Climbing Beacon Bank to reach High Lees Farm |
Looking back to Coxwold and the White Horse |
High Lees Farm |
Geese, ducks and hens run freely |
.. and Guinea Fowl |
A young family in the cornfield |
Turn right off the farm track at the sign |
We walked along the ridge but what should be a fine view is blocked by saplings and gorse bushes. At the end of the ridge we came to Suncliffe Beacon Farm where we paused to admire their alpacas.
Saying goodbye to the alpacas we walked past Lists House and then dropped to the pretty village of Husthwaite where we decided to look around the church, something we haven't previously had time to do.
Lists House |
View down to Husthwaite from Lists House |
Husthwaite High Street |
St Nicholas' Church is very nice and in excellent condition, both inside and out. As the door was unlocked we had a browse round the old church before sitting on the bench outside to enjoy our coffee and scones. The nicely carved front main porch dates from 1140 and the tower from the 1400s. The unusual box pews date from 1686.
St Nicholas Church, Husthwaite |
Porch dating from 1140 |
Altar window |
Modern side window reflects light |
Box pews and the rear of the church |
Robert Thomson's mouse is found throughout the church |
Coffee in the sun |
'Praises on tombstones are but vainly spent, a mans good name is his best monument, Rest precious dust till Heaven your worth reveal, Your judge will publish what your friends conceal' |
'The dead are like the stars by day, though hid from mortal eye, They're not extinct but hold their way, in glory through the sky' |
After Husthwaite we passed through the remains of an old railway embankment and entered Ings Lane, which we followed north for a mile. We walked by a tractor garage and shop, with some big machines. We rejoined the road at Carlton Husthwaite next to a blacksmith's forge which appeared to be closed.
Very nice too! |
Entering Ings Lane at Carlton Husthwaite |
Still on Ings Lane |
Agricultural vehicle dealer in Ings Lane |
Some big beasts for sale |
We walked through the village, noting its pretty houses, one of which was very striking, a timber framed thatched house, and pausing to look at a steel sculpture called 'The Flower', which is no doubt the work of the village blacksmith.
The village blacksmith's forge |
All closed up today, we would like to have discussed weather vanes! |
Stuffed fox in front room at Carlton Husthwaite |
Ancient timber beamed house |
The Flower |
We left Carlton Husthwaite turning right into Croft Lane then left to join Common Lane.
Easy to miss this footpath sign in the bushes |
The farmer has left a good path through the cereal |
The horse dominates the skyline as we approach Kilburn |
Sunflowers and wild flowers in 'set aside' field |
We get a super view |
A walk through fields and muddy lanes eventually brought us back to Kilburn where we passed the Forresters Arms to reach St Mary's Church, where we took a quick look around.
Tricky footpath as we approach Kilburn |
Kilburn ahead! |
In Kilburn |
Cottage gardens in Kilburn |
The Forretsers Arms, still closed |
St Mary's Church, Kilburn |
The church is another building where Thomson's mouse is to be found on pews, rails and boards. Thomson was a resident of Kilburn and his first commission was from the parish priest at Coxwold, a crucifix, and he is said to have taken up the mouse symbol when he considered the expression 'poor as a Church mouse.'
Window at St Mary's |
Norman grave slab |
Spot the mouse |
|
High Kilburn |
We passed an old barn with a curlew weather vane and Fox Folly Farm, always tidy, before entering fields once more to follow our path to Coxwold.
Curlew on barn |
Field paths |
Fox Folly Farm |
I send Clive ahead to negotiate safe passage.. |
Leaving the cow field by footbridge.... |
... which cows can't cross |
Footpath through cereal |
Entering the village we passed by Lawrence Sterne's cottage and Coxwold's fine church where Sterne was once the parish priest. Boots were quickly removed and we found ourselves reflecting on our walk, sitting in the afternoon sun outside the Fauconberg Arms.
Lawrence Sterne's cottage |
St Michael's Church, Coxwold |
Cheers! |
No comments:
Post a Comment