At Rufford Abbey
After February storms, grey skies and not feeling too well either, I finally got out for another lovely walk in the countryside today. Shirley decided to come with me so Clint was on his best behaviour as we headed east into Nottinghamshire. No overtaking like a poker player on the edge and no skidding round corners at breakneck speed.
Our destination was Rufford Country Park north east of Mansfield. It was once the site of a Cistercian monastery which included an attached abbey but like many of England's great ecclesiastical buildings it was ruined under the instructions of King Henry VIII in 1536.
Lake at Rufford Abbey
Afterwards a grand country house emerged from the ruins. It was one of the ostentatious homes of The Earls of Shrewsbury but then through marriage passed into the ownership of the Savile family. The Saviles support for Royalists during The English Civil War brought more troubles to the estate but they survived to tell the tale.
Leaving Clint under shady trees, we walked to Rufford Mill passing a great artificial lake created during the time of The Saviles and also the grave of a famous racehorse they owned called Cremorne. In the summer of 1872, he became the second of six horses to win both The Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris.
After watching vehicles splashing through the ford at Rufford Mill. we walked over rolling farmland to the charming village of Wellow and then headed south to North Laithes Farm with its rather unique dovecote.
Soon we were crossing Rufford Park golf course before plodding past the chain of rather impressive homes that make up the strange and demonstrably affluent village of Rufford itself. Of one of the houses, Shirley said, "That looks big enough to be a school or a nursing home!"
After five miles of walking in sunshine., I think we had earned our cups of tea and hot pasties which we ordered at the counter of The Coach House Cafe. Soon we were heading home courtesy of The Clintmobile who stayed calm and collected even as we patiently edged past three annoying traffic hold-ups.
St Swithin's Church, Wellow
A very pleasant outing and I guess there will be more joint outings for countryside walks now.
ReplyDeleteWell I guess so too though solitary walking with my camera to hand has become a passion for me.
DeleteHope the Rufford shop was closed so you didn't go home loaded with pottery.
ReplyDeleteWe went in but fortunately came out empty-handed.
DeleteI'm glad that "Clint" behaved. ;) Those are gorgeous photos--the colors are so vibrant and the buildings stately.
ReplyDeleteI bet that if you were driving Clint he would be bucking like a wild bronco Margaret!
DeleteIs he a manual transmission? If so, I'm a little rusty with them so I'm sure you're right! :)
DeleteA lovely long ramble and I'm sure the pasties tasted better for having worked up an appetite.
ReplyDeleteThe pasties were too damned hot. You had to keep blowing at them to cool them down.
DeleteExcellent photos YP. A lovely day to explore the countryside with Shirley by your side. On one of your joint walks perhaps she'll take a photo of you - something rural - with cows in the background?
ReplyDeleteFunny you should mention cows Carol. I saw a gorgeous Friesian yesterday, beautiful long legs and gorgeous pink teats and she fluttered her eyelashes at me too.
DeleteOnce again, a nice day out. It's amazing how colorful the stems of the dogwood are in that shot of the pond.
ReplyDeleteThat is what caught my eye as we approached. The Canada goose was a bonus.
DeleteA romantic day out with Mrs YP in the glorious winter sunshine. Even Clint behaved himself.
ReplyDeleteHer ladyship enjoyed our walk - easy going and only four miles or so.
Deletea strange question ...are the footpaths good enough for a bloke on wheels these days at Rufford? havent been for years and himself mentioned a trip out the other day
ReplyDeleteAs long as "the wheels" are not those of a bicycle, I think you'll be okay Kate. I saw a few people in wheelchairs or riding on mobility scooters. You pay £5 to park - card payments only. I hope you choose a day when the weather forecast is promising.
Deletethanks chuck , one for the warmer weather list
DeleteYou had great weather for your walk and chose a good area, I can‘t remember having seen it on your blog before.
ReplyDeleteNo. I had never been there before.
DeleteWhat a great walk. Did you meet Maid Marion or Robin Hood?
ReplyDeleteNo. Because if they ever existed it was long ago.
DeleteLooks like a perfect day for walking in such a scenic area. I'm glad that Shirley's getting out and about too. I sure do like the green shutters on that dovecote.
ReplyDeleteI love the colors in your photo of the Lake at Rufford Abbey! What a great shot!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful place to take a walk. A beautiful, historical walk ending with pastries sounds pretty much perfect to me. I'm envious of all your greenery. We still have knee deep snow.
ReplyDeleteThe destruction of great architecture always saddens me, especially at the hands of kings, wars, and terrorists.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to walk with Lady Pudding. How is she enjoying retirement? You're not driving her too crazy yet, are you? :)
ReplyDeleteRufford, in general, and Rufford Old Hall in particular were great favourites of my Mother and I have visited on a number of occasions. It was good to see your pictures.
ReplyDelete