14 December 2024

Wandering

The oil well in Farley's Wood

Here in northern England, December has given us too many grey days. Above the cloud cover there was glorious sunshine but here on the ground we have been conducting our pre-Christmas lives in a murkiness that has been almost devoid of colour.

However, today - Saturday 14th, the weather  gurus promised blue sky and yellow sunshine. Needing exercise and the stimulation of previously unknown territory, I headed out into Nottinghamshire. An hour after leaving home, I  was parking Clint near the oil well in Farley's Wood south of Milton. There were two nodding donkeys there.

I drank coffee from my flask and then set off on a circular walk that took me two hours and fifty minutes to complete. This included a longer stop than anticipated at All Saints Church in the village West Markham. A friendly woman who is one of the ancient church's keyholders let me in and we talked for several minutes about the church and life in general. There was an incredibly old font there with figures carved into the side. It is certainly over a thousand years old.

The altar in All Saints Church, West Markham

I saw another Grade I church in the village of Milton. It was built under the instructions of  The Duke of Newcastle to include a mausoleum for his family. This neo-classical building was consecrated in 1833. Unfortunately, I couldn't get inside.

There were periods during my circuit when light clouds again obscured The Golden Orb but on the whole it was a nice day. I am glad that I didn't plan a longer distance. Five miles was enough and consequently my troublesome heel did not play up. Back at Clint's boot (American: trunk) I drank another coffee from my flask before heading home, listening to the Liverpool v Fulham match on Clint's car radio.

Manor Farm, Bevercotes

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