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A Walk in the back garden of Castle Howard 21 May 2009 |
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| Four villagers met on the village green and
drove to Welburn, just off the A64 near Malton. In spite of a most unpromising forecast and driving through 'occasional showers' which were neither occasional nor showers, but heavy rainfall, we travelled in hope. On arrival our faith was justified as we donned boots and packed waterproofs in the dry. We parked at the rear of the Crown & Cushion Hotel (our intended lunch venue) and as we set off we found our path barred by a locked gate to the road. However after hammering on the pub door we were released to start the walk. Dropping down Water Lane we entered the outer parkland of Castle Howard, with a view of the Pyramid (just one of the many architectural features of this great house). Castle Howard was designed and built throughtout nearly all the 18th centuary by Vanburgh for the Earl of Carlisle, who was a fellow Kit Kat member despite the fact that Vanburgh was a dramatist and not an architect. The parkland contains many fine specimen trees including the massive oak shown opposite, which must have a girth approaching 20 feet, and is a great example of the sculptured landscapes of Britain, which are so beloved of walkers. The large field which contains the Temple of the Four Winds (opposite) contains a fine example of medieval 'strip farming'. These 'strips' (here about 10 yards wide) were let to tennant peasant farmers to raise crops for food and to market. The walk passes through two large sets of farm buildings at Bog Hall and The Gaterleys which seemed to be largely unused showing the changes in farming practice, in particular mechanisation. The predominant crop was the bright yellow oil see rape and the picture shows a typical example. We all, as a result, gathered considerable quantities of yellow pollen. The weather was typically English in that as soon as we removed our waterproofs it threatened a shower and so it continued. Returning to the pub we were well fed and watered and returned to Farnham.  The Mausoleum was in view for most of the walk. |
 Stepping out in faith  The bridge  On the bridge  The Mausoleum  The Temple of the Four Winds  The The Mighty Oak  Amongst the oil-seed rape  The Crown & Cushion |
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Thanks to Peter for organising this walk and to all for their company! |
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