"Dippers Too"

23rd November 2009

THE CURATE'S CROSS...WAS IT SOMETHING WE SAID?

High up close to Hannah Moor looking east the old turnpike routes from Sheffield to Halifax and Sheffield to Manchester meet and cross. Each old highway can still be picked out by a sharp eye looking down the valley as well as from where we start today's meander: Cundy Cross - which should really be Cundy's Cross, to commemorate Edmund Cundy, Curate of Wortley (1592 - 1629, although other records show that he died in 1623?).

This whole area is steeped in history, having been settled and re-settled many times by many different racial groups.

For example, close by the village name 'Wortley' is said to be of Anglo-Saxon origin and mean 'Clearing for growing vegetables' and, at the northern end of Wharncliffe Chase an archeological investigation has shown that a British settlement existed here during the Roman occupation. Yet, almost as a contradiction, many local places bear names of Scandinavian origin; Wharncliffe or 'Querncliffe' being an important example.

But what about the walk, I hear you ask?

Ok, but just one more 'wee' point. 

Before we head off it's worth noting that, should the inclination take us, an old stone mile marker hidden in the grass (see picture) reminds us that this was once a turnpike and indicates that it is some 26 miles by coach or packhorse to Manchester and the lesser distance of 13 miles to Huddersfield - spelt with one 'd' incidentally, so even four hundred years ago standards of spelling occasionally slipped. (Before you ring to complain, I jest!). As neither metropolis is deemed to be of sufficient attraction to our group today, Alan and Jean ease us a few yards past the stone cross down Bank Lane before 'legging' over a style and across the fields to Smithyfolds Farm, a once thriving hamlet with church records showing that various trades such as a Nailer (nail maker), Charcoal Burner, Wood Collier, Stone Getter, Forgeman and a Cordwainer (rope maker) all plied their trades from here. It is also alleged that Cromwell stabled his horses here when heading south. 

Then on to Hazelshaw Farm before edging along the fields below Bimshaw Spring and on up to Stancliffe House Farm. A short distance of road walking is completed before we take a right-of-way towards The Hollow and thereafter in the direction of Broom Royd and the southern end of the Deer Park - which nowadays can be roamed freely without needing to seek permission.

Passing Hobb Stones then through Wharncliffe Farm, we begin the incline toward Dragon's Den before following the muddy path along Wharncliffe Crags, high above the reservoir at Moor Hall which we can easily see off to the west on the other side of the valley, in spite of the grey and overcast weather.

Before long we reach the end of the crags and past the very helpful information board describing Wharncliffe Heath Local Nature Reserve (see pictures), followed shortly by passing the area attributed to being an ancient British settlement - then, for a few hundred yards, onto the Trans Pennine Trail. Upon reaching the old Stationmasters Cottage at Wortley Station we leave the trail and drop down onto Finkle Street, under the bridge and head toward our lunchtime repose at The Wortley Arms. En route we pass close to a group of cottages known as Laundry Row, converted from what used to be the Workhouse during the late 1700s. Needless to say, the buildings are no longer used for either purpose.

So through the swing gate and along the stone-flagged path we make our way up the hill to Wortley, reaching the village on the north side of the church. Close by is Tower House, the village school in the 17th century. On the opposite side of the path is Tividale, the house where the Headmaster, William Nevison, is said to have lived. It is also said to be where John Nevison, the infamous Highwayman is said to have been born.

A relaxing, enjoyable and chatty lunch over - and having spent ten minutes putting the world's woes back in working order - we were off again.

Downhill along the bridle path toward Wortley Park and, for a short distance along the Elsecar to Wortley Trail, before picking up the track into Copley Wood and passing Brick Kiln Cottage on our right. Within a short distance we pass Pea Field Lane before reaching the  hamlet of Bromley, once famous for its nail making. Down Spout Hill Lane (and past the spout) we turn right to walk almost south through the tidy little village of Howbrook, with its neat commemorative stone at the quiet crossroads. 

Seemingly having no links with either a famous personage or meaningful historic past, Howbrook can lay claim to having at least one resident with a 'Peter Pan' sense of humour, for as we trek our way up the side of the stream from which the hamlet takes its name: How Brook, two smiling figures loom into view (see picture).

Not long now as we trudge our way along the edge of mud-squelching fields and animatedly slide down through Low Booth Wood, on what is part of the Barnsley Boundary walk. A quick look up the hill and ahead of us, before we make our last turn left up through the fields to Bank Lane and back to the cars, is the splendid Carlton House with magnificent panoramic views across the valley. Once the home of the Dowager Duchess of Wharncliffe, it was formerly known as Cotefield and home to the Curates of Wortley until the late 1800s. Adjacent to Carlton House - a respectable distance away - is the 17th century building said to have been part of an old coaching  inn on the Sheffield to Halifax turnpike. Known as Cundy House it perpetuates the name of Edmund Cundy, Curate of Wortley which - as with our circular walk today - takes us back to the beginning!

Another great walk - thanks to Alan and Jean - and in spite of the weather.

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Please note: For your general information each walk is graded from 1 to 3; 1 being ‘easy’ and 3 more arduous. Additionally, everyone leading a walk is responsible for reconnoitring their set route in advance and confirming any other arrangements. Dogs are not allowed on walks.