Hackman's Gate nr Blakedown, A Walk (BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

A WALK DESCRIPTION: Starting at a layby at Hackman’s Gate our route follows a very pleasant path westward, open country and woodland, then a short valley with a large pool alongside and Churchill Forge - the last of many water powered forges that could once be found in this area. We soon arrive at the village of Churchill (morning tea break around here) and from there follow good paths and bridleways north and north-west to a small wood called Fairy Glen.  Lovely views as we descend. We head towards Cookley, take a short section of the canal, a short walk along a quiet lane, some woodland and our route is now east and southeast to reach a bridle path alongside Churchill Golf Club (a line of trees screens off any flying golf balls!).  It is an interesting path part of it a sunken section cut through the sandstone a long time ago.  We will have our picnic lunch near here and shortly afterwards arrive at the village of Blakedown and the local pub, time enough for a drink or coffee.  Continuing south and west we pass by some of the pretty Blakedown pools, take an easy ascent of Barnett Hill and down again for the last part of the walk across open farmed fields (no crops to walk through this time of year!) to the end of the walk and our waiting coach. Walk distance : 11.5 miles, total ascent: a modest 950 feet (288 metres). Picnic lunch followed by pub stop. Brenda Cameron.