Elton Village

Wednesday 18 May 2022

7 ¼ miles Lead Gerry W.

Weather good, 14°C.

No. on walk 27

A fine day for wild flower spotting and some good examples found along the way, as well as a couple of rarities. We met outside the parish church of All Saints, a few ventured inside this quiet well-kept building before the off. We set off along the road at the west end of the church and soon gathered momentum, down-hill towards Anthony Hill, those behind being able to catch up at some of the many stiles along the first part of this walk. We paused at Anthony Hill to view the water troughs there, which are filled by a spring which is known to have never run dry. Prior to 1940 it was the only water supply for the whole village, therefore, it was carried by the villagers in buckets, some half a mile away. It is noted that an enterprising farmer used to fill his water cart and take it to the village, selling the water for one penny a bucketful to those who could afford it.

From Anthony hill we made our way to Bleakley Plantation, turning left here to take our break on a hilltop above Hopping Farm caravan park, later we walked through the site, downhill turning left, crossing over a small stream. We now headed for Ruston Wood, not named on the map but is marked as an open access area. From here we walked the road, passing by Home Farm and then a mile long path up to the ridge above Long Dale, where we stopped for a relaxing lunch break.

With lunch over, we moved off to walk the Dale, first stopping to see the Millennium stone, pictured, the inscription reads, ‘we meet to create memories we part to cherish them’. From Long Dale we entered Gratton Dale, where we found the usual large selection of wild flowers. Among the pictures you will see a pure white Orchid and also a white Campion, a rarity I should imagine. From Gratton Dale, we gained the road and made our way steadily back up to Elton, arriving there sometime after two, weary but pleased with the days walk.