Head for the Wootton estate in late spring or early summer and you’ll be treated to a drop dead gorgeous display of rhododendrons. But go at any time of year and the chances are that your only company as you stroll across the majestic parkland nestled beneath the Weaver Hills will be grazing deer. Or a heron and a herd of frisky jet black cattle if you prefer.
Wootton Lodge, Oswald Mosley’s home for four years in the 1930s says Wikipedia.
The tiny car park on the edge of Wootton (it’s not on the map below but you’ll see signs) has its own map of walks around the village including one up to the Weavers but we’re going in the opposite direction, somewhere a bit more gentle and shaded on this scorching Saturday in the middle of August. Head downhill on the road and take the path on the right as you leave the village then go diagonally over the field to the stile on the edge of the woods.
Another view of the lodge.
Fork left a few yards further on to drop down to the road. Go straight on then take the path on the right. You’re on the Wootton estate where the impressive early 17th century pile pictured above was once home to notorious fascist Oswald Mosley before being bought a few years later by digger giant Joe Bamford. Head half right across the parkland, skirting the edge of the wood on your left. Cross the estate road and aim for the gate by a tree-lined wall.
Hole in the wall near the lodge.
Fork left again when you emerge from the wood to head down the left side of a beech hedge and the right of a lake where a heron takes flight as we approach, the only other sign of life here apart from those cattle. Follow the yellow waymarkers and remember that you’re being watched at all times on CCTV. If you veer off the path you’ll be at the mercy of snipers. You’ll be safe again when you emerge from the hole in the wall pictured above.
Ina’s Rock with walking partner to provide scale.
Turn right at the road then take the next path on the left. Go anticlockwise round the lake, heading past a barn then over the JCB testing track and into the woods. It’s a bit overgrown and undulating for a heatwave but at least we’ve got shade. Head straight over at the forest road then left at the track where there’s a sign saying Gate 15. Look out for the bloody great lump of stone pictured above as you descend gently through the woodland.
Alton Towers holiday accommodation near Ina’s Rock.
Make your way up to Ina’s Rock, home to a few legends and a half decent halfway spot for a break then follow the path west which eases you back up to the top reasonably painlessly with a few steps to assist your progress. Turn right to pick up the track you were on half an hour or so ago and swerve right at Gate 15. Fork left, go left at the crossroads then follow a metal fence and a moss covered drystone wall to a track. Go left, right at the path and the road which doubles up as an excellent rat run to the nearby theme park.
Brookleys Lake, centrepiece of JCB testing track.
Take the next left, another of those hole in the wall gateways to paradise. The path takes you right past Mosley’s old pad. Follow the waymarkers but stick to the wall when you emerge from the woods. Cross the estate road, head for the woods on the opposite side and look out for a stile. The path uphill is barely visible, especially in summer when it’s covered in ferns, but head for the top right corner and you’ll find a gate. Head diagonally across the field and look for a gap in the trees to reach the road on the edge of Wootton.
Bit more Wootton estate parkland.
Start: Wootton car park.
Highlight: Wootton Lodge, not a bad spot since Mosley cleared off.
Lunch: Pack-up at Ina’s Lodge although not very comfortable, back at car park picnic table or try the cricket ground up the road. See also ice creams at Dalton’s over the road or the gastropub a mile or so away in Ellastone. Not sure they’d welcome sweaty ramblers though.
Song: A few days after the 10th anniversary of the death of The Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, here’s The Crystal Ship.
Distance/map: Seven miles. OS Explorer 259 Derby.
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Walks with welf 