A walk in the beautiful countryside that was an inspiration to aviation
SPRINGTIME, as waves of green transform hedges and trees from monochrome silhouettes into lush foliage of multi-coloured splendour, is the finest time to enjoy this rural ramble.
Following pretty country lanes almost devoid of traffic, appreciate the forestry near Wykekham Abbey and visit Wykeham Mature Plants.
Stand on bridges spanning the River Derwent to view the wildlife, and return over Brompton Ings with its level, low-lying waterlogged land. Perhaps call at Brooklands (should you be game for a spot of angling), and spend some quality time in Brompton-by- Sawdon browsing on The Butts or sampling pork pies at The Old Butcher Shop!
To access the start of this six mile walk, take the A170, but park near the main road itself, or in a lay-by. Crossing the A170 with care, take Hudgin Lane and feel immediately in rural surroundings.
Green grassed verges, tree-lined ditch and attractive hedgerows swiftly lead to the imposing entrance gates of Wykeham Mature Plants, belonging to the Dawney Estate.
The driveway is thronged with daffodils in season and guides you directly to the nursery and office only about 200 metres off left. Don't miss it!
Wykeham Mature Plants has a long established reputation of producing extra heavy and semimature trees in revolutionary containers from the continent. This means all year round availability; easier to handle and quicker to plant specimens, and reduced water losses.
One can enjoy an established leaf canopy from the first year. There are also instant shrubs with immediate visual impact, hardily grown to withstand tough siting. The range of varieties is quite astounding!
If you're in competition with the Jones's you could go for a topiary. A trotting pony or lifesize golfer would set you back at least 1,000 or so, but what eyecatchers! All purchases can be delivered of course.
Returning to Hudgin Lane turn left and pass the packing centre and goods' entrance, with Brecken Hill Plantation alongside.
Beyond the "bend" sign, cross a stream and rounding the bend observe a pheasantry beyond a belt of trees. On the next bend feature Ruston Carr Cottages. Ruston Carr Plantation continues to Ruston Carr Bridge, where you may linger to view any waterfowl, or choose to shorten your route a little, by taking the field path along the north or south embankment of the River Derwent.
Our longer route crosses Ruston Bridge to Wykeham Ings presenting views to the Yorkshire Wolds due south. The lane almost immediately elbows right over the carrs, with the Wolds now to the left horizon.
Rape fields are a common sight in this locality. At the road junction turn right and you quickly arrive at Brooklands with its Coarse Fishing Lake, Cottage Apartments and Touring Caravan Park.
The 16 peg fishing lake is wellstocked with Carp, Fench, Bream, Roach, Rudd; Chub and Perch and offers a peaceful sport.
The area immediately around the lake is for anglers only. (Anglers aged 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult. Sorry – no under 12s) For details of all amenities, do call for a brochure or leaflet if interested.
Re-cross the River Derwent by Brompton Bridge, and your return route along Brompton Ings Road is not as well vegetated. Passing Low Field Farm and traversing agricultural land you'll spot Phoenix House Farm just east of the road.
Approaching Brompton there's a cricket ground off right, and entering Brompton-by-Sawon – the birthplace of aviation, a picturesque chapel and burial ground cloaked in daffodils is most photogenic.
Opposite is Station House and self-catering cottages, before Clanalvex Ltd Engineers. Just ahead is The butts, with handsome horsechestnut trees to be adorned in "candles" of blossom in May.
The murmur of streams is music to the ears, and daffodils highlight waterways and banks as you reach Hungate and veer left over the bridge framed by willows. Walking by stone-built cottages you can't miss The Old Butcher's Shop with a real olde worlde atmosphere.
Glaves butcher's is renowned for high quality meat and pork pies as well as selling green grocery produce. Turning right leads to the village hall and public telephone, with the old village school on your left dated 1879, opposite a blazing bank of daffodils.
Meeting the A170 turn right by Brompton Forge and Agricultural Engineers. There's a footpath along the left road verge.
Returning to Ruston you'll see Gallow's Hill off left, where Mary Hutchinson lived prior to marrying William Wordsworth.
Distance of arrowed route: 6.25 miles.
Easy level walking.
Refreshment: Brompton Forge on the A170. NB The River Derwent rises on Flyingdale's Moors and flows for 70 miles through an area of outstanding beauty including Forge Valley, Kirkham Gorge, the Vale of Pickering and the Vale of York, before joining the River Ouse at Barnby on the Marsh near Selby.
It supplies water to one-seventh of the population of Yorkshire and its banks are rich in wildlife. Appreciative walkers may observe much of interest along sections of this wonderful watercourse.
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Weather for Scarborough
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
