A Walk Around High Bradfield

The sun was out again at the weekend so to take advantage of the good weather and to get some fresh air and a change of scene Mr P drove us to High Bradfield since it's nearby.  We went on the high road, passed the reservoir and soon we were in the village. Do you remember our last drive where you could see St Nicholas' Church and the village when we parked high up on the moors?

This time we stopped on the outskirts of High Bradfield before driving into the village.

I walked to the church passing the former weavers' cottages, the grander stone houses and the church gate keeper's house, also called The Watch House.

There were pumpkin displays on doorsteps here and there.

The flag was merrily flying in the wind.  It says "Yorkshire Born And Proud Of It".  Well, we're pleased to have two Yorkshire-born grandchildren and now a great-grandchild so we're content about that.  We love living in this part of Yorkshire too.

There's so much history recorded in the churchyard.  I look at the grave stones and reflect on the families buried there. 

On Saturday the church was open as there was an event taking place (a coffee morning in aid of a charity).  I felt sorry that I had left my purse with Mr P in the car where he was waiting so didn't go in and participate.  Instead I walked as far as the newer graveyard and spent some time in thought before turning back and retracing my footsteps.  It was a peaceful place standing there under the beech trees looking out across to the moors.

a Victorian postbox 

Some of the trees are a vivid red now.

a farm on the edge of the open countryside

a stone drinking trough opposite the farm buildings

There's another pleasant place where it's possible to walk among the beech trees.  I had to get back to Mr P waiting in the car parked at the bottom of the lane next to the church vicarage. I'm always grateful that Mr P drives us to these picturesque country spots not far from home.  Mr P had suggested stopping by the garden centre so that's where we went next. I'll post about that next time.

Thank you for your visit.  Have a good week!

Another visit to Bradfield

Our drive last Thursday took us passed the entrance to the Common where I sometimes take a walk and soon we were out in the countryside, surrounded by farmland with several farms dotted here and there.

The above building is the local secondary school.  We stopped so that I could take some photos of the fields and woods.  It was break time for the young people and one group was in the large exercise yard further down the hill.  

 

The post van was out and about.  We appreciate the regular service especially in the remoter rural areas.

Further along the lane is a cottage at the entrance to the Carmelite convent.  I noticed the bunch of poppies on the gate left from the recent Remembrance weekend and Armistice Day.

The villagers of Bradfield keep the flower planters looking good in all seasons.

There's a farm right in the heart of the village with a beautiful monkey puzzle tree.

Here's one way to get over a wall.

Whilst Mr P stayed in the car I took a quick walk along by Agden Brook.  

There are two or three bridges that cross the brook and several paths that take a walker out into the surrounding countryside. 

I was soon back in the village where I passed the tennis courts, cricket pitch and the bowling green....

.....and the post office.  There had been quite a queue outside as people waited their turn to go into the building, socially distancing from one another, but on my way back from my walk they had gone so I was able to take another photo.

It was the same situation at the local café; many people were out and about when we stopped at The Schoolrooms Café.  Restrictions mean take away only is allowed.  People were mainly getting takeaway coffees and sitting in the walled enclosure where the ducks roam around and swim in the brook.  We decided to stay away from the crowds and go back home for a warm drink.  It had been a chance to get out and about and an opportunity for me to take a walk in the fresh air, thanks to Mr P driving us around.

This is a recently carved stone inscribed NHS.

It's a reminder that we should continue to appreciate all the staff of the National Health Service in these very challenging times.

Almost back home now.  Above, just beyond the farmland is the line of trees on the edge of the Common and in the distance are the hills overlooking the Loxley Valley. 

Thank you for your visit.  Have a good day!