We are fortunate to have a internationally known rare breeds conservation centre based at the Sissen's farm- Corn Hill, specialising in parrots and macaws, just outside the village.
| The fields around the
village have many hares, occasional partridge and the odd escaped
pheasant from Pepper Arden. We have visiting curlew, herons and sparrow
hawks. Fortunately the lapwing are growing in number again, helped by setaside land. Skylarks are abundant and often heard. Roe
deer may occasionally be seen but they are shy and only come out from
cover at first lightand evening. Badger sets exist at Atley Hill and there are a
few rabbits. Many Greylag, Canada geese, whooper swans and a few mallard
and wigeon can be seen in Winter and wet Springs on the wetlands to the
south.
We are fortunate to have a internationally known rare breeds conservation centre based at the Sissen's farm- Corn Hill, specialising in parrots and macaws, just outside the village. |
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This walk takes in a segment to the north west of the village passing local farms before returning. The walk is about three miles long and should take about 11/2 hours. Keep a look out for hares, curlew and lapwing. From the centre of the village take the footpath up through the middle of Whitehouse farm heading north in open country towards Bowl Turner. This is about a mile away and the path bears half left a short distance after crossing the stell. At Bowl Turner turn sharp left and cross the middle of the field, by the path that has been left, to Raby Lane. This is a busy road so be very careful when crossing. Take the footpath by the sign opposite and go up the hill over the fields to Corn Hill farm. You are at a higher level now and great views are to be had all around and back to the village. Pass to the north of the aviaries at the conservation centre and find a quiet spot for a break, as you are about half way. Continue straight on to Cockleberry farm and turn left down the farm track to meet the North Cowton road. If you take a left here and remember to walk on the right side of the road, you will be back in the village in about fifteen minutes, where the walk ends.
This is a delightful walk up to Pepper Arden to visit St. Mary's church and Cowton Castle, up the Pepper Arden old road. The walk is about three miles long and should take no more than an hour and a half. Take the road in the village towards St. Mary's close, round the back of the church and continue on the old road ahead towards Pepper. You soon pass Temple House farm on your right and the road climbs gently with small woods on the right and views across open country and the stell to the left. In about half a mile you reach the cottage at the top of the hill on your right and should now be able to see Pepper straight ahead. When you reach the crossroads at the foot of the hill turn right and go through the field opposite, on the footpath which runs below the castle hill. Have a close look at the castle and continue to St. Mary's, now straight ahead. Watch down to your right on the wetlands area for mallard, waterhen and heron. Make sure that you allow sufficient time to gain access to the church, with the key from the adjacent bungallow, as per the notice on the door. Take a break to enjoy the peacefulness of the location and then retrace your steps with a diversion up to the right to view the ornate water tower and then come back and pass along the track in front of Pepper Arden Hall. Pepper Arden has its own PYO market gardens, further along past the Hall, which you might want to locate for future reference. Return at your leisure listening to the skylarks.
This is a longer circular walk for a warm summer day over the hills to the south of the village returning by Pepper Arden. It is about 41/4 miles long and should take about 21/2 hours. Leave the village by the east end, down the Birkby road. Fork right up the track to Stripe House farm cutting the corner on the path, to avoid close proximity to the residence, and turn down right at the top of the hill on the footpath towards the stell. Notice the great views from here across the flood plain below and back to the village, now looking much smaller. Cross the stell looking out for heron, mallard and moorhen and climb up the hill to Low Whinholme, turning right to the next farm, just ahead, High Whinholme. Travel about a mile north west from here on to Pepper Arden, below Danby Hill farm, enjoying the views to your right across to Manor House farm and the village beyond. Pick up the farm road at Pepper and turn right at the crossroads back to the village. In about a mile you return to the west end where the walk ends.
For those just looking for a leisurely stroll on a Sunday afternoon we have just the ticket. Visit our own railway Station, now sadly closed, but only half a mile out of the village on the road east towards Great Smeaton. There is a footpath for most of the way and you get a chance to see our circular wood opposite the entrance to Station farm. If it's too far turn back half way!