Well done – you made it!!
Adjacent to the church is the final pub of the walk, the Sitwell Arms and if it’s open what better way to celebrate your magnificent achievement, you’ve earned it.
NOTE: to view inside Holy Cross, Morton or St. Leonard’s, Shirland please ring the Rector on 01773 836003.
Further information on service times and events is available on our website:
Disclaimer
Please note that the author has absolutely no control what-so-ever over the British weather or the pub opening times.
Sponsored by the Diocese of Derby
A WALK
around the three parishes of
MORTON
SHIRLAND
and
STONEBROOM
What a nice walk! It is a circular route of contrasting scenery covering approximately 5 miles and includes three churches and six pubs. Walking at a steady pace it should take about two and a half hours to complete; depending of course on how many of the hostelries you actually decide to pass!
The route is a combination of road walking and a delightful cross-country section on a well defined and usually firm pathway.
The recommended start-point would be one of the village churches, all of which differ in character and architecture and are well worth a visit. As the route is circular the walk can commence from any of the churches as a matter of personal preference, but for the purposes of this introduction we will commence at the church of Holy Cross, Morton.
Upon leaving the church turn immediately right and follow this road as it bends to the right (Higham Lane). Continue along this winding country lane, crossing over a bridge that spans a disused railway line. The route continues straight ahead following the signs for Higham and then climbs up Well Lane to meet the A61 Chesterfield Road and at this point we turn left onto the A61. (It is worthy of note however that immediately on the right is the Greyhound public house which is open all day for food and liquid refreshment).
After about 50 metres the A61 bends sharply to the left and at this point we carry straight on in to Old Higham, a collection of ancient stone cottages and, lo-and-behold, the Crown Inn and Higham Farm Hotel, both of which are worth a visit; for purely educational reasons, of course!
Also of note is the medieval market cross, a reminder that in days gone by this was the site of one of the largest markets in the county.
As we leave the village we now have on our right excellent views of the countryside with Crich Stand clearly visible (on a clear day)
on the distant hilltop.
The Stand is a memorial to the 13,000 members of the Sherwood Foresters killed in the world wars. After a few hundred metres we reach a small cross-road with yet another pub on the corner (Shoulder of Mutton – open all day) and at this point we turn left onto Hallfield Gate Lane. Proceed along this road and the church of St. Leonard, Shirland will soon become visible.
After leaving the church, walk in front of the Red Lion Inn and turn immediately right into Church Street. Within a hundred metres or so this becomes an unmetalled track and we are now commencing the cross-country section of the walk with excellent views of open country. Continue along this track for about a mile until you meet a more substantial roadway (Pasture Lane, although unmarked at this point) leading off to the left; this will pass between Pasture House and Pasture Farm and will shortly exit onto the main high street leading through Stonebroom. Turn right onto the high street and proceed for about 500 metres, down a slight incline and passing the Methodist Church and The Star public house on the left. The church of St. Peter, Stonebroomwill now be visible. The church is open from 10am to 4pm every day.
On leaving the church turn left, and at the end of the perimeter wall turn left again onto the public footpath to Morton; follow this path, crossing a small stream, until it exits as Pit Lane onto the main road in Morton, directly opposite the Old Pit Yard. Turn left onto the main road and continue up the hill until Holy Cross church once again comes into view.