Elvaston Castle Country Park
15 people attending
15 places left
Elvaston Castle Country Park has 0.81 km2 (200 acres) of woodlands, parkland and formal gardens, the centrepiece of which is the Grade II* Listed Elvaston Castle.
Until the 16th century the estate was held by the Shelford Priory. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries the Crown sold the priory and its estates in 1538 to Sir Michael Stanhope of Rampton, and it remained in Stanhope family ownership until 1969.
In 1969, Elvaston was used as a location for Ken Russell's film adaptation of the D.H. Lawrence novel Women in Love.
The manor house was built in 1633 then redesigned and extended in a grand Elizabethan Gothic Revival style by James Wyatt in the early 19th century. In 1860–1861 there were further alterations.
During World War II, the house was turned into a teacher training college after the original college in Derby was evacuated. The college vacated the house in 1947, after which time it remained mostly empty for the next two decades until its sale, starting a steady decline that continues to this day.
The Countryside Act 1968 proposed the creation of country parks "for the enjoyment of the countryside by the public", and the estate was sold in 1969 by William Stanhope, 11th Earl of Harrington to Derbyshire County Council. The council opened the estate to the public in 1970 and have operated it since then as Elvaston Castle Country Park.
The estate contains over 50 structures, including stables, kennels, a walled garden, a home farm, several cottages, gatelodges, an ice house and a boathouse. The gardens are listed Grade II* on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
In 2013 The County Council asked The National Trust for help to create a future vision for the estate to help it shape a future for the Estate as a charitable enterprise. This led to the formation of a totally independent board of Trustees in 2017 - The Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust - and to the beginning of a new era for the estate.
En route to Elvaston Castle we will walk through the village of Thulston past The Harrington Arms pub for a drink stop.
Dogs
Well behaved dogs are welcome but owners must ensure dogs are kept under control at all times. The pub is dog friendly.
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All images taken by the event leader with permission for ODL use.
What to bring
Please keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for cold or wet weather if necessary.
For anyone unfamiliar with walking, here is a standard kit-list you may wish to draw from:
Suitable well-fitted walking footwear is most important to keep you safe and comfortable. Sturdy trainers with cushioned soles and a good grip are often suitable but proper walking boots or shoes in wet conditions or on uneven ground are preferable. Smooth soles with no grip are not suitable. Thick, well-fitted socks cushion your feet, help to keep you dry, and prevent blisters.
Layers of clothing you can easily put on and take off according to changing temperature and weather conditions help to keep you warm and comfortable. Choose a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or long-sleeved shirt), and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. Synthetic trousers are lighter and dry quicker than denim. Large pockets are useful.
Avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. On warm days shorts may be suitable, but consider rough foliage such as brambles or nettles on some routes. Check for ticks when walking through long grass, etc. with bare legs.
A hat or cap keeps your head and eyes shaded in direct sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and make it easier to see where you are going. Sun block is advisable during prolonged exposure. In colder weather or a biting wind, a hat, scarf and gloves are essential.
Bring waterproofs to stay dry in wet weather. Water resistant fabric loses effectiveness over time. It will need to be re-proofed or replaced periodically. Bring a towel and a set of dry clothes to change into if possible. A backpack rain cover helps to keep belongings dry. Gaiters are optional and help to keep lower legs and feet dry. An umbrella is impractical while walking.
A comfortable backpack of 20 to 30-litre capacity, allowing you to use your arms freely, is suitable for most day walks.
Walking sticks are optional and may assist when climbing or descending, or on uneven ground.
Bring any essential medicine you may need during the day for hay-fever, diabetes, or any on-going ailments or conditions.
For further information see https://www.outdoorlads.com/my-first-walking-event
Food & drink
Bring plenty of water and any preferred drinks, food and snacks to keep you going during the day.
There will be a pub stop about half way through the walk. The pub is dog friendly.
Bring a packed lunch to eat about 2/3 of the way through the walk.
There is a nice cafe at Elvaston Castle from where you can buy hot and cold drinks, snacks, and ice cream.