King James's Hill And Maiden Castle, Bickerton Hill

Introduction

After exploring the northern end of the Sandstone Trail last week, I decided to pick up a section towards the southern end of the trail today.

It was raining as I got out of the car, but gradually improved , and was gloriously sunny when I returned.

This walk starts near the hamlet of Duckington, a 65 minute drive from Cheadle Hulme.

It’s 6.5 miles with 1035feet of ascent .

It took 3 hours to complete, plus 30 minutes for lunch at Maiden Castle.

For dog walkers, the walk has a number of traditional wood stiles and some main road walking, but also lots of exciting woodland and heathland for off lead roaming.

I walked in a clockwise direction.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map 257.

I parked at the National Trust Bickerton Hill car park, postcode SY14 8LH, What 3 Words ///pound.turns.unusable. If using Google Maps search for National Trust Bickerton Hill Car Park, as the postcode will get you to the area, but the car park is up a narrow drive, unsigned from the road.

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Car Park To King James’s Hill

I set off northwards into the pretty woodland.

Occasionally gaps appeared in the woodland edge, giving views across to King James’s Hill.

The path rises and then falls as it approaches the village of Brown Knowl. I took a couple of left turns and strode out along the straight minor road. These hydrangeas were quite spectacular.

Opposite the end of the road are the handsome gates and lodge to Broxton Old Hall.

I crossed the road and took the path that ran down into the ha-ha at the front of the magnificent Old Hall.

Beyond the hall, the path passes through a gate, from where it continues straight, not left as I almost went!

The path goes downhill, then goes through a wood at King James’s Hill and into a field, rising as it follows the curved edge of the hill.

They are fine views to the Welsh hills.

Onward To Bickerton Hill

I made my way past Glegg’s Hall Farm, and across the fields to the A534. This is a main road with HGVs and needs care on the way up to Barnhill.

When on King James’s Hill, I’d been aware of a field of cattle on what I thought may be my route up and round Barnhill.

I entered the field clambered up the initial rise to be faced with a serious quantity of cattle. So, I returned to the A534, which now had a proper footpath and omitted the loop around Barnhill.

I was soon on the pleasant lane back to Brown Knowl, and took the short cut over a path, by-passing the church.

This piece of industrial archaeology caught my eye.

I took the lanes out of the village and prepared myself for the ascent ahead.

Taking it slowly, I stopped to admire the views of the village I’d just left.

I sort of wished I’d taken a closer look at the church.

With the help of my walking pole, I was soon at the top.

I decided to take a diversion to the top of Bickerton Hill, its panoramic views and monument to its benefactor..

And looking back at my route, I could see that avoiding those cattle was probably wise, even if they are lying down!

Maiden Castle

I left the summit, and headed towards the iron age fort. Halfway there, I was taken by surprise, not by Mad Allen’s Hole (see map – I didn’t find it!), but by this lovely animal!

And there were more of these docile, beautiful beasts!

This is the Sandstone Trail, including sandstone steps.

The colours of the heath were amazing today.

At the castle, I was delighted to find a bench, and lunch in the sun with panoramic views seemed a very good idea.

My header picture is showing the two semi-circular ramparts as they are now, not easily distinguishable on a photo, but clear on the ground, and shown belowas they were when the fort was occupied in the Iron Age (800BC to 43AD).