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Walkies!
CHEESDON MILL LOOP - DOG WALK WITH VANNESSA JONES AND PETER (BLACK LABRADOR) Grade – Easy Distance – 3.2 KM Time – 3.5 hour Terrain – Moderate Parking – On the Road opposite the Owd Betts’ Pub (OL12 7TY) This walk is stunning and full of surprises from start to finish, littered throughout with the ruins of Victorian-era mills. To start, you need to find the gap in the wall and head down the wooden steps onto the moorland. The path naturally forks. Take the path to the right and head down into the beautiful valley. On your left, you will have a small stream. Continue to head down until you come across the magnificent ruins of the old Cheesedon Lumb Mill. The Mill was built in 1786 and used over the years as a textile mill. It was the first of around 20 mills that would eventually populate the valley. Whilst all that remains are the ruins, it provides a fantastic photo opportunity and if your dog is like Peter, a great opportunity for a swim. Proceed down into the ruins and follow the path keeping the stream on your left-hand side. Continue along this route until you see the waterfall and further along the ruins of another Mill. If it has recently been raining beware of the mud. Walking boots are advised on this walk. Soon the walk will start taking you up the valley, and the path veers right. Continue along until you get to the gate. Pass through and turn left to head down Croston Close Road. At this point, I had Peter back on the lead. Follow the road along, and at the crossroads, bear left, and you will be rewarded with the fantastic Buckhurst Lodgeside Cafe on your left-hand side. This was a fantastic spot to grab a coffee and a delicious homemade cake as well as a water and treat pitstop for Peter. Once you’re fuelled up again, its time to head back onto the road past the Cafe. Continue along as the road as it bends to the right, it’s worth noting there is a private house along here so please take care not to walk on the driveway and keep to the path. Look out for the style on your right-hand side and head over it. You will find yourself in the fields alongside the stream again. Follow the path keeping the stream to your left-hand side once again. There is plenty to look at and explore off the paths around here, so if you have the time, it’s well worth it. Along this particular path, you will come across a small gap in the wall on your right, walk through this and it will eventually take you up to the summit and greet you with beautiful views of the mill ponds and beyond. Follow the old mill road along this path. A Chimney tower from an old cotton Mill is visible peering through the trees, and eventually, you will come to the junction. Continue along to the left. It is a steep walk up, and the path was muddy, so please take care. At the top, you will enter a farmer’s field. Again, at this point, I put Peter back on his lead as there were cattle in the field. continued on page 58
