Throwley Old Hall is Staffordshire’s only surviving example of a large medieval manor house yet is little known by all but those living in this picturesque corner of the Manifold Valley. In fact I only just came across it days before we planned this visit!! Not sure how it’s never come on our radar.

Throwley was first recorded as a residence in 1203, when Oliver de Meverell settled here. It was probably a dwelling for years prior to that – As the Manifold Valley was an area rich in archaeological relics from Thor’s Cave and the Burial Grounds of Casterne, whilst in the area around the Hall there are traces of a deserted medieval village.

The Meverells, an ancient Derbyshire family, remained owners of the estate for many years. Thomas de Meverell married Agnes in the 2nd year of the reign of Edward I (1278). She was an heir of Goebert de Gayton.

In 1344, the 17th year of Edward III, deeds given at Tideswell name Thomas de Meverell ‘Lord of Throwley’.

All that’s left to see is the East Wing, but it’s so grand, you can see where chimneys and fireplaces were, turrets too. The thickness of the walls is amazing to see.

It’s a shame it’s all just a ruin now, but the walk to it is enjoyable enough, and the views it has are stunning. You can even rent a holiday cottage just behind this old hall, and enjoy those views for yourself for longer.

We end the day walking through Soles Hollow, having seen less people than at Three Shires Head. Winter Walking or Days out is perfect when you want to be alone, and at peace with the countryside.

Even the trees are watching you, it’s a creepy woodland hollow. Feels dark, damp and muffled in sound in here. Wonder if the fae will get us?

No snowdrops or crocuses to spot, but we did see new Ferns blanket the woodland floor, so signs that spring is coming is around us.

After what has felt an age, we had a gap in the rain. So boots on, it’s time to get some fresh air. Something we both needed greatly.

Some gloomy shots as it’s late in the day, but some when the light catches the trees, are like fire! Though these leaves won’t be here much longer, so it’s nice to see them before they have all fallen.

Watched the sun go down, cold toes and hands we walked back to the car, light fading and the feeling it’s the Fae’s turn to come out and enjoy the woods. Soon time to get home and warm up with a hot chocolate. Grateful this is a mere stones throw from home.

It’s Monday and we’ve decided to get away and visit Padley Gorge in the Peak District. It’s a romantic fairy style woodland walk, and we were hoping to have a nice autumnal walk.

Through the quarry we amble, it feels ancient, quiet and eerie in its energies. And we found lots of mushrooms however the leaves aren’t as orange as we had hoped, but that just means I’ll have to come back again. Spooky in places, but I would totally wild camp here.

Didn’t find any chicken in the woods mushroom though I certainly had a damn good look for it. But we did find many others and I can’t wait to cross reference them in my foraging book. Didn’t pick any as I’m unsure of what is safe.

Beautiful buildings and ruins of a chapel were along the way, the drizzle rain didn’t stop us from enjoying the sights too much.

Into the woods it is whimsical along the river, as you can watch the water cascade and run in various places, the sound is constant and comforting, very lord of the rings fairy tale feeling. It’s my favourite part of this very varied walk.

Leaving the woods behind it opens up into moorland again and we are at the end of our walk, only owler rock to end on near the car park. A nice easy stroll for the day as the back pain is forever present, and hip isn’t feeling it’s best.

What a fabulous end to an incredible walk, weather was changeable, but we didn’t get too wet at the start, so that was goo. We had blue skies in the end.