A popular circular walk around CHALFIELD MANOR |
| The numbers on the map refer to information found below and relate to aspects of the walk encountered along the route. Clearly the route may be tackled in either direction, but it is easier to follow the notes if you walk in the direction indicated. The walk is short and easy, but paths may be muddy if it has been wet and there are a couple of stiles. Parking is allowed on the grass verges, but not in front of the Manor please. |
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  The walk starts outside the Gateway to Great Chalfield Manor where the curtain wall and moat which surround most of the property can clearly be seen and is a wildlife feature.Facing the large arched entrance, turn to your right and follow the lane bordered by tall lime trees. You will soon pass a house with fine stone elevations on the left and then the walls of the old kitchen gardens. The next house is number 225 and to the right of it is a yellow marker post indicating a permissive path.
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Bridge over the mill race. Raised embankment in front of garden wall. Stream marking the parish boundary |
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Turn left down here onto the grassy track along the edge of a large field called West Field South. Shortly you will come to a wooden railway sleeper bridge and a gate. Cross the bridge, pass through the gate and turn left into West Mead to walk along the side of the small stream. 
This leate or mill race which feeds the water for the moat is taken from a stream about a mile upstream where an old water wheel was powered at Little Chalfield. In order to feed the moat, the height of the water has to be maintained to only the slightest of falls - hence the embankment on which you are walkingand the slow rate of flow. Pass a mysterious doorway in the garden wall and soon you will hear the sound of running water as the excess spills down from the sluice and flows to join up with its original stream again. Follow the leate to the corner and turn right down the slope to the next corner where you will see a stile and a fine new bridge which allows you to cross the main stream in style and safety. In crossing this stream you are leaving the Parish of Atworth and entering the Parish of Box. 
Go through the gate at the end of the bridge and, contrary to the direction indicated by the yellow arrow, your path for this walk lies to the left and up to the top diagonal corner of this field which is called Little Sleight. The word 'sleight ' is the old name for a sheep pasture. The little wood to the left hiding the Manor House is called Quarry Wood. 
Pass through the stile or gate and forwards to the narrow lane. Turn left and walk downhill to the bridge at the bottom of the dip. 
There is a bench mark carved into the stonework of the low parapet. These marks indicate where a height above sea level has been measured and recorded on maps. The sign, an arrow with a line across the top, may be seen in many permanent places by the observant eye. This mark is about 152 feet above sea level. Re-enter the Parish of Atworth. The door, which is not used now, in the wall on the left of the lane leads into the gardens of Great Chalfield. Continue up the lane passing Mill Cottages.     |
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Glimpse the roof-line of the Great Chalfield. Spot a carved bench mark and a rare Victorian letter box. Pass Mill Cottages |
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| The church. Great Chalfield Courtyard Moat and entrance archway | |||
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Just after the bend at the top on the left is a rare old victorian letter box in the wall. If you can catch glimpses of the roof line of the Manor from this point, you will notice strange sculptural figures on the roof. These may be seen more clearly from the courtyard in a few moments. Pass the the tiny 14th or 15th century church dedicated to All Saints, with a little bellcote and a crocketed octagonal spire and then the full splendid view of the house with its beautiful oriel windows and courtyard opens out enhanced by the moat and gatehouse.