A walk on quiet roads and footpaths through and around the South Yorkshire village of Wentworth, home of Wentworth Woodhouse, the grade I listed stately home and the historic family seat of the Earls Fitzwilliam.
Table of Contents
The Route
- what3words for start point: ///flattered.implanted.makeovers
- Start / Finish Point: Wentworth Road Сar Park, 20 Wentworth Rd, Elsecar, Barnsley S74 8EP
- Distance: 5.4 Miles
GPX Route Map
Download file for GPSWalk Description
The stately home itself is an unmissable visit and since being acquired by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust and in the midst of an extensive restoration, is now generally open to the public for tours. It is well signposted at the east-end of Wentworth village.
However, although the house itself sits in vast gardens, the original grounds of the Wentworth estate cover some 15,000 acres. The estate contains numerous follies and features of interest.
Start in the car park opposite Elsecar Park (Itself a local gem with its gardens, café, play areas & bandstand). The walk winds out of the village of Elsecar and up towards Wentworth village itself. In the early part of the walk, take the time to look behind at the extensive views towards the town of Barnsley and to your right across to the start of the Peak District in the distance.
On the way to Wentworth, pass the first of the follies, continue past a relic of the plague of 1665 and visit a unique striking 30-metre-high Pyramidal tower, one of the highest points in the area.
Finish through the picturesque village of Wentworth with its garden centre, village shop, country pubs and historic church. Pass a disused mill (now a private house) and return via the nature reserve of Elsecar Reservoir before passing through Elsecar Park itself on our way back to the start.
