BBC Radio Sheffield Elsecar & Wentworth Walk

As I was driving home from work the other day, I heard an announcement on the radio that BBC Radio Sheffield's Rony Robinson would be hosting a walk around Elsecar and Wentworth on Sunday 17th May (today). With the wife at work, and a brand new camera lens in need of a trial run, I thought why not pop along?

The meet was at Elsecar Heritage Centre at one o'clock. I thought I'd get there nice and early but still struggled to find a parking space. I was quickly introduced to Andrew White, who was leading the walk, and a chap called John from the Heritage Centre who was a fountain of knowledge on the local history.

Rony rolled up with his dog Jack and the rest of the BBC crew (including Mick Lunney) in toe, and before long we were off, heading out through King's Wood where the bluebell's were out in full force.

The walk was a nice steady route, suitable for all ages (and indeed all ages were present), with plenty of stops along the way for those who needed a break. The weather, while always threatening rain, was good to us, and a relatively warm- though overcast- afternoon was complimented by a nice breeze and punctuated with the odd burst of sunshine.

The halfway point was the stunning Wentworth Woodhouse- the largest privately-owned house in Europe- where we were somewhat unexpectedly allowed into the grounds and foyer. This didn't seem like part of the plan, and I think one of the BBC team had pulled off a bit of a coup to get us in. The foyer was just as beautiful as the outside, with a 4 x 4 bank of stone columns adorning the space and statues at every turn. Tours of the house are available, and I'll definitely be attending one.

The next stop was The Needles Eye, a pyramid structure supposedly built on the back of a bet over whether a coach and horses could be driven through the eye of a needle.

We had a steady walk back, taking in the views, and before we knew it we were back at Elsecar Heritage Centre, where upon John supplied us with more information about the Newcomen Beam Engine- apparently one of the most important inventions of the industrial revolution and something I've passed many a time without even realising it was there. I had to leave at that point to pick the wife up from the bus stop.

So what would have otherwise been a boring afternoon sat at home turned into a very enjoyable and informative afternoon in the countryside. I was chuffed with my new camera lens and learned many things, not least that Mick Lunney doesn't look like he sounds.

Wentworth Woodhouse

Elsecar Heritage Centre

Andrew White