Two Brooks Valley

14 brave Spaggers met for a trip around Two Brooks Valley to check out the Two Brooks Mill, built early in the 18^th Century and owned by the Whowell family from 1850. At this time of year with little foliage it’s possible to see lots of evidence of stone walls and slabs, channels, leets, and lodges that surround the actual mill site. Some retaining walls are also clear to see, along with many water courses. Downstream of the mill you can also see water facilities in readiness for Bottoms Hall Mill that is now inaccessible as much of the underground water supply network has collapsed.

Up the valley side to Burnt House Farm, derelict but with evidence of many attempts at reconstruction

Across some fields to the two reservoirs that fed the mill, then across to the Two Brooks Chimney – random coursed sandstone with ashlar quoins on a 2.8M square plan tapering to a flat sandstone coping.

Back to the cars around the mill site to see more water courses feeding the mill.

Probably the muddiest walk we’ve ever done but soon forgotten over lunch at The Barlow!

Editors note.  What our illustrious walk leader fails to mention is that we had to cross a raging torrent similar to those encountered in a Himalayan snow melt before we could get back to our cars.   The photo does not do it justice!🤣🤣🤣