Secret Paths and Walks on the Wild Side

Walking, photographing and enjoying the outdoor life. Most walks are along the Wales Coastal Path but some are on Nature Reserves, around Country House estates and others are just walks in the countryside.

During this time of uncertainty in lockdown due to the Coronavirus, I am unable to walk away from home. Therefore, walking the Welsh Coastal Path will be on hold. I have, however, a stock of outings to houses and gardens that I visited last year.

See the Lockdown walks for for further information

The third of these is Newby Hall and Gardens.

Near Ripon is a lovely Queen Anne style house with extensive gardens. The hall has been in the Compton family since 1748 and faithfully restored to the neo-classical design of Robert Adam. The rooms are adorned with Axminster carpets, Chippendale furniture, Japanese lacquered cabinets, Wedgewood and Minton china, “souvenirs” from their Grand Tours of the 18^th and 19^th centuries, together with many portraits of their ancestors, painted by prominent painters of the day. The gardens are laid out in compartments with various themes and complementary plantings. Trees and shrubs together with fountains, streams, ponds, sculptures and other ephemera form the backbone of the garden. Colour and scent are supplied by the flowering plants, some rare, some architectural and others down right stunning. The herbaceous borders running between the house and the river are a wonderful riot of colour, from one season to another, while Sylvia’s Garden is planted with soft and subtle shades of plants to provide peace and relaxation. Throughout the garden are planted the National Collection of Cornus, over 100 Flowering Dogwoods. You will need a full day to discover the whole garden or a number of visits if you don’t want to rush, but savour each aspect to its maximum.