If you turn around you will see a depression with a steep bank on its left side. This depression is the site of a former reservoir marked on the map. A sluice gate controlled the flow of water to a small stream. Lower down the valley, just below a stone footbridge, were the cascades. These were created by laying large sandstone blocks across the stream bed.
Eventually, after flowing through two small pools and under a rustic bridge, the water entered the Lower Pool.
On one side of the cascades is a curved and buttressed brick revetment. Above it, at its southern end, was an octagonal summer house. The summer house was dismantled many years ago and on its flat site grow laurel bushes. In late Spring the valley is a mass of bluebells and wild garlic.
Behind you on the far side of the road is the entrance to Old Hill Cricket Club. This evolved from a team consisting of members of Old Hill Trinity Church and teachers at the Trinity Sunday School. Mr. Best who was the founder and superintendent of the Trinity Sunday School allowed the team to play on the field then known as Pig Meadow (until 1902 Barrs Road was known as Pig Lane) free of charge. It is believed that the team first played there c1880. Later two of its players born in Old Hill, Eric Hollies and Charles Palmer, became extremely well known in the cricketing world; if you wish to find out more about what they achieved carry out a search on the internet.
As you continue on your journey the path takes you to the left of a grassy triangular area with silver birch trees. Here in 1932, near the end of Haden Park Road, a play area with swings, roundabouts, a seesaw and a slide was laid out that was not dismantled until the redevelopment of the Park around the year 2000.
You now continue down a steep path that will lead you to Q3.
Next - The Lower Pool
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Stay updated and Follow Us
