 Brent
Knoll Walks - Walk 3: To the top of the Knoll and back
Allow half
an hour each way, but you are bound to spend some time at the
top taking in the views and catching your breath.
This is
a walk along country footpaths that is very steep at the top,
where some steps are included. This walk is not for the faint
hearted but if you make the effort the rewards are spectacular.
Use stout walking shoes in dry conditions, if the ground is
very wet "wellies" might be better.
There are
two routes up the lower slopes of the hill, one starting at
the Church and the other starting from Manor Farm. There is
a car park in the field opposite Manor Farm which can get quite
muddy in the winter, to get there start from Ivyclad Hall behind
it's white railings at the chicane in Brent Street. This is
a private home built in the reign of Queen Anne (1702 -1714)
and is one of the oldest houses in the village. Turn into Church
Lane opposite, on the left is a rhyne, a drainage channel built
many years ago, on the right a row of horse chestnut trees behind
which are some modern dwellings. Over the top of them you can
glimpse St. Michael's Parish Church on the wooded lower slopes
of the Knoll. To the left on rising ground may be seen Ball
Copse Hall, a private dwelling, now over one hundred years old.
Continue to the junction and bear left up Hill Lane past the
Woodlands Hotel, formerly a farmhouse, and now a popular venue
for parties and, on occasions, weddings. As you reach the top
of the steep hill you will see the entrance to Manor Farm on
your right, and the Car Park is on your left. Alternatively
start from the Church as we have :-
 1.
To the right of the church entrance with the steps, you walk
though the black gate marked Public Footpath. Follow the path
in direction of the sign. An alternative here is to pass up
the Church steps, go to your right through the church yard and
through the gate at the back. In either case head up the path
around the back of St. Michael's Parish Church.
 2.
Proceed though this rusty gate and head North East (upwards)
in the direction of the arrow on the picture. Here you get some
nice views down onto Ball Copse Hall.
3. At this
gate pass through and go straight ahead. The Path to the left
is where you would join from the Farm yard - that's the way
that we will return. Beware of electric fence there to keep
in the animals. You might be lucky to meet some cows or even
horses. 
 4.
When you reach the stile climb over it and turn right following
the path where you will be rewarded of this view of the Knoll.
5. Follow
the path, it will turn left to follow the line of the hedge
in the picture, you will climb a short steep hill at the top
to find the stile and National Trust sign.
 6.
Now you are onto the last part of the climb where you follow
the steps to the summit.
7. Catch
your breath, and take in the stunning views. You can walk all
around the top of the knoll, where you can see the grassy remains
of the Iron Age hill fort, Ordinance Survey and Queens Golden
Jubilee markers.
8. When
you have finished your peaceful stop and you are ready to descend,
follow your way back down the steps and over the two stiles.
 9.
At the gate, you can pass through to retrace your steps to the
Church, but we'll follow the arrow and take the path to the
right, passing down by Manor Farm.
 10.
The path passes through the farmyard of Manor Farm. The farmer
allows you to pass through so please respect his property and
animals as you pass. At the other side of the farmyard you will
pass through this gate :-
 11.
Continuing down the farm driveway you will reach Hill lane,
with the car park mentioned at the beginning in the field on
the other side of the road. If you turn left and follow the
hill down past the Woodlands Hotel you will see the Church in
front of you. At the bottom of hill lane the church is a short
distance up Church lane to the left. |
