A
day out with a difference!
Situated between Ilkeston and Spondon,
lies Dale Abbey, a sleepy little village that hosts some magnificent walks
and scenery.
The Augustinian
monks moved to Dale Abbey in 1162 from their previous home at Calke
Abbey. All that remains of the the Abbey is the main chancel window
which is a magnificent structure in itself.
Hermits
Cave is just a short walk from the remains of the Abbey. The cave was hand
carved into the rock by a 12th century Derby baker who wished to live a
life as a recluse. It is well preserved, measuring 6 yards by 3 with a
doorway, two windows, a peephole and a niche for a light.
The
Carpenters Arms www.thecarpentersarms.biz
After a
good walk round why not drop into the Carpenters Arms pub for your lunch,
the pub offers a full menu. Pub opening times for food
are:-11.30-2.30 Mon-Sat, 12-3 Sun.
The Hawk
Walk
We meet in the pub car park at 11.30am every Saturday to
collect visitors that wish to experience the Hawk Walk. We have around 60
acres of countryside that we can use to fly our hawks.
A Hawk Walk is the perfect way to experience first hand how to fly and
handle a bird of prey. This is a totally 'hands on' experience.
This
is approximately an hour walk around some of Derbyshire's beautiful
countryside with Bo our female Harris Hawk.
While
walking you will learn all about the Harris Hawk and how they live and
hunt in the wild. All the time calling the bird down to the fist
for a piece of food.
This
activity is called a Hawk Walk, but the emphasis is on the Hawk and not
the walk. We do not have a set route to follow and you can go at your own
pace! Suitable for even those who don't like exercise!
The hawk walk is
available to adults and children over the age of five years (children
under 14 must be accompanied by a full paying adult)
Prices: Adults and Children £10 per person.
Pre-booking is essential. Book online here
Suitable
outdoors clothing and good strong boots (Wellingtons in the winter) is
recommended at all times
How
to get to us.
The
village is situated of the A6096 Ladywood Road Spondon to Ilkeston Road.
Turn of Ladywood Road onto Arbour Hill, follow the road and you will see
the pub on the left.
For those with satellite navigation the pub address is Arbour Hill, The Village, Dale Abbey. DE7
Photo by Tom Newman