222: Ilam Hall, Calton, Throwley Old Hall and the Manifold Valley (Peak District 2023)

PEAK DISTRICT WALK FEATURING ILAM HALL, CALTON, THROWLEY OLD HALL AND THE MANIFOLD VALLEY
"Ilam Hall, Calton, Throwley Old Hall and the Manifold Valley”
Filmed 9th October 2023
Post-production completed 27th October 2023
Filmed in the Peak District in the county of Staffordshire. Locations include Ilam Hall and Park, Throwley Old Hall, Calton and Blore.
Written, presented, researched, directed, camera and sound, edited and music by Patrick Leach.
Special thanks to the National Churches Trust and Let’s Go Peak District for their information used in my research for this film.
Click here for a map showing the route of the walk: explore.osmaps.com/route/1893...
DISCLAIMER: Although I work hard to ensure all information is correct to the best of my knowledge, I am only featuring information I have found online and/or in books during my research when putting this film together, so I cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors.
As with all the films I make, this is not actually intended to be an extensive guide to the area. This is a mini-movie of my personal journey along the walk, in which I often share some of my own personal stories.
If you are new to my channel, I strongly recommend reading the description under the “about” tab, which will provide a clearer understanding of what to expect in my films: / solitaryrambler
There is also a short “Introduction to the Solitary Rambler” video, which briefly explains what my films are all about: / solitaryrambler
Many thanks and I hope you enjoy watching!
IF YOU ENJOY MY CHANNEL THEN PERHAPS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT ME:
For a small fee you can download any of my musical soundtracks I have composed for my films: patrickleach.bandcamp.com/tra...
Or if you would like to make a small donation with no obligations then you can do so through Buy Me a Coffee: ko-fi.com/solitaryrambler

[@nuinmarnuinmar5321]

Ooh goody, a walk with Patrick! Makes tea, clicks 'like', settles down to watch. Lovely landscapes as ever, thank you.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Nuinmar, thanks as always for taking the time to watch, always appreciated 👍

[@peterh8970]

So many fantastic Peak District views in one video! Many thanks Patrick. 👍

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Peter, pleased you enjoyed it 👍

[@Sam-x1f7w]

What a beautiful countryside with rolling hills, loved watching this walk

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@taffyowen4631]

One of our favourite places to visit 😊

[@solitaryrambler]

Nice one, thanks for watching 👍

[@alisonmoxon7519]

Hi Patrick.. love it there . . Been going since the 70s.. stayed at Izaak Walton Hotel. Lovely surroundings as you say very lucky to have these great places nearby lv Ali x

[@solitaryrambler]

Hi Ali, Ilam and the surrounding area is lovely indeed. I popped into Izaak Walton Hotel once some years ago just for a coffee. Nice quirky place from what I recall 👍

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

Another beautiful walk Patrick. Thanks for sharing.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Chris, thanks for watching 👍

[@richardchan9595]

Nice combination of nature and history. 👍

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Richard 👍

[@harrylinsdell8114]

Definitely see why you return to this fantastic setting,and great info provided as usual a pleasure to watch

[@solitaryrambler]

I love coming here when I can. Thanks Harry for watching and for your kind comments 👍

[@LindaKing-nq6ut]

Lovely walk…nice to see medieval buildings & the unique houses in Ilam

[@solitaryrambler]

Pleased you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 👍

[@lesplimbley8982]

An area we walk in a lot. It was prominently featured in the Jeremy Brett Hound of the Baskervilles episode, doing duty as Dartmoor.

[@Ea-Nasir_Copper_Co]

It's certainly atmospheric enough!

[@solitaryrambler]

Indeed it was, as was nearby Castern Hall used as Merripit House in the episode 👍

[@b.m.t.h.3961]

This looks a great walk incorporating historic buildings too.

[@solitaryrambler]

It is indeed, thanks for watching 👍

[@freestyletowers2617]

Lovely to catch up with your latest, love the setting and the colours have really shined.thanks patrick 😊

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks John, pleased you enjoyed it. All the best 👍

[@daveydoo3173]

Absolutely beautiful walk, So calming and lovely scenery.... I can smell the fresh air , it's that good... Thank you for the walk 😁😁

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Dave, thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@julianbeesley5059]

That was very enjoyable, thank you 🙂

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for watching Julian 👍

[@shaunmckenna1923]

Hello Patrick , love this one and you got 3 for 3 on the churches its always nice when they are open for viewing . Thanks Patrick wonderful as always .

[@solitaryrambler]

Morning Shaun, I was lucky with the churches on this walk. Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 👍

[@annacollier2936]

So enjoyed this what an ideal place to see some tranquil and beautiful scenery in this part of the country. It amazed me how warm it was then and you didn't need a jumper! Hmmm that plastic sign? Detour😮 Great vlog Patrick!

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Anna. Yes I remember it was very warm at the time. Very interesting sign, looked like someone had just written on a frisbee! 😂 Many thanks again Anna for watching and for your kind support 👍

[@claireEt9055]

Great walk Patrick. Very informative and such a lovely area to walk in. Thank you 👍🏻

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks as always Claire, pleased you enjoyed it. All the best 👍

[@andylancashire1978]

Great video, and an area I will be visiting now after seeing this. I very much like the info and guidance you share on all your videos 😊

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for all your kind words Andy and for taking the time to watch, glad you enjoyed it. You love Ilam when you visit 👍

[@MrSteveMG]

Morning Patrick, thank you for the introduction of Ilam & Ilam Park, a new one on us and is now on a list to visit when next in the Peaks. The walk is also ear-marked too ..absolutlely lovely ! :o)

[@solitaryrambler]

Hi Steve, it's another lovely part of the Peak District, definitely one to recommend. Thanks for your comments and for watching 👍

[@stephmcghie8732]

Hi Patrick what a lovely walk in the sunshine too! You were very lucky to get to go inside the churches 😊 and beautiful churches they were, thankyou for taking us along, have a good weekend 😊

[@solitaryrambler]

Hi Steph, yes it was a very warm day in October. Great to get inside those churches, so a bonus for me. Thanks as always for watching, glad you enjoyed it. Have a good weekend too 👍

[@nickcooper1260]

Thanks, Patrick,,another lovely film, i like how respectful you are, taking your cap off when entering Church (as well as your boots!).

[@solitaryrambler]

Pleased you liked it Nick, thanks for watching. Yes it always seems right to take off my hat when entering churches, so it's just second nature to me now 👍

[@mickbutler9407]

Another great walk Patrick some great views as usual

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Mick, thanks for watching 👍

[@jeanwainwright598]

Hi Patrick, Thank you again for another beautiful walk, Love that you were able to get into the churches.we just enjoyed the Peak District, Take care, regards Dave & Jean.

[@solitaryrambler]

Hi Dave and Jean, thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it. It was a nice bonus to be able to get inside those churches 👍

[@shanedallastaylor570]

well yet another delightful walk Patrick,the scenery was delightful and once again such lovely music.the sign on the gate looked very suspicious,I don’t think it was a proper sign.and it was nice to see in side the churches.cannot wait for another fantastic video.take care.👍👍❤️❤️

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you Shane, pleased you enjoyed the walk and the music. That sign was certainly odd 😁 It was nice to get inside the churches too. All the best 👍

[@wil10291]

Hiya Patrick ...That was a beautiful walk in a lovely area of the country ...thanks for sharing 👍🏻😀👍🏻...

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Wil, it sure is a beautiful part. Thanks for watching 👍

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

Ilam is a beautiful village with the historic hall as well. Throwley Old Hall, I've never heard of before, but is impressive as a ruin of great age. It was really great to see that you could enter all three churches that you came across - such lovely buildings of worship with a great feel of goodness. The Manifold Valley is a gorgeous region of countryside in the Peak District, and this with the nice weather that you had on your first day here, made for an excellent start. Many thanks Patrick for this interesting film.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Ffranc as always for watching and commenting. Throwley Old Hall isn't as well known as many other ruins in the Peak District, but it's lovely to see as well as being in a fabulous location. The Manifold Valley has always been one of my favourite parts of the area, so it's always great to visit when I can. All the best 👍

[@simonlear3529]

Hi Patrick. Completed this walk today totally inspired by you. Scenery amazing, was with a friend of mine and he asked to also pass on thanks! Keep up the good work

[@solitaryrambler]

Nice one Simon, glad you enjoyed the walk. Thanks for watching 👍

[@peakyplodders]

Nice one, Patrick. Another one where I recognised everything on it. Over my 57 years I can't say how many times I've been to Ilam. It's a place that holds a special place in my heart. It is where my uncle lived for many years. In one of those Swiss style houses. If you look on the vlog you can see the for sale sign. Oh the memories ❤. Again another excellent vlog 👌

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for the kind words Gavin and for watching. Ilam will have been a lovely place in which your uncle lived. I've always loved coming here and being a National Trust member I can park for free at Ilam Park to explore the area. All the best 👍

[@Greatoutdoorswalks2061]

Up There Last Summer Didn't Do That Walk Will Do Now Love Going in Churches Cheers Patrick

[@solitaryrambler]

Nice one thanks for watching 👍

[@johnwright8748]

Great stuff, Patrick. I particularly like the historical and geographical content you include along the way...most enjoyable. I've been to Ilam, but never heard of the other places you explored! Keep 'em coming!

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks John, I try to include what I can along they way. Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@alanhesketh9265]

Another nice video Patrick. I think I'll visit Ilam next week as I am staying in a cottage for a couple of days not too far away.

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Alan, I certainly recommend a visit to Ilam and the surrounding area 👍

[@CountrysideWalking]

The name Ilam Hall was familiar to me. Brings back memories from past YHA hostelling days. Interesting following your route around the buildings Patrick too. Then continuing through so many places, Calton and Manifold Valley. Agree that gate closure notice did look amateurish ! The light guitar instrumentals contrasted the deep bass sad mood. Nice walk and route Patrick. All best

[@solitaryrambler]

Morning Shanita, nice to know you're familiar with Ilam Hall. It's great that it's still a YHA after all these years. The Manifold Valley ranks as another favourite part of the Peak District for me, so I was always going to come back and film in this area at some point. I think someone used a frisbee to write on for that sign! 😂 The light guitar score is my Manifold Valley theme used in film I made over 10 years ago in this area, and I'll be using it again in another video soon. Thanks for all your kind words Shanita and for watching 👍

[@dellabestwick5668]

Brilliant video and walk Patrick, we’re already planning to do some walks around there now, it looks very interesting, especially the ‘Throwley hall’ ruin, I do love a ruin 😄 and it’s always great to get in a church or two 😁 excellent! 👍

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for the kind words Della and for watching. It's certainly a walk I'd recommend, and once you past Ilam it gets quieter too 👍

[@michaeldenham9681]

I don't think I've heard of Ilam Hall before, but what a lovely setting it's in, perhaps one of the best settings for such a house that I have ever seen. The effigies in Blore Church looked interesting - no doubt local landowners. Look as though they may date from the civil war period judging by the armour, but I couldn't see enough to be sure. Interesting landscapes. Thanks Patrick.

[@solitaryrambler]

Ilam Hall is indeed a great place in a perfect setting too. The hall itself is mainly a youth hostel today so there's nothing else to see inside, but the grounds are great with a shop and a tearoom. Blore village is made up of only a few local dwellings including Blore Hall which I gather is a holiday home now, so the church is the main focus of it really. Thanks Michael as always for your comments and for watching 👍

[@kellyshaw7271]

The only thing you left out of that walk was the kitchen sink. It had everything. Cannot believe you found three churches open. You're on a roll and great weather too for October. Ilam hall is a great place for a youth hostel. Many will remember staying there because it's unique and Thowley old hall must have been grand in its day. I think the farmer had a cob on and decided to block the stile. No way was that red tub lid a council requisite 😁 They even put a rusty old farm gate in front to make doubley sure, the cads. A lot of the small villages you walked through were more farm buildings but Ilam must be costly to live in. Those Dutch style houses looked pricey. I love Dovedale too. One of my favourite places. What a wonderful walk and it appeared to be quiet too. You certainly chose the right day. Lovely to watch as always Patrick and thank you.

[@solitaryrambler]

I was so lucky to find all three churches open Kelly, a very uncommon thing for me a my walks. Ilam Hall and surrounding area is always a great place to visit, and good that it's still used as a youth hostel too. I bet Throwley Old Hall was a grand building indeed, great location too. I did laugh at that diversion sign, looked like someone had just written in marker on a frisbee! I'm sure the houses in Ilam village are pricey too. Great place again and close to Dovedale. Thanks Kelly as always for your comments and for watching 👍

[@christelbraune4530]

Ohh Patrick, das war ja wieder exelent. So eine schöne Wanderung!!!! Hervorragend! Bis bald und Thank you ❣️ Patrick

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Christel, all the best 👍

[@sylviarowley6668]

Another great video Patrick! Ilam is a place on our list to visit when we are back in Derbyshire. ❤x

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Sylvia, I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit to Ilam 👍

[@morebid1971]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video Patrick. I've just spent the weekend at Ilam Hall and had a brilliant few days. Did lots of walking too, interesting to see where you walked and the places I missed. Throwley Old Hall looks great, gives me ideas for next time I'm in the area. Best wishes, Cathy.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Cathy. It's a lovely area as you know, glad you enjoyed your stay in the area. Many thanks for watching and commenting. All the best 👍

[@mikesaunders4775]

Many thanks Patrick for taking us to this beautiful corner of Staffordshire. I smelt a rat with that shifty looking plastic keep out notice. A landowner wants to remove walkers methinks. Look forward to your next film.

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Mike. Yes that frisbee used as a sign was very suspect, but I didn't have to detour far out of my way. Thanks for watching 👍

[@williamclarke2020]

OMG, Patrick! The music was so tense and suspenseful starting at the 5.00 mark. May I say, Dude...that was actually chilling. If you don't mind, and when I have the time, I would like to layer a guitar track over it and send it to you. It's like a brain worm. So, haunting! IMHO and based on the goose flesh I got, your best yet. I am not overstating it. I'm sure your other subs will agree.

[@solitaryrambler]

Funny you found that music chilling, it wasn't meant to be, it's actually my Manifold Valley theme. I've created versions of it before and it will feature again in a few weeks time. Really pleased you liked it though, it is a score I'm actually very proud of. Thanks again William 👍

[@SetForAdventures]

Brilliant walk Patrick and three churches in a row access gained too 🙏🏼 😊 That biscuit tin lid sign did seem right ?? But fair play for going around 👍 Hope your well Best regards Simon

[@solitaryrambler]

It was lovely to get into all those churches on this one walk Simon, a real bonus 😀 Haha yeah I wasn;t sure if that sign was a biscuit tin lid or a frisbee! 😂 I didn't have far to divert anyway so nothing lost. Thanks as always Simon for watching and for your support. All the best 👍

[@walkinderbyshire]

Great video and explore, Patrick - one of my fav areas. Throwley Old Hall is a fascinating explore! Definitely a dodgy sign that blocking the path entrance near dog lane.

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Leigh, it's a fav area of mine too. Only been to Throwley a few times before now, but yeah it's a great place to explore. The local landowner clearly just used a frisbee as a diversion sign! 😂 All the best 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Lovely valley/park walk Patrick. They knew where to build their homes back in the day eh? And great to re-visit after so long the YHA. With other historical halls and awesome sunken lanes I could walk forever in them places but I would always dispute the dodgy sign I reckon. Hah, that wasn't real. Well, that's a new one, 'boots off to enter church.' I see the sense in it. Beautiful all told Patrick - the peaks never disappoint. All the best. Mark

[@solitaryrambler]

Those Swiss style homes are great Mark, not something you see in many English villages. Ilam Hall and the park is awesome and good to see the hall still used as a YHA after all these years. I think next time I come across a frisbee being used as a sign to block a path I will send a photo to the local authority, but I wasn't too bothered on this occasion as I knew I wasn't going far out of my way for this diversion. I've never seen a notice asking for boots to be removed before entering a church either, but yeah it makes a lot of sense. Thanks for your comments as always Mark and for watching. All the best 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

@@solitaryrambler They are nice Patrick - I wouldn't say no. Yeah, great to see the YHA still there - I bet that made you feel good. Re-the sign you'd think they would try and make it look authentic. I get why you weren't concerned - walk on! Ha, a lot less work for the cleaners and why not. A pleasure as always.

[@williamclarke2020]

P.S. Nice framing with the hot air balloons.

[@russ3994]

Well done Patrick another wonderful walk 3 churches wow !! glad to see no holes in your socks !! 🤣🤣🤣

[@solitaryrambler]

Haha if my socks had holes in them I wouldn't have shown you 😂 Thanks Russ for watching 👍

[@endurance-adventures]

Another lovely walk Patrick - the car park at Blore Pastures is one I've used a lot and would be great for people who want lovely views but can't walk far. Annoying about the blocked path though - I doubt very much that Staffordshire Council would have done that!

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Steph, I know you'll be familiar with Ilam and the surrounding area from one of your own recent walks. Yes I doubt if Staffs CC would have used a frisbee for a diversion sign, despite the cutbacks that I know councils are going through just now! 😂

[@steveball1959]

Welcome to the Staffordshire Peak District Patrick 😂, we also love Ilam and it's just a 30 minute drive for us, we quite often use the NT car park as members we get to park for free, there's so many walks in all directions. I'm with you on the blocked footpath that's not the way a local authority would do it, there'd be a proper notice and a map showing the diversion, I'd bet it's the land owner, we've come across it before and I've taken a photo and posted it on social media to the authority responsible giving the location, that worked. Anyway a great film in a beautiful area, we'll be back soon for a cream tea.

[@solitaryrambler]

Morning Steve, yes I'm a NT member too so use Ilam Hall car park a lot when in the area. That sign just looked like someone used a frisbee to write on! 😂 I didn't bother reporting it to Staffs CC though, although I will do if I come across anything that this again. Thanks Steve for your comments and for watching. All the best 👍

[@steveball1959]

Frisbee! love it 🤣🤣

[@WalksWithOlly]

My first walk in the Peak District involved both Ilam Hall and Dovedale. I'd be as curious as you were with regards to that diversion sign... There's no accompanying A4 of the closure and diversion either. 🤔 Have you reported it to the council? Another enjoyable walk, Patrick. Thank you for sharing.

[@solitaryrambler]

Hi Olly, yes that sign looked like someone had just written with a marker on a frisbee, so not what I would expect from a county council 😂 I didn't report it having heard nothing back from them a while back when I reported a dangerous gate on a footpath in Staffordshire. Glad you enjoyed it Olly, thanks for watching, Hope you are keeping well 👍

[@jamiestables4283]

Fantastic video, Patrick! I love Ilam Park, though I pronounce it incorrectly. I say ILam, not EYElam. The views are incredible. I keep meaning to re-visit nearby Dovedale, but never seem to make time.

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Jamie, pleased you enjoyed it. EYE-lam is the correct pronunciation, but yes it's not obvious to many. All the best 👍

[@MelanieRuck-dq5uo]

Three churches on one walk! We will soon be calling Patrick 'Bishop Leach' if this continues!

[@solitaryrambler]

I know it's a record! 👍

[@stevenpason3758]

Patrick, splendid fantastic video the halls, churches, landscape A+, like those socks, is ashbourne a good bnb base for area, did you ever paticipat😅e football rumble in ashbourne

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Steven, thanks for watching. Ashbourne is the nearest town to Ilam, but you have to be a local to take part in the Shrovetide football match 👍

[@Ea-Nasir_Copper_Co]

I have a fun story about Ilam Hall, although I have no actual evidence for it; I heard it years ago from someone who lived in the area and whose father worked on the demolition. He said that when they were demolishing the main building in the 30s they found all kinds of cubbyholes, in one of which was an altar. Priests' holes, it seems, but built in a house constructed long after Roman Catholics had gained freedom of worship - and to the specifications of a staunchly Protestant Tory MP for a rotten borough! Edit to add: Lovely walk, by the way!

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed the walk, thanks for watching. Thanks for sharing your story too 👍😁

[@rhythmking9781]

Did you arrive at 11am?!..😂

[@solitaryrambler]

Haha yes many people call it that 😂

[@MelanieRuck-dq5uo]

I've always thought that 'Manifold' is a strange name for a river/ valley. Where does the name come from?

[@solitaryrambler]

Wikipedia says the name may come from Anglo-Saxon manig-fald = "many folds", referring to its meanders👍

[@MelanieRuck-dq5uo]

@@solitaryrambler Thank you for that Patrick. We love your videos in our household. We are here in Chesterfield and were much amused by your admission (in another video) that you didn't notice the Spire on your first visit to the town . . . Especially as you can see it on the Matlock-Chesterfield road miles away!