Craven's Rough

Wood, Forest in Leicestershire Charnwood

England

Craven's Rough

Stoneywell Visitors approach the house along the path in the foreground. By the door a group of National Trust volunteers give an introductory talk to visitors before they enter the property. — Stoneywell Credit: Stephen McKay

Craven's Rough is a picturesque woodland located in Leicestershire, England. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, it is situated in the heart of the county, just a few miles north of the town of Hinckley. The woodland is part of the larger area known as the National Forest, which is an ongoing reforestation project aimed at creating a large forested area in the Midlands.

Craven's Rough is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, birch, and pine. The woodland is home to a variety of wildlife, such as deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

The woodland is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty. There are also designated cycling routes for those who prefer to explore on two wheels. These trails meander through the forest, taking visitors through tranquil glades, alongside bubbling streams, and up gentle hills, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Craven's Rough is not only a haven for nature lovers but also a place of historical significance. The woodland has remnants of ancient earthworks and archaeological sites, indicating human habitation in the area for thousands of years.

Overall, Craven's Rough is a scenic and diverse woodland that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Whether one is seeking a leisurely stroll, a challenging hike, or simply a place to reconnect with nature, this woodland provides a perfect setting.

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Craven's Rough Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.703169/-1.2494305 or Grid Reference SK5011. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stoneywell

Visitors approach the house along the path in the foreground. By the door a group of National Trust volunteers give an introductory talk to visitors before they enter the property.

Stephen McKay

Stoneywell - looking out of the window

This window looks out of the house onto the small garden area at the front. The curtains are in an appropriate arts and crafts design.

Stephen McKay

Stoneywell

Showing the rear of the house.

Stephen McKay

Stoneywell - the tennis court

Despite the rugged and uneven terrain, the Gimsons managed to incorporate a tennis court in the grounds. The enclosure remains although it is no longer used as such.

Stephen McKay

Stoneywell

This view is of the rear of the house, giving an idea of how quirky a building it actually is but also how well it blends into the landscape.

Stephen McKay

Stoneywell - the walled garden

The walled garden is used to grow vegetables, mainly cultivated by National Trust volunteers. This view shows a crop of runner beans.

Stephen McKay

Stoneywell

From this direction, especially, the house seems to sink into the Charnwood Forest landscape. Beyond the house is Stoneywell Wood.

Stephen McKay

Stoneywell - the fort

The fort is a curious feature in the grounds at Stoneywell. A natural rocky outcrop was built on to create a small building thatched each year with bracken. It was used by the family's children as a play castle. At the time of this photograph it had been declared unsafe and visitors were barred from entering.

Stephen McKay

Stoneywell - the well house

When Stoneywell was built there was neither running water nor electricity and for many years water had to be brought up from this well in the grounds to the house. The circular well house contains a pump.

Stephen McKay

Stoneywell

Showing part of the front of the house.

Stephen McKay

Old windpump

A wind-driven water pump of a type that used to be common across the country. Apparently intact but photographed on a still day, so operational status unknown.

Ian Calderwood

Stoneywell

Somewhat off the beaten track in Charnwood Forest but well worth the effort to see this arts and crafts gem

David M Clark

Stoneywell [1]

The cottage is seen from the garden. Stoneywell is a cottage, located near the village of Markfield. Some 7 miles northwest of Leicester. Designed and built in the Arts and Crafts style in 1899 by Ernest Gimson, for his brother Sydney. Ernest Gimson was one of the most inspiring and influential architect-designers of the Arts and Crafts movement, which had the ideal of ‘Nothing should be made by man’s labour which is not worth making, or must be made by labour degrading to the makers.’ The cottage is now owned by the National Trust. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Stoneywell [2]

The interior of the cottage. Stoneywell is a cottage, located near the village of Markfield. Some 7 miles northwest of Leicester. Designed and built in the Arts and Crafts style in 1899 by Ernest Gimson, for his brother Sydney. Ernest Gimson was one of the most inspiring and influential architect-designers of the Arts and Crafts movement, which had the ideal of ‘Nothing should be made by man’s labour which is not worth making, or must be made by labour degrading to the makers.’ The cottage is now owned by the National Trust.

Michael Dibb

Stoneywell [3]

The interior of the cottage. A leaking chimney had required the removal of plaster from the wall, resulting in the wall construction being visible. Stoneywell is a cottage, located near the village of Markfield. Some 7 miles northwest of Leicester. Designed and built in the Arts and Crafts style in 1899 by Ernest Gimson, for his brother Sydney. Ernest Gimson was one of the most inspiring and influential architect-designers of the Arts and Crafts movement, which had the ideal of ‘Nothing should be made by man’s labour which is not worth making, or must be made by labour degrading to the makers.’ The cottage is now owned by the National Trust.

Michael Dibb