Plague Hole

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Cheshire

England

Plague Hole

Signpost on the Whitegate Way A path links Kennel Lane to the railway trail at this point. The sign is to Cuddington (2.4km) and Delamere Forest (6km) to the left, and Whitegate car park (2.3km) to the right. — Signpost on the Whitegate Way Credit: Stephen Craven

Plague Hole is a freshwater marsh located in Cheshire, England. Situated near the village of Plague Hole, it is known for its unique ecological characteristics and historical significance. Covering an area of approximately 10 acres, the site comprises a combination of lake, pool, pond, and marshland habitats, making it a diverse and important ecosystem.

The main feature of Plague Hole is its shallow lake, which spans across a significant portion of the marsh. Known for its calm, still waters, the lake provides a habitat for various aquatic plants and animals. The surrounding pool and pond areas are smaller in size but equally rich in biodiversity, supporting a range of species including frogs, newts, and dragonflies.

The freshwater marsh at Plague Hole is home to a wide array of plant life, including reeds, rushes, and sedges. These plants thrive in the waterlogged soil and provide shelter and food for numerous bird species, such as waterfowl and herons. The marsh is also a popular breeding ground for wetland birds, attracting birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

In addition to its ecological importance, Plague Hole holds historical significance. The name itself refers to a time in the past when the area was associated with the bubonic plague. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the site was directly affected by the disease. Nonetheless, the name serves as a reminder of the region's history.

Plague Hole in Cheshire is a remarkable freshwater marsh that combines natural beauty, diverse habitats, and historical intrigue. It offers a peaceful and serene environment for both wildlife and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the wonders of nature.

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Plague Hole Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.2257/-2.6352366 or Grid Reference SJ5770. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Signpost on the Whitegate Way

A path links Kennel Lane to the railway trail at this point. The sign is to Cuddington (2.4km) and Delamere Forest (6km) to the left, and Whitegate car park (2.3km) to the right.

Stephen Craven

Kennel Lane bridge over the Whitegate Way

A substantial footbridge, maybe designed for horse-drawn vehicles originally.

Stephen Craven

Hut beside the Whitegate Way

The brick hut was probably for the use of railway maintenance workers. There certainly was never a station here.

Stephen Craven

Tarporley Road bridge over the Whitegate Way

The bridge carries the A49. A flight of steps links the road to the trail. Since the railway tracks were lifted, concrete block walls and steel girders have been added to strengthen the deck. SJ5969 : Whitegate Way, Oakmere taken in 2006 shows it from the other side with this arrangement already in place.

Stephen Craven

Private land at Forest View

A sign on a gate deters users of the Whitegate Way from trespassing.

Stephen Craven

Nunsmere Hall

A rather superior hotel, surrounded by a lake in Cheshire. Built around 1900 for Sir Aubrey Brocklebank, Chairman of The Brocklebank Shipping Line, and now an hotel and wedding venue.

Bob Harvey

Nunsmere Hall

The West facade of the hall, overlooking the gardens

Bob Harvey

The Nunsmere

Described by the hotel (Nunsmere Hall) as a 60-acre lake, I strongly suspect it is nothing of the kind. I think it is a 60 acre former gravel pit. The southern quarter of the lake is owned by the forestry commission, not the hotel. See also Link

Bob Harvey

The lake at Nunsmere

This tree overhangs the banks of the Nunsmere, a former gravel pit in Cheshire.

Bob Harvey

Wooded avenue

A row of Beech Trees at Nunsmere Hall, echoed by a row of Scots pine on the other side, interspersed with self-sewn silver birch.

Bob Harvey

Gardens in the rain

The formal gardens at Nunsmere Hall.

Bob Harvey

The Library

The library at Nunsmere Hall Hotel.

Bob Harvey

The Staircase

The great staircase at Nunsmere Hall Hotel.

Bob Harvey

A lounge

One of the lounges at the Nunsmere Hall Hotel.

Bob Harvey

Overlooking the garden

The view at Dusk from my bedroom window at Nunsmere Hall Hotel.

Bob Harvey

Nunsmere

The undulating landscape of this area of Cheshire was forged by melting glacial waters at the end of the last Ice Age and is home to a number of lakes, including Blakemere Moss, Hatchmere Lake, Oak Mere and Nunsmere, all within the vicinity of Delamere Forest. While some of the lakes that remain are glacial in origin, others have been created by flooding pits caused by gravel and sand extraction in the area.

David Dixon

The Lake at Nunsmere

David Dixon

Nunsmere Hall

Nunsmere Hall was built around 1900 for Sir Aubrey Brockelbank, Chairman of The Brocklebank line and his wife Lady Grace Brocklebank; it is said that the beautiful 60-acre lake that surrounds the Hall on three sides was his design inspiration Link

. for many years it was a private residence, hosting glittering parties and gracious living for the elite of Edwardian society. Today, it's a luxury hotel and wedding venue, so the grounds aren't open to the general public.

David Dixon

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Plague Hole is located at Grid Ref: SJ5770 (Lat: 53.2257, Lng: -2.6352366)

Unitary Authority: Cheshire West and Chester

Police Authority: Cheshire