Whitley Park

Downs, Moorland in Yorkshire

England

Whitley Park

Whitley Lower, St Mary's and Michael's church This is the south-east facing wall of the church, and on the 5th course of stone is a cut benchmark. — Whitley Lower, St Mary's and Michael's church Credit: Mel Towler

Whitley Park, located in the picturesque region of Yorkshire, is a sprawling area that encompasses both the Downs and Moorland. Spanning over acres of lush greenery and diverse landscapes, this park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and offers a wealth of outdoor activities.

The Downs of Whitley Park are characterized by rolling hills and expansive meadows, providing visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, picnics, or to simply soak in the tranquility of the surroundings. The Downs also offer opportunities for birdwatching, as various species can be spotted in the area.

In contrast, the Moorland section of Whitley Park presents a more rugged terrain, with heather-clad hills and open spaces. This part of the park is beloved by hikers and adventure seekers who can explore the network of trails that crisscross the moors. The Moorland is also home to a rich array of wildlife, from elusive red grouse to stoats and hares.

Whitley Park, Yorkshire, offers facilities for visitors to make the most of their time in the park. There are well-maintained walking paths, picnic areas, and information boards to guide visitors through the different sections of the park. Additionally, the park has designated parking areas and toilet facilities to ensure convenience for all visitors.

Overall, Whitley Park, with its combination of Downs and Moorland, provides a unique and captivating experience for nature lovers. Whether it's for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous hike, this park offers something for everyone to enjoy amidst the beautiful landscapes of Yorkshire.

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Whitley Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.642122/-1.6843932 or Grid Reference SE2016. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Whitley Lower, St Mary's and Michael's church

This is the south-east facing wall of the church, and on the 5th course of stone is a cut benchmark.

Mel Towler

Whitley Lower, St Mary's and Michael's church

A wider angle showing the south-east facing wall of the church, and on the 5th course of stone is a cut benchmark.

Mel Towler

Whitley Lower, Woolpack PH

The pub is on the north side of Whitley Road; according to older OS maps there is a benchmark cut into this front facia. The wall is badly weathered on some of the lower courses of stone and nothing could be found.

Mel Towler

Bridleway above Hepworth Wood

Stephen Craven

Hollies alongside a bridleway

The holly bushes were filled with song thrushes and other small birds responding to the first warm weather of spring.

Stephen Craven

View from Dransfield Hill

Looking north-east across the lower Calder Valley.

Stephen Craven

Plantation at Dransfield Hill Farm

Stephen Craven

Ruined barn on Healey Green Lane

Part of Croft Side Farm.

Stephen Craven

Croft Side Farm

Viewed from Healey Green Lane.

Stephen Craven

Dumb Steeple

Possible boundary marker for the Beaumont Estate or another eye-catcher in their former Whitley Park

Kevin Waterhouse

Old milestone

On the A642 east of Grange Moor Traffic Island, where the Barnsley and Grange Moor turnpike (1759-1870) met the 27 mile long Wakefield and Austerlands first enacted in 1759. But this is a milestone set up by the West Riding CC in 1893/94 hidden under the hedge. It was dug up, painted and reset in 2010. Grade II listed 1313334.

Chris Minto

Old milestone

Grass trampled down, another of over half of the 615 milestones still by the roadside that were set up by the family firm of F Stead and Son of Mirfield. They won the contract from the newly formed West Riding County Council to set up these milestones all over the old West Riding in 1893/94. The contract specified that the work must be done in 12 months and they achieved that.

Chris Minto

Old milestone

Prior to 2008 this is what the WRCC milestone, 9 miles from Wakefield, opposite the White Horse PH, now Bar 319, looked like. It was uplifted by Kirklees Council together with the milestone a mile nearer Huddersfield. It was repaired by having the whole of the left face replaced. By 2012 it was set back up but at the Wakefield 10 mile point!

Chris Minto

Old milestone

By 2012 the milestones Wakefield 9 and 10 were set back up. This one had been very sunken and a mile nearer Huddersfield. A new backing stone was made from a shaped coping stone from a wall top and is larger than the original. The milestone is now leaning backwards slightly. This says Huddersfield 3¼ but there will be an extra mile to go if you are walking or cycling! Grade II listed 1184132.

Chris Minto

Old milestone

Prior to 2008 this late 19thC West Riding CC milestone was on the southwest corner of Grange Moor roundabout near the pub. In 2008 it was uplifted for refurbishment.

Chris Minto

Old milestone

By 2012 the West Riding CC milestone at Grange Moor TI at the junction of the A637 and A642 had been reset on the opposite side of the A637 which is the correct orientation for the legends. A new backing stone had been fashioned from a wall coping stone. In 2018 it had been knocked slightly sideways. Fortunately no damage was done to the milestone. Grade II listed 1313289.

Chris Minto

Old milestone

This shows the shape of the 'new' backing stone and how the milestone at Grange Moor roundabout has been pushed over slightly. The holes would have, once upon a time, held railings. Many were taken off for the war effort, 1939-45. Grade II listed 1313289.

Chris Minto