The walk was a pleasant walk around Redes Mere and couple of other small lakes with view of Capesthorne Hall and then across farmland and back towards Redes Mere. It was a an easy 3.5 miles in length. Led by Derek & David it was a nice way (for me!) to slide back into the walking season! Gently undulating with a couple of minor inclines it was for the most part a very easy if muddy walk around the lovely Cheshire countryside.
The walk attracted a dozen or so which for early February was a nice number. The weather was about 6 Celsius, dry and crisp! We got to walk close to the beautiful Capesthorne Hall and we were afforded lovely views of it's grounds and gardens. The Hall itself was built between 1719 and 1732. Extensive changes over a hundred years later, included the distinctive turrets and pinnacles. But in 1861 a disastrous fire threatened to destroy the Hall completely. It was only saved by a change of the direction of the wind, which left just two wings remaining. The entire central section was gutted and had to be completely rebuilt. During the Second World War, Capesthorne was used as a Red Cross Hospital and its cellars became an effective bomb shelter for nurses and soldiers.
The historic collection displays a family's taste collected over three centuries and include fine art, marble sculptures, tapestries, Regency, Jacobean and Rococo antiques from throughout Europe and America and the Far East.
The present Squire, Sir William Bromley-Davenport, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire and his American wife Elizabeth (E.B Watts), a professional artist, are the latest of eight generations to live there.
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