Staunton Harold - Breedon - Church on the Hill (The Thirteen Stiles)

Roy Davenport

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Staunton Harold: a house, church, garden centre, craft shops, workshops and café. Originally it belonged to Harold, a Saxon owner, but William the Conqueror gave the estate to Henry de Ferraris (later Earl Ferrers). In 1423 it passed through marriage to the Shirleys. King Charles II made Sir Robert Shirley a Baron and Queen Anne restored the Earldom. The present house is circa 1770. The church was built in 1653 and is unique. Over the door can be read an interesting inscription and inside are a magnificent iron chancel screen and painted ceiling. From Waymark 3, look behind for a fabulous picture of the house, church and lake.

The Staunton Ridgeway path was introduced in 1994 and covers about 3km of the walk. This is where you will cross the thirteen stiles, each one hand-crafted and inscribed to make up the two quotations. You will find gaps built into the estate walls so that the view the other side can be enjoyed. As you come to the end of the walls, look for the Stonemason's Keyhole! Breedon, this wonderful Church on the Hill, was founded as a monastery about 676 AD. It stands on the site of an Iron Age hill-fort. It was re-founded as an Augustinian Priory in the early 12th Century. Inside can be found the famous 1,200 year-old Saxon carvings - not to be missed. From the outside there are fantastic views over the Charnwood Forest, Derbyshire Hills, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

England - Central England - Leicestershire - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, National Trust, Pub, Restaurant, Stately Home, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

10/7/2017 - Roy Davenport

I did this walk today. The golf course at WP10 is no longer there,(thank you Mr Mistry) locals told me it had been moved further over to the right. The photo here and at WP11 have been updated as has the text. I could find no problems at WPs 15 and 16. Following the directions will lead you along the right path. Roy Davenport

9/15/2017 - Jill Hempsall

I did this walk with a friend on 7th September. A wonderful walk, lots to see, lots of changing landscapes and loved the thirteen stiles. We found some of the instructions a little bit vague though. Point 10 - re previous comment about it no longer being a golf course. It is still a golf course, it was all freshly cut when we walked. We followed the instructions and crossed the fairway (going round the edge) but didn't find the track between the trees or the stile on the road? There are a few gaps - maybe we picked the wrong one. On the way back we struggled with points 15 and 16 - vague instructions re how many fields you cross. Despite a bit of a detour (and ending up at the cafe in Breedon first before we went to the church!), it's a great walk. Would definitely do it again.

8/13/2017 - Mangal Mistry

I did this walk again on 13/08/17 ... At point 10 .. Golf course is no longer there ...now it's just grazing fields and following the path right across is much easier ...

8/16/2014 - Mangal Mistry

I did this walk again on Friday (15/08/14). It is one of the best walks I have done, with beautiful scenery; thirteen unique hand crafted stiles, workshops, amazing church on the hill and golf courses. That problem stile at point 7 is now fixed. It has been replaced by spring loaded wooden fence. You can see my photos of this walk at http://tinyurl.com/k7sm93h

5/22/2012 - Roy Davenport

I'm sorry that Debra had problems climbing this fence, I believe that there should be two stiles in place. This point is on the border of Derbyshire and Leicestershire I have asked both authorities to have a look at the problem but I think they both believe it belongs to the other side.

5/20/2012 - Debra Wyatt

Loved this walk up until Number 7!! Until this point the walk was dog friendly and person friendly. You get to the so called double fence. I am a fit 50 year old but I am only 5' and I struggled because it was like a box you had to climb into and the slats were not at a comfortable height. Anyway I managed that, keeping the dogs on the lead because of the cows. Get across the field and people can get over the stile but not dogs. The hedge is so prickly and butted up to the stile that the dogs couldnt even crawl through and they are springers, they can usually get through anything. I ended up having to lift them over the stile!!! But that was the only bad part. I loved the rest of the walk. If I could find a way to miss that bit out I would.

4/21/2010 - Mangal Mistry

I've done this walk a couple of times again as it's a wonderful walk. You can see my pictures at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/mistrymangal/Copy20OfMyPics000307Walk3253StauntonHarold1100410# First time I did this walk, I went wrong when crossing the golf course as I was intimidated by golfers.Now, just follow the markers - it's your right of way.

7/30/2009 - Mangal Mistry

I did this walk on 16/07/09. A really wonderful walk, - I really enjoyed it. Perfect instructions by the author, including where to park, lots to see at the Staunton Hall itself, wonderful woods, - add to that the Ridgeway path with hand crafted thirteen stiles, inscribed with quotations. Wonderful scenery, wildlife and architecture. Breedon church is also worth spending a little time.

7/14/2008 - Walkingworld Administrator

A report was made to the authorities concerning an attack from dogs let loose from farm buildings in the Scotland area (waymark 7) in July 2008. If walking with a dog please take care. Walkingworld has received no similar reports since but please do keep us informed.

3/22/2008 - Tracy Ayres

Did this 22nd March 08 - really lovely walk. Beautiful Churches and scenery. Extremely well signed - directions very clear so no getting lost! Please note though that farmer had not made path clear on last field (you have to cut across field diagonally through crops and there is no clear path). There are also no stepping stones on golf course, but easy to follow anyway. Enjoyed the 13 stiles, very pleasureable and would recommend this walk.

6/11/2007 - Mark Jerrom

Did this yesterday (10/06/2007) and it was very pleasant indeed. The signposting was excellent with extremely easy to follow directions :)