Easy hikes and walks around Defford

Lovely old Sandstone bridge that is so narrow it is single track only and so is controlled by traffic lights. Note there is a small car park on the Eckington side that can get full very quickly, some folk have taken to parking on the road partially blocking it - it is illegal to park on the road here due to the double white lines.

A very pleasant spot for a break

One of the feature buildings on the Croome Landscape Park, a lovely location at sunset, with it's views across the Croome River.

From our research, this dry stone well was originally dug sometime between 1800 and 1810. It was a clear indication that the Dipping Pond was insufficient for the needs of the garden by then, either due to limited capacity or simply because it was too far to carry water up to the top. When we first arrived, the only indication that it even existed was marked by a broken-down fence and some barbed wire. Who knows what might have fallen in there during the 50 years of abandonment. To render it safe, we constructed a red brick head with a steel grid, rather than opting to fill it in and, perhaps, later regretting it. It was Autumn of 2022 when we revisited the prospect of further investigation, this time through necessity. For the second consecutive year, the Gardens had suffered from drought, with our water storage tanks running dry. We needed to act to avoid future recurrences and the prospect of adding more unsightly tanks was unappealing and expensive. The Well seemed an obvious choice to explore, despite the risk of what we might find down there. Unfortunately, it needed to be dredged to bring the level down to below the water table. After a lengthy discussion with our site manager, it was mutually agreed that neither of us were prepared to climb down the well. So, after a Google search, we found a specialist well dredging firm, who agreed to take on the task. The husband-and-wife team arrived in November, set up their tripod with block & tackle and began their work. He operated the pulleys while she was lowered into the hole with a bucket and trowel. After several days of excavating dark and smelly sludge, they hit some inanimate objects which were too heavy for their lifting equipment. A week or so later, they returned with a heavy-duty overhead crane, which proved sufficient to retrieve the cast iron pump which, at some point, had been cut into shorter pieces and thrown back down the well. With the offending objects now removed, they were able to complete their task and restore the well to its former glory. Happily, we now have an abundant supply of water to keep the irrigation system topped up all year round

The Croome Chinese Bridge is a replica of an 18th-century bridge at Croome Court in Worcestershire, England, which was rebuilt in 2015. The original bridge, designed by William Halfpenny around 1740-1749 for the 6th Earl of Coventry, fell into decay by the late 19th century. The replica was constructed using original plans, excavated remains of the stone foundations, and fragments found during a river dredging. Original bridge: Constructed in the 1740s to a design by architect William Halfpenny for the 6th Earl of Coventry. Location: It crosses a small lake or canal in the parkland of Croome Court. Decline: The original bridge rotted away and was lost by the late 19th century. Discovery: Fragments of the original bridge were found in the river during dredging in 2013. Reconstruction: The National Trust rebuilt the bridge in 2015, using the original plans and the newly discovered fragments to ensure accuracy. Modern bridge: The new bridge is an authentic replica built on the historical foundations. It connects the house to the parkland and is a prominent feature of the landscape, despite being positioned slightly differently due to the roots of a large plane tree. source: internet

The Croome Rotunda is a Grade I listed circular garden temple located in the parkland of Croome Court in Worcestershire, England. Designed by Robert Adam in the 1760s and later remodelled by James Wyatt in 1801, it was intended as a hunting and viewing platform with a domed roof that offers panoramic views of the Malvern Hills. The structure, built from bath stone, has been subject to extensive restoration by the National Trust. Design and purpose Architects: Originally designed by Robert Adam in the 1760s, it was later redesigned by James Wyatt in 1801, based on Adam's earlier work. Architectural style: The design was modeled after the Tempietto Romano in Rome. It is a circular, two-story building constructed from bath stone. Function: It served as a garden room and a viewing platform, providing a place to admire the landscape and hunt, and was one of the 6th Earl of Coventry's favorite spots. Interior: The interior features Rococo plasterwork on the walls and window surrounds and a coffered ceiling on the dome. source: internet

Memorial with the following inscription: TO THE MEMORY OF GEORGE WILLIAM, EARL OF COVENTRY. THE FOLLOWING LINES WERE INSCRIBED BY HIS SUCCESSOR. OCT. 25, 1809. Sacred to him, the Genius of this place! Who reared these shades. and formd these sweet retreats: With evry incense-breathing shrub. adorn'd And flowers of fairest hue! His culturd taste. And native fancy bade the scene, around. Rise perfect and the muse, whom much he lovd Still joys to haunt it. Crownd with length of days. He lived-one wish alone unsated: much His loyal heart had cherish'd a fond hope To hail this day of jubilee - and close His earthly course, in Britain's hour of joy

The Croome Walled Gardens are privately owned, historic, and restored Georgian gardens, separate from the National Trust's Croome parkland. Originally dating to the 16th century, they were brought back to life by Chris and Karen Cronin starting in 2000. The gardens feature large greenhouses, a rose garden, and vegetable plots, and they are open to the public from April to September on weekends and bank holidays. History and restoration The gardens were once part of the landscape designed by "Capability" Brown and fell into ruin before the restoration project began. The privately owned gardens have been restored by custodians Chris and Karen Cronin since 2000. The gardens are notable for their size and the 18th-century records that have survived, making them of national importance. They were once used to supply food for Croome Court and include historical features like a 13-foot high "hot wall" from the early 19th century.