Hi, could someone tell me if the above public footbath at the above point gives public access/right of way through to Whaley Hall & then right down to Toddbrook Reser? The path runs parallel to a large detached house with a greenhouse in the front with large Leylandi acting as its fence with about  a 10 metre gap which the path sits on. I tried to walk through (have done for 14 years) but someone has extended barbed wire across preventing access. The alternative is to cut into a field to the right where there are cows & (last year) a bull. I've been chased by the latter twice & avoid going through the field, plus it gets very boggy & uncompatible with my heels. There is a statutory 'public footpath' sign denoting it as such, however, the barbed wire makes access difficult & wondered if this was legal. There is also a fierce brown sheep dog that roams around there as well to add to the fun. Any guidance appreciated.

Edited by user 16 July 2012 18:02:56(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Whaley Hall

From Fr Jamie

GOOD Evening.

I thought I would just point out a few facts so that everyone can be clear rather than jumping to any wrong information as this can easily be done !

Their is NO Public Footpath that runs through Whaley Hall Estate. 

A few years ago their was a meeting called at Matlock for a public footpath to go from Whaley Lane, and partly down the original drive of the Hall which takes you then across the Field, and onto Reservoir Rd.

This is the footpath that you should be taking and not coming through the estate.

Sadly when the field was sold the new owners put a barbed wire fence across, and so we can not drive over what was the original drive.

The private entrance to the Hall has become rather slippy and we have had children  trying to get the said dog angry in order to chase after them, either walking or on bikes, which has nearly ended up in tears !!!!

 The  dog does not belong to the Hall or to me and was reported to the Vet  recently and we are not responsible for the dog.

 when we have had people staying at the Hall damage has been done to cars.

I feel this is not acceptable and I am sure that if you were in our situation of having people come into your back garden  or through your home then you would not be happy either !!!!!

We can not help you with regards to the Cows in the fields all  I can say is be careful.

I hope that gives you some clarification that  Whalley Hall Estate is Private Land and not part of the  Public Right of Way and that we are not held responsible for any injuries or accidents, if you have not been given permission to be on the estate.

Sorry if this sounds as if we are being un social but as you may be aware, we have recently had a lot of damage done mounting up to 10K and in the past years we have had the outside lights broken and I am sure as I have already said that im sure you would not have put up with half of that !!!!

In the meantime do watch out when crossing the field and lets hope for some nicer weather in the meantime.

Happy Summer !!!!!

Fr Jamie

Whaley Hall

To match the public spirited act of the Estate of Whaley Hall, I would like to offer those inconvenianced by the paths closure a free place on the noble art of the Matador. I would need aminimum of two students, as when one is either trampled or gored by El Torro, the remaining survivor would be required to either alert the emergency services or assist with the hasty recovery & exit of trainee El Cordobes. The course will also provide basic first aid skills.Swords are provided. Ole.