Kinver walkabout.

I liked this newish boat waiting to ascend Kinver Lock with its Ovaltine advert painted on the cratch-board. We went on to moor just beyond it and had a snack on board. Then on Sunday afternoon we went walking through the village and on up the hill to find the Rock Houses.

The upper houses where the three gables are on the left were three residences until 1963 after which-they fell into disrepair. Restoration began in 1990 and they were opened as a Tea Room in c2010 in the ownership of the National Trust.

These are the lower cave/rock dwellings that may have been occupied for hundreds or even thousands of years. Water was drawn from the well just outside, which was believed to have been 180 feet deep.

Only one has been opened up to the public and restored to show life in a Rock House during the 1930’s.

This is one of the un-restored ones and a wander inside shows that much graffiti has been carved into the soft sandstone walls over the years.

The gardens were laid out in cottage garden style and there were lovely views all around. Although there was rather a cool breeze blowing, so we went into the cafe for a well earned drink to warm us up.

We walked up Kinver Edge through a twisting wooded lane to the church on top. we rested on a seat and soaked up the views of the surrounding countryside from on top of the world.

This ‘Farmers Fire and Life’ mark graced the front of one cottage.

Walking back down the lane towards the canal we came across this fine old timber frame building. A plaque on the wall states that it was the Old Grammar School House built 1511 and restored in 1975 for which it won an award from Staffordshire CC Civic Trust for it’s renovation.  Kinver has a nice variety of small shops, including a Co-op.