Hognaston: Building History, Church and Two Routes

If you are considering Hognaston as a travel destination, two clear themes can help guide your plans: historic buildings and different types of routes. Old Hall, Knowl House and St Bartholomew’s Church provide specific points of reference for the area’s building history; the Carsington Loop is a cycling loop, while the Carsington Water & Hognaston circular walk includes the church. Which of these interests you prioritise can guide your search for a hotel for your stay.

Historic buildings and imagery

Old Hall was built on Main Street in 1611; Knowl House dates from 1694. The two construction dates are 83 years apart. Old Hall is therefore the earlier of the two dated buildings, and Knowl House the later. The specific years place both houses in the 17th century and provide two distinct chronological reference points for Hognaston’s building history.

Another historical detail can be found at St Bartholomew’s Church in Hognaston: above the south doorway is a tympanum featuring stone carving that is about 800 years old. The scene above the doorway shows a shepherd with a crook protecting the Lamb of God from a wolf, a wild boar and a fox. A tympanum is the field above a doorway; the term places the carving directly at the entrance. The central theme is an act of protection: the shepherd defends the lamb against three animals. The approximate age given for the tympanum differs from the specific construction dates of the two houses.

Cycling route and church walk

The Carsington Loop is a 27 km, moderate-difficulty circular cycling route. 57 percent of the route is on roads, and 43 percent is on paths. The length, difficulty rating and surface proportions describe different aspects of the same cycling route: the distance indicates its scope, while the other details show its rating and mix of surfaces. Hognaston is one of the pub stops on the Carsington Loop.

The Carsington Water & Hognaston circular walk has a different focus: it leads from the road to the church in Hognaston and, on the return, follows the village street and passes the church before returning to Hognaston. Check the path conditions before setting out.

Your choice depends on the type of route you want. On the Carsington Loop, you can consider the 27 km distance, its moderate rating and the proportion of road and path sections together. On the Carsington Water & Hognaston circular walk, the church and the return route via the village street provide specific points of reference. You can choose between a cycling loop with a stated distance and a walk associated with the church.

Planning locally

Hognaston Village Hall can be hired seven days a week, subject to availability. Advance notice is required for all bookings. The fact that it can be hired on seven days of the week does not mean that availability is guaranteed. If you would like to use the hall during your stay, check availability and give advance notice of your booking.

Discover more destinations: Kirk Ireton, Chelmorton, Tideswell, Swanwick, Buxton, Ault Hucknall, Hartington, Tansley.

For the wider travel overview: Derbyshire.