This is my favourite park in Huddersfield. Also it's first, built in 1883 by Prince Leopold, 4th son to Queen Victoria. It still retains a lot of it's Victorian features. It's a slightly odd park in that it is built on 3 levels. There are not any wide open spaces, it consists mainly of vegetation and walkways, but the "Friends of Beaumont Park" community keep it in great condition, planting a variety of different species so there's always something of interest to look at as you walk around.
I'll take you on the route that I usually walk around with my partner and dogs. It was a damp misty day today! :)
We start off by walking down the steps at one end of the park to the bottom tier. This castle like structure was the original entrance to the park. The mud track on the other side was once the road at which horses would arrive on, but it later got replaced by a railway and since then many different entrances were created (not so grand!) on the upper tier to the park. I first stumbled upon this park when riding my bike not long after moving to the area and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this, it was like something out of Lord of the Rings!
Down on this lower tier there are some amazing trees. This Red Cedar tree (seen on the right of the first image) stands tall and proud. A great entry for #treetuesday :D
Next we ascend up some stairs to the middle tier. The top and middle tiers are separated by this rock face. It's lovely orange colour gives a nice contrast against the surround greenery. There's so many varying colours and textures to look at it's very pleasing to the eye and creates a lovely atmosphere. The dogs love it too; so many smells and nooks and crannies to go and explore they love coming here.
We pass by this beautifully sculptured tree trunk that is being used as a sign to direct walkers to the different tiers. On the banking opposite are these large trees with all their roots exposed, clinging onto banking to keep themselves upright.
We pass on by these stairs to the upper tier but don't take the opportunity, there's more interest in the lower tiers. More trees, less people, more intrigue in general. The top tier is more for families with a long wide concreted path down the centre, often occupied by families pushing prams or smaller dogs who are kept on lead. Our dogs need to be let off to release their energy and explore, so we tend keep to the lower levels.
We peer up through this tunnel that cuts under the concrete path on the upper tier. There's a small water feature up there which water runs off which you can see at the end of the tunnel.
We reach the end of the middle tier and head on up to the top. The best thing about the top is that you get some great views over Huddersfield. There are less trees up there so the view is not blocked by them.
This is a particularly good spot where you get views of Castle Hill and the Lockwood Viaduct that trains run over on the line from Huddersfield to Sheffield. You can also spot the Newsome clock tower peering above the tree line here.
This is a great park and a joy to walk around. For anyone in or around West Yorkshire, whether living or visiting, I would highly recommend! It's maybe a mile or two walk if you cover the entire park, but if you want to walk further there are some more woods and fields in the surrounding area, which we often do - the boys need it!
Happy #wednesdaywalk folks!
