스태퍼드셔 황무지‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪3‬개의 동굴

Ratcliffe’s Folly 또는 Ecton Castle, Ecton, Staffordshire – The Folly Flâneuse https://share.google/hVCl639PUpEA4cRMY

An alternative suggestion is that it was built by Robert de Ferrers or his father, around the period known as The Anarchy for, while the de Ferrers supported Stephen of England, the neighbouring Earl of Chester supported Empress Matilda. The castle itself includes a motte and two bailey enclosures, approximately 40 metres and 45 metres across respectively. It had timber defences, ditches and additional flanking earthworks. The castle appears to have been abandoned in subsequent years, and it may be that it was destroyed after William de Ferrers' part in the Revolt of 1173–74, or it might have become abandoned when the land passed to the Duchy of Lancaster after the sixth Earl was dispossessed. Alternatively, it may simply have become redundant as nearby Hartington grew in importance and the village of Pilsbury became increasingly depopulated.

Pilsbury Castle occupied an area of high ground approximately 175 by 150 yards overlooking the River Dove, near the village of Pilsbury. The castle was probably originally an Iron Age fortification before being used by the Normans, and the name "Pilsbury Castle" forms from the Celtic pil, the Saxon bury and the Norman castel, all meaning "fortified site". In early medieval times, the site would have been located along the River Dove routeway, and would also have overlooked a key crossing point. The Normans built a substantial motte-and-bailey castle on the site, and several theories have been put forward as to when and who did so. One theory is that the castle was built in the years following the Norman conquest of England. The area around Pilsbury was granted to Henry de Ferrers by King William; the area was devastated during the harrying of the North, and the castle may have been built in the aftermath by Henry to establish control.

Great views at the top of the hill, can get muddy and does have a few gates

Superb views up the valley, plus the fantastic ruins of Pillsbury castle. When we visited it was guarded by a cat who wouldn't let us pass until we'd fussed her plenty

lovely track, it was muddy when we rode it where we lost traction and ended up walking. Lovely views but very sticky mud!!!

Designed for the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury by AW Pugin, a leading exponent in gothic revivalism, Alton Castle is a romantic sight above the village of the same name. Work began in 1847 on the site of a much older Saxon castle. It is a Grade I-listed building and today operates as a Catholic Young Retreat centre, welcoming thousands of children through its doors every year.

This is a bridleway, but it's narrow and rocky in places. You'll probably need a mountain bike for this section.