BEST FOOT FORWARD WALKING BREAKS
The Four Matthews
* 2-8 March, 19-25 April, 12-18 July, 4-10 October 2010
* 7-11 miles a day + ascents of up to 550 metres (1,800 feet)
Roam into Anglo-Saxon England on this 40-mile trek across some of the Midlands’ most fascinating yet forgotten natural landmarks.
The quartet of hills rise at virtually equidistant intervals across the one-time Earldom of Matthew Theodoric, the 11th century Earl of Rosterbury. The Earl modestly commissioned a marble bust of himself to crown each hill – thus they became dubbed The Four Matthews.
The ‘Matthews’ at Sneydley in south Shropshire and Tunclough in the Peak District mark the perimeters of his former land, with the two in between gracing the Staffordshire village skylines at Manderwood and Hisley.
The Earl’s powers were drastically curtailed during the reign of William the Conqueror, and the Earldom became obsolete.
The busts were torn down over 600 years later by rampaging anti-Royalists who opposed his descendents’ support for the Cavaliers during the English Civil War.
Only the fragmented and centuries-ravaged head of the Manderwood bust remains, preserved in Manderwood Manor near Wolverhampton, the Jacobean manor house owned by subsequent generations of Theodorics before being sold to a family of local entrepreneurs. Earl Matthew’s ghost is a reputedly frequent visitor!
BFF will be taking groups of up to eight on this idyllic yet testing hike throughout spring and autumn.
We will stay in homely guesthouses along the route, and for our last night have negotiated a very special rate at the prestigious Rosterbury Manor Hotel, owned by famed chef Julian Crowfoot. That evening’s activity, for those who wish to partake, will be an introductory wine tasting course.
The total cost of the break includes all bed, breakfast and evening meals, packed lunches where provided, and admission to Manderwood Manor on day 3.
We transport your baggage door to door between each destination, so you can enjoy the beautiful countryside free of heavy cases and rucksacks. Our luxury mini coach will return all participants to the Sneydley starting point on day 7.
For full booking and costs information, see page…
