In Search Of...Hobbit-like walking paths - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Tuor of Gondolin · 08-31-2004, 07:30 PM

I’ve started the Walk to Rivendell hiking and therefore have been looking for
interesting, and somewhat Middle-earthish paths in the Southeastern Pa. and
southern New Jersey area. Many of them seem to be either very remote, and
barely existent, or almost “industrial strength” walkways made to accomodate
large numbers of joggers, walkers, and bicyclists, with partially cindered
walkways (one example being Forbidden Drive in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia.
BUT I’ve come across one place in Montgomery County:

http://www.libertynet.org/pert/trails.htm

which has a real hobbity feel. The paths tend to curve and loop back,
are partially covered in wood chips- comfy to walk on, there are some
(wooden) benches scattered about, and there’s even a nature preserve area
with a path through it somewhat reminiscent of Farmer Maggot’s area of
the Shire. You’re almost surprised the park headquarters doesn’t have round
doors and the Green Dragon isn’t at the end of one of the paths.
Are there any other such walking path surprises anyone has found, especially in the U.K. (or elsewhere), since I occasionally get there and the only fairly serious walking I’ve done is a bit in the Cotswolds? For that matter, in New
New Zealand, what of the areas shown in FOTR when Frodo and Sam are leaving
the Shire, are they on any walking tours, maps?

P.S. Since (again) starting (somewhat) serious walking I’ve gained new
respect for hobbits, and particularly out-of–condition Frodo, for their hiking prowess right from the beginning.

P.P.S. Hope this is the right forum for this.

P.P.P.S. Is there a way to get longer lines of type across lines. I've tried, but
when a message is posted it seems to break into varied long and short lines, like
above.

piosenniel · 09-01-2004, 01:17 AM

Here's a nice Shire-like place for those Hobbits living in the southern Willamette Valley of Oregon:

Mt. Pisgah Arboretum

From the top of Mount Pisgah you can appreciate this scene in LotR - Book One - Chapter 11 - Knife in the Dark:

Quote:

Standing upon the rim of the ruined circle, they saw all round below them a wide prospect, for the most part of lands empty and featureless, except for patches of woodland away to the south, beyond which they caught here & there the glint of distant water. Beneath them on this southern side there ran like a ribbon the Old Road, coming out of the West & winding up & down, until it faded behind a ridge of dark land to the east. Nothing was moving on it. Following its line eastward with their eyes they saw the mountains: the nearer foothills were brown & sombre; behind them stood taller shapes of grey; and behind those again were high white peaks glimmering among the clouds.

mark12_30 · 09-01-2004, 06:09 AM

In Rhode Island, nothing beats Arcadia . There are roads broad and paths slender, trickling brooks and mossy streams, withywindle rivers, pine ridges, beech groves, deep woods, hills, and plenty of rocks for Trolls to hide in.

Lalwendë · 09-01-2004, 01:38 PM

I've never been to the US but from what I've read Appalachia sounds fantastic and unearthly. Someone's going to shatter my illusions now, I can just see it!

In the UK, there's a lot of strange walks you can take. Boggle Hole in North Yorkshire is a fairy glen leading straight down to the sea, which I think of as very elven. You can read descriptions of it in AS Byatt's Possession. Or you could visit the real Green Dragon Inn at Hardraw Force in North Yorkshire. I can always recommend walking around Malham, too, as long as you don't go at weekend!

Cornwall provides some very 'hobbity' walking. The little lanes are very narrow and edged with steep stone banks, covered in vegetation - lethal for cars, but wonderful for walkers as you see so many plant species, and occasionally lizards. Speaking of lizards, you are guaranteed to see these on the Goonhilly Downs in Cornwall, with the added bonus of feeling you are on the Barrow Downs. Unfortunately, you do have to look away from the huge radar station (unless you like that kind of thing).

I also like Stanton Moor in Derbyshire, which has an ancient feel. Here you find the Nine Ladies stone circle, hidden among the trees. This place has just been saved from quarrying, thankfully.

Lancashire has a lot of hobbity places, well away from the towns, and it is said that Tolkien may have drawn his inspiration for The Shire from around the Ribble Valley. There are a few hidden away places well worth a visit, including the tiny village of Slaidburn which is hidden in a steep valley and has a pub called The Hark to Bounty. Going West from here you'll also come across Dunsop Bridge, and then the Trough of Bowland, where you could spend all day walking round and imagining yourself in Middle Earth. Move on from here and you should come to Quernmoor, where you can go up a castellated tower and survey the view for miles.

The Elusive Spirit · 09-01-2004, 07:17 PM

Tuor, I know of many good trails in southwestern PA. I don't know any off hand, but if you feel like driving several hours west I can find some names for you. I do know of a beautiful trail out by the state college that reminds me of the hobbit's path out of Bree. I think my dad knows the name. I can ask him if your
interested.

For anyone who is looking for a nice vacation you should head to Gatlinburg, Ten. The town is very touristy but it is extremely close to the Great Smoky Mts. If you haven't guessed, it is the Misty Mts. in the United States.
Another place out of Middle Earth is the Bad Lands National Park, South Dakota. My brother and I agree it looks strikingly like Enym Muil.
Many happy trails!

Lalwendë · 09-02-2004, 12:33 PM

Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods is a great book if you like walking - he sets out on the Appalachian Trail and his adventures are funny and informative - for a Brit anyway. This book should give you plenty of ideas for good Hobbity and Entish walks.

Melilot Brandybuck · 03-04-2009, 06:33 AM

IMO, Exmoor, a national park in the SW of the UK, (and where I live) is as Shire-like as can be. There are areas on this planet that receive more than their fair share of beauty, and Exmoor is one of them.

Gentle rolling fields and woodlands. Higher up, you come to open moorland covered in heather. Pretty streams, little villages with old cottages, very unspoilt countryside. And an extremely good network of public footpaths that go for miles and miles. Very untouristy, I can walk for hours and not see another soul. Plus, we have barrows - real honest to goodness barrows (if you fancy imagining yourself on the Downs). Not yet seen a barrow wight, but I keep hoping.

Exmoor is a walker's paradise, and because of the distance from larger cities, with no major roads spoiling it, it does not attract the hoardes of tourists that areas like the Cotswolds or New Forest do. Long may it stay that way. The countryside is very much as it looked a 100 years ago, even 200 years ago. As it is a National Park, it will stay that way. I love it here, and have yet to see a part of the UK I like more.

In fact, it so Shire-like, I always find myself thinking of the hobbits when I walk, I just can't help it!

Raefindel · 03-04-2009, 10:48 PM

It sounds wonderful! I'd so love to see it Melilot!

Lalwendë · 03-10-2009, 09:19 AM

Anyone in the UK might have found some ideas from last night's Railway walks on BBC2 which was about the Monsal Trail. I've been along some of this and it's ace - loads of old tunnels, lime kiln workings, trout, and it includes the valley far below Monsal Head, the old mill villages of Litton and Cresswell and a weird bit where there is no actual path, but you have to go along stepping stones in the Wye at the foot of a gorge!

Mithalwen · 03-12-2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melilot Brandybuck

IMO, Exmoor, a national park in the SW of the UK, (and where I live) is as Shire-like as can be. There are areas on this planet that receive more than their fair share of beauty, and Exmoor is one of them.

while I love the West Country, and find very Middleearth-ish parts of my native New Forest (less happy about that being made a National Park though since we have been managing our own affairs nicely for centuries now). I have to admit that Tolkien's own Warwickshire does (unsuprisingly) out do anywhere else for Shireness. I conceded defeat on a summer visit a few years ago. Nevertheless I know a bluebell wood or two locally that would fit nicely and beechwoods that would make even an elvish heart sing....

Lalwendë · 03-12-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

while I love the West Country, and find very Middleearth-ish parts of my native New Forest (less happy about that being made a National Park though since we have been managing our own affairs nicely for centuries now). I have to admit that Tolkien's own Warwickshire does (unsuprisingly) out do anywhere else for Shireness. I conceded defeat on a summer visit a few years ago. Nevertheless I know a bluebell wood or two locally that would fit nicely and beechwoods that would make even an elvish heart sing....

What about that terrible 'Christmas Land' theme park complete with mud and fist fights that opened in Ringwood last year? Surely that would be more like something out of Mordor?

Very atypical for the New Forest - I remember going there and finding it a lovely place, apart from the pubs which were...odd...

TheGreatElvenWarrior · 03-12-2009, 05:05 PM

There is a park by my house (in Anchorage, AK), that reminds me much of the Shire, although I do not live in the UK (wish I did), it is still a nice place to walk, my little brother and I went on a walk there barefoot.

Eönwë · 03-12-2009, 05:16 PM

I agree with Mithalwen. The New Forest is very Middle-Earthish. Or at least seemed to be so at the times when I have been there.

08-31-2004, 07:30 PM	#1
Tuor of Gondolin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pennsylvania, WtR, passed Sarn Gebir: Above the rapids (1239 miles) BtR, passed Black Rider Stopping Place (31 miles) Posts: 1,548	In Search Of...Hobbit-like walking paths I’ve started the Walk to Rivendell hiking and therefore have been looking for interesting, and somewhat Middle-earthish paths in the Southeastern Pa. and southern New Jersey area. Many of them seem to be either very remote, and barely existent, or almost “industrial strength” walkways made to accomodate large numbers of joggers, walkers, and bicyclists, with partially cindered walkways (one example being Forbidden Drive in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. BUT I’ve come across one place in Montgomery County: http://www.libertynet.org/pert/trails.htm which has a real hobbity feel. The paths tend to curve and loop back, are partially covered in wood chips- comfy to walk on, there are some (wooden) benches scattered about, and there’s even a nature preserve area with a path through it somewhat reminiscent of Farmer Maggot’s area of the Shire. You’re almost surprised the park headquarters doesn’t have round doors and the Green Dragon isn’t at the end of one of the paths. Are there any other such walking path surprises anyone has found, especially in the U.K. (or elsewhere), since I occasionally get there and the only fairly serious walking I’ve done is a bit in the Cotswolds? For that matter, in New New Zealand, what of the areas shown in FOTR when Frodo and Sam are leaving the Shire, are they on any walking tours, maps? P.S. Since (again) starting (somewhat) serious walking I’ve gained new respect for hobbits, and particularly out-of–condition Frodo, for their hiking prowess right from the beginning. P.P.S. Hope this is the right forum for this. P.P.P.S. Is there a way to get longer lines of type across lines. I've tried, but when a message is posted it seems to break into varied long and short lines, like above. __________________ Aure Entuluva! Last edited by Tuor of Gondolin; 08-31-2004 at 07:41 PM.

09-01-2004, 06:09 AM	#3
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	In Rhode Island, nothing beats Arcadia . There are roads broad and paths slender, trickling brooks and mossy streams, withywindle rivers, pine ridges, beech groves, deep woods, hills, and plenty of rocks for Trolls to hide in. __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.

09-01-2004, 07:17 PM	#5
The Elusive Spirit Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The out-skirts of Bree, on my way to some where. Posts: 53	Tuor, I know of many good trails in southwestern PA. I don't know any off hand, but if you feel like driving several hours west I can find some names for you. I do know of a beautiful trail out by the state college that reminds me of the hobbit's path out of Bree. I think my dad knows the name. I can ask him if your interested. For anyone who is looking for a nice vacation you should head to Gatlinburg, Ten. The town is very touristy but it is extremely close to the Great Smoky Mts. If you haven't guessed, it is the Misty Mts. in the United States. Another place out of Middle Earth is the Bad Lands National Park, South Dakota. My brother and I agree it looks strikingly like Enym Muil. Many happy trails! __________________ Before these fields were shorn and tilled, Full to the brim our rivers flowed; The melody of waters filled The fresh and boundless wood, And torrents dashed, and rivlets played, And fountains spouted in the shade. -Bryant

03-04-2009, 06:33 AM	#7
Melilot Brandybuck Animated Skeleton Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 35	Exmoor IMO, Exmoor, a national park in the SW of the UK, (and where I live) is as Shire-like as can be. There are areas on this planet that receive more than their fair share of beauty, and Exmoor is one of them. Gentle rolling fields and woodlands. Higher up, you come to open moorland covered in heather. Pretty streams, little villages with old cottages, very unspoilt countryside. And an extremely good network of public footpaths that go for miles and miles. Very untouristy, I can walk for hours and not see another soul. Plus, we have barrows - real honest to goodness barrows (if you fancy imagining yourself on the Downs). Not yet seen a barrow wight, but I keep hoping. Exmoor is a walker's paradise, and because of the distance from larger cities, with no major roads spoiling it, it does not attract the hoardes of tourists that areas like the Cotswolds or New Forest do. Long may it stay that way. The countryside is very much as it looked a 100 years ago, even 200 years ago. As it is a National Park, it will stay that way. I love it here, and have yet to see a part of the UK I like more. In fact, it so Shire-like, I always find myself thinking of the hobbits when I walk, I just can't help it! __________________ The original and best Mel B

03-04-2009, 10:48 PM	#8
Raefindel Sword of the Spirit Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Washington State Posts: 1,313	It sounds wonderful! I'd so love to see it Melilot! __________________ Blessed be the Lord my Strength, Who trained my hands for war and my fingers to fight. Psallm 144:1

09-01-2004, 01:38 PM	#4
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	I've never been to the US but from what I've read Appalachia sounds fantastic and unearthly. Someone's going to shatter my illusions now, I can just see it! In the UK, there's a lot of strange walks you can take. Boggle Hole in North Yorkshire is a fairy glen leading straight down to the sea, which I think of as very elven. You can read descriptions of it in AS Byatt's Possession. Or you could visit the real Green Dragon Inn at Hardraw Force in North Yorkshire. I can always recommend walking around Malham, too, as long as you don't go at weekend! Cornwall provides some very 'hobbity' walking. The little lanes are very narrow and edged with steep stone banks, covered in vegetation - lethal for cars, but wonderful for walkers as you see so many plant species, and occasionally lizards. Speaking of lizards, you are guaranteed to see these on the Goonhilly Downs in Cornwall, with the added bonus of feeling you are on the Barrow Downs. Unfortunately, you do have to look away from the huge radar station (unless you like that kind of thing). I also like Stanton Moor in Derbyshire, which has an ancient feel. Here you find the Nine Ladies stone circle, hidden among the trees. This place has just been saved from quarrying, thankfully. Lancashire has a lot of hobbity places, well away from the towns, and it is said that Tolkien may have drawn his inspiration for The Shire from around the Ribble Valley. There are a few hidden away places well worth a visit, including the tiny village of Slaidburn which is hidden in a steep valley and has a pub called The Hark to Bounty. Going West from here you'll also come across Dunsop Bridge, and then the Trough of Bowland, where you could spend all day walking round and imagining yourself in Middle Earth. Move on from here and you should come to Quernmoor, where you can go up a castellated tower and survey the view for miles.

09-02-2004, 12:33 PM	#6
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods is a great book if you like walking - he sets out on the Appalachian Trail and his adventures are funny and informative - for a Brit anyway. This book should give you plenty of ideas for good Hobbity and Entish walks.

03-10-2009, 09:19 AM	#9
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	Anyone in the UK might have found some ideas from last night's Railway walks on BBC2 which was about the Monsal Trail. I've been along some of this and it's ace - loads of old tunnels, lime kiln workings, trout, and it includes the valley far below Monsal Head, the old mill villages of Litton and Cresswell and a weird bit where there is no actual path, but you have to go along stepping stones in the Wye at the foot of a gorge! __________________ Gordon's alive!

03-12-2009, 05:05 PM	#12
TheGreatElvenWarrior Mighty Quill Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Walking off to look for America Posts: 2,230	There is a park by my house (in Anchorage, AK), that reminds me much of the Shire, although I do not live in the UK (wish I did), it is still a nice place to walk, my little brother and I went on a walk there barefoot. __________________ The Party Doesn't Start Until You're Dead.

03-12-2009, 05:16 PM	#13
Eönwë Flame Imperishable Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Right here Posts: 3,928	I agree with Mithalwen. The New Forest is very Middle-Earthish. Or at least seemed to be so at the times when I have been there. __________________ Welcome to the Barrow Do-owns Forum / Such a lovely place