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Bishops Offley

 The River Sow is hidden in a valley on the outskirts of the village. The lane leading to the river is through a rock cutting which gives the traveller a strange feeling; it is dark with high rock sides with trees on the top of the cutting bending towards each other making a natural tunnel. As you approach the end of the cutting daylight greets you and it opens into a typical English country scene.

 
Rock cutting from the village.

 
Lane near to river Sow.

Bishops Offley’s claim to fame is that of William Wakeley who lived in the Outlands a hamlet in the township who died in 1714 at the grand age of 125 years.

Mill Pool.

As the River Sow approaches Bishops Offley it flows into mill pool where there is a working flour mill. The mill wheel today is metal and powered by a modern engine but is still capable of being used under water power.

Working mill.

As you follow the river from the working mill it almost disappears as it cuts deep into the ground; you can still hear the river as it flows over a small waterfall. The river goes through a tree lined cutting before disappearing under the lane. On the other side of the lane the river continues to flow through the tree lined cutting and then opens up again to give a feeling of peace and tranquillity. The power and strength of the river being used for the mill wheel is now lost as it returns to normal, its work finished.

River Sow leaving Bishops Offley.

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