The Mysterious Pompocali & Ruined Scarcroft Mill

I’d never heard of Pompocali or the neighbouring places before I stumbled across them when scanning maps, looking for somewhere new to explore.

A pin for “Pompocali Parking” caught my eye, and when Google didn’t return many hits and no real information on what it is, I knew I had to visit to find out!

The little information that can be found online ranges from it being a Roman fort or settlement, to a more recent disused quarry and earthworks. The site is located at an old Roman crossroads which adds credence to the Roman claim, with the route of the road forming the footpath and bridleway you follow today.

Adding to the interest of the area are the ruins of Scarcroft Mill… an abandoned corn mill from the early 19th century which can be found a few minutes’ walk away by following the footpath alongside the beck. The mill was part demolished in the 1970’s leaving only parts of the outer walls standing, which are now being reclaimed by nature giving it a very eerie feel!

And last but not least is Hetchell Wood Nature Reserve and rocky crags… a woodland and grassland/wetland area which if visited during Spring or Summer I’m sure would be full of colour and flowers, but on a late Winters day it was more the imposing trees and root structures growing on and around the limestone rocky crags which intrigued me.

Follow the walk with the photos and captions, and don’t miss the downloadable walking route below…

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Download file: Pompocali.gpx