On a nice dry day which wasn’t too hot 9 of us walked from the carpark at Kinewell Lake.  We turned left down Station Road heading towards the village and then turned down Chapel Street on the left.  This then led to the High Street where we turned left then right into Ham Lane that leads to the the old railway track.  On reaching this track we turned right and kept on it until we got to Woodford Mill.  We walked pass the mill and to a gate that led to the river on the left and the lake on the right.  The footpath went round the lake and back to the carpark.  A very nice easy walk on a pleasant day.

On a sunny Sunday morning, with showers forecast, seven of set off at the for Braunston to start the longer walk, approximately 1 hour later we were followed on by three more of us to undertake the shorter walk. We started both the walks near the Wheatsheaf pub on The Green in Braunston. The longer walk took a footpath which led down hill to the Grand Union Canal. Here we turned left and walked alongside the canal passing a flight of locks which rose up to the Braunston Tunnel. On reaching the tunnel we climbed the slopes away from the canal. We soon followed the old track which the horses, that pulled the canal boats would have taken over the tunnel. The path rose gently uphill and we soon dropped down to the outskirts of Daventry. Here we found that the path had been swallowed up by a housing development. A brand-new tarmacked path led us through a very pleasant park to some woods where we found some fallen tree trucks to stop and have our coffee break. After our coffee we walked to the Welton Road and made our way into the pretty village of Welton. Here we had our first shower of the day and we took shelter under the trees in the playing field. The shower was short and sharp and we where soon on our way to Ashby St Ledgers. Meanwhile to group undertaking the shorter walk had set off from Braunston on the Jurassic Way which leads to Ashby St Ledgers. Walking on the undulating path they soon arrived in Ashby St Ledgers and continued on to meet the group doing the longer walk. All 10 of us now made our way into Ashby St Ledgers where we viewed the room over the arch of the Manor House where allegedly the Gun Powder Plot was held. From here we walked to the children’s playground to have our lunch. The playground is next to the pub so we also combined our sandwiches with a welcome drink from the pub. After our lunch we made our way back to Braunston along the Jurassic Way. However, we did get caught in the heaviest shower of the day as we entered Braunston with us all getting soaked in the last few steps of the walk.

On a cloudy, not too hot day eleven of us set off from the Meadow Lane car park and walked to the Northampton to Peterborough disused railway track. Here we followed the track through a wood with the sailing lake on our left-hand side. Soon we emerged from the wood and walked past some open farmland on the right. The track continued through hedges each side and gradually climbed a small incline before reaching a wide track which led to a bridge over the River Nene. Once over the bridge we turned left and walked along the riverside as the river twisted and turned upstream towards Thrapston. After a mile or so we reached a bridge over the river to our left. We took the path over the river then walked with the river on our right and the sailing lake on our left. Soon we reached the footbridge near Islip Mill and some of us walked over to view the Mill. Retracing our steps we took the track back along Meadow Lane to the start and the end of a lovely walk.

On a barmy and very pleasant summers evening 8 of us met at the Three Compasses pub in Upper Dean. Turning left out of the pub we walked on a series of footpaths that led west away from Upper Dean. The Chelveston Wind Farm was a constant landmark in front of us as we made our way on a series of tracks to the Three Shires Way. Following the way for a short time we soon turned off and walked through Shelton Spinney where we had a welcome drink break. Continuing on through golden fields many of which had just been harvested we made our way into the village of Shelton. Here we stopped and visited the pristinely kept church before walking on through Shelton Hall Farm. The path took us across a number of oat fields that were being harvested before we made our way up hill to the Upper Dean Windmill. The path is now diverted around the mill and passes through a tunnel of hedges to Dean House Farm. Turning left off the farm access road we walked back to the pub where we had a very welcome drink and a chat in the garden. A lovely walk on a lovely evening.

On a pleasant summers day (not too hot 22 degrees) nine of us started from Barnwell Village Hall car park. From the car park we turned left and headed out up the road passing Friars Close Farm on our right, across the brook, to a public footpath on the right. The path led us to a farm track where we turned left up the hill.  After a steady climb, we turned around, for glorious views back towards Corby & The Benefield's in the distance. Turning left we had small section of road walking, here care is needed as it is a fast country road situated between 2 bends.  At Broadway Corner, we followed a hidden footpath sign on the right. Soon at the junction where the farm track goes to North Lodge Farm, we turned turn left and walked to a road. We crossed the road to the opposite footpath sign and followed and followed the path to an open space, where we broke for coffee and cake while taking in the view across to Polebrook Church which was hidden within the trees. From here we headed across the field towards a small wood. The path led us through the wood, and onto a small lane where we turned left towards the hamlet of Armston, passing the deer enclosure on the right.  After passing the red post box, we took a footpath on the left and headed across the field and took the well-defined path in front of Armston Grove House which is currently being renovated.  Moving on to a cobbled road we soon turned left heading down an old concrete road where we took a footpath across a field, that gives wonderful views of Barnwell Manor and the Remains of Barnwell Castle, this is not open to the public, so the walk, gave us a great chance to view this hidden piece of History. We continued through a walkway through a tunnel of blackthorn, to arrive back at the Village Hall car park. After removing our boots most of us made our way to the adjacent Montague Arms for a welcome drink and lunch.

On a great walking weather day being overcast but warm, 7 members met at St. Marys Church, Church Road, Keysoe for a pleasant day's 7 mile walk. Following the footpath sign opposite the Church, we entered a well-manicured corridor, managed by the Keysoe International Equestrian Centre, however this was short lived, as we soon found a bridge overgrown and not well maintained along with a field of Wild Oats and Barley which had no defined path. Crossing the B660 Kimbolton / Bedford road, we continued on following footpaths that were now well-defined paths, we made our way to the small hamlet of Keysoe Row. From here the path took us around the back of some lovely houses, and horse paddocks. Then turning right onto a bridleway, which led us through a small copse with overlapping trees. We soon took a footpath by a field, planted with "Borage", giving us a beautiful purple view, full of honeybees.  We then took another covered footpath, before making our way to Top End in Little Staughton.  Here we broke for a coffee break on a welcome bench. After our break we followed Moor Road before turning left, back into open countryside.  Here we followed a well-defined path, up to an Old Manorial Earthworks and moat, known as Cretinsbury, which came about when Sir John de Wauton married the heiress daughter of Sir Edmund de Cretin. But after the estate of confiscated by the crown and brunt down, the materials were used for other houses within Little Staughton, nothing else remains. We continued to the church, which sits high on an escarpment, overlooking the valley towards Kimbolton and Grafham Water.  Inside the church there is a Book of Remembrance to the 106 & 582 Squadrons of the RAF - The Pathfinders- who were bases here between 1944 - 1945, further information in a form of a booklet, about each of the aircraft, airman and their missions, stationed during that time can be read, inside the church. Continuing to the main road, we turned right following the footpath, down the hill, to the Crown Public House for our Lunch Stop.  This pub brews its own beer "No Name", so a sample was needed to be had. - Landlord and Lady, very welcoming. Our final leg we walked along Green End Road, to the final footpath, shown on the Ordinance Survey map, to find, this has now been diverted, further along the road, just pass the last house on the lefthand side, so newer, OS maps will show this correction. Once more we were on well-marked footpaths, taking us back toward Keysoe, we walked Mill Lane, coming out onto the B660, opposite Church Road and our cars. A lovely walk, taking in the surrounding views and places of interest, and a great pub!

Thirteen of us started from the Wheatsheaf Pub with the weather being kind to us.  It did not rain and was not too hot just perfect for walking.  The walk started and finished at the pub. The walk went through Perry to the shores of the reservoir and then took the main circular path around the shore line before heading back to Perry using The Three Shires Way. At the end of the walk, we were able to enjoy a welcome drink and a good a meal at the Wheatsheaf. 

Seven of us set off from the Bell Pub in Odell following the 1st substantial rain for days and with a chilly wind. Leaving the pub we walked down Horsefair Lane  into Harrold Country park. Taking the path by the River Great Ouse we walked through the park to the Vistors Centre. Here we left the park and walked over Harrold Bridge and on up the hill to the Chellington Centre. On past Hill Farm we continued on to the derelict Freers Farm. Just past the farm we turned left and walked through woodland and fields to the Carlton – Felmersham road. We turned right and walked on the road a short way to a bridleway on the left. This had a path closed notice on it which caused us some concern as it would have added a considerable amount of miles to our walk to avoid the closure. However we decided to risk it and took the path which dropped downhill to a bridge over the river which we found open. However we soon came across the closure with a small bridge over the mill race closed! However our luck was in as there was a path leading of the bridleway which was a short cut into the pubs garden. We gratefully followed this back to the pub where we had a very welcome drink at the end of a very pleasant walk.

Seven of us started the walk in Saffron Road then down Oaks Drive to Linden Avenue. Walking on we took the path through the houses to reach the Riverside Pocket Park and Wharf Road. Here we passed over the small bridge over the river to go pass the fishing lake before crossing over the the A45. We then walked along the River Nene where the footpath leads to Rushden Lakes.  Here we did a circular walk around the lake and after having some refreshment it was along the railway track to the Greenway and then back up the hill to Saffron Road. Thankfully the weather wasn’t too hot to do the walk. 

Five off us plus a potential new member set off on a hot muggy evening with sunshine and light cloud. The start of our route took us up between 2 houses on the Loddington Road and then on into a recently vacated sheep field. This was followed by the second field had a wheat crop but no marked footpath. The footpath should of ran diagonally across the field but there was nothing defined so we followed the tractors track. This led us into a beautiful buttercup field, glowing in the evening sunshine and giving us our first glimpse of Loddington Church Spire in the distance. Transversing the old Cransley Iron Works train line we headed down to the first of the brooks that runs into the Cransley Reservoir.  This was overgrown and the ground underfoot was very uneven, with some holes so great care was needed going down to the bridge. The route up though the fields other side is well defined, but the second field, not so, but if you carry on straight as per the footpath sign, you will be on route. In the third field we passed a herd of young bullocks but for once they were not interested with us. We continued down to the bridge over the 2nd tributary of the Cransley Reservoir.  Here there is an awkward stile with no platform to stand on, only the bars across and it can be very slippery if wet. From here once more heading up a steep slope and passing a row of old Hawthorn trees, the path leads you into the village of Loddington. Turning left we headed for the cricket club ground, were we stopped for a break while watching budding young cricketers playing a game of cricket. Leaving at the Children’s Play Area end of the ground, we turned left and walked along the quiet undulating Mawsley Lane. At the end of the tarmac the lane turned into a farm track which we followed before turning left towards the ruin of Mawsley Lodge which was bombed in WWII. This is the farm that the new village of Mawsley is named after. On passing the Lodge on our left we headed into the woods, picking up the disused railway line once more. Along this part you can still see the line side fencing post, an small brick wall, perhaps a platform, the cutting towards the right and the deep gully on the left which ran towards Loddington. As we continued along the old track bed, we saw the iron bridge, long gone but safety restored with wood beams. The path then takes a sharp right before passing through the lovely Cransley Woods and emerging out of the woods on to Church Lane. Here we turned left back towards Little Cransley. However the last road was full of surprises with very old Yew Trees, a wonderful Fig Tree, beautiful houses, a Green Birch tree planted for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee, and finally passing a magnificent Copper Beech planted for the Silver Jubilee of King George V, ending a lovely walk with beautiful countryside and views.

On a surprisingly chilly morning 8 of us met at Duck Street and with two cars made the ¾ hour journey to the upper long stay car park at Foxton Locks. After booting up we set off for the canal and made our way to the top end of the flight of 10 locks that make up the Foxton locks. Soon we branched off to follow the arm of the canal that served the Foxton Inclined Plane. Making our way to a view point where the inclined plane was located, we commented on how impressive it would have been to see it working. Resuming our walk down the locks we soon reached the bottom of the locks where we crossed over a wooden swing bridge to where the Leicester Arm of the canal branched off. Here we turned right and walked along the canal towards Market Harborough. We then followed the canal for 3¼ Miles soon passing through Foxton village then on in the lovely spring sunshine passing a variety of flowers including Dog Roses, Red Campion, Irises and Daisy. Walking on we passed a duck with her brood of ducklings and watched a heron catching a fish. Being very warm we frequently stopped for short drink breaks on the way, stopping for a coffee break after 3½ miles of walking. Here Jay passed around a selection of cakes which was a very welcome energy boost. After 4¾ Miles of walking we left the canal to head for Lubenham. Passing through a very new housing estate we soon made our way through the undulating Leicestershire countryside to the lovely village of Lubenham. Making for the very welcoming Coach  & Horses pub where we stopped for a very special lunch break with Jay & Andy celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary by treating us all to a very special meal. After our lunch we made our way from Lubenham up Mill Mound with its beacon, then on through Holmes Farm back to the Foxton Locks Car Park and the end of a lovely, very special walk.

Ten of us started the walk in the sunshine at the carpark in Harrold Country Park however it soon began to rain as we crossed the bridge at Harrold.  Having crossed over the River Great Ouse we took a footpath that led up hill to Chellington Church which is now a youth centre. The walk continued on past Hill Farm then past Freers Wood and Freers Farm. Soon after the farm we turn right on to a footpath which led us towards the Pavenham Road. However we took a footpath on our right before the road which led us back downhill through a field of wet wheat to Chellington. From Chellington we made our way along the causeway back to the country park and the end of the walk. We had got quite wet on the walk so we went into the café to warm up and dry out before driving home.

On a lovely sunny evening 14 of us met at the car park in the centre of Irthlingborough. Setting off down Church Street we soon passed the church on our right and turned into Nene View and then on into Lime Terrace and Lime Street out into the wetlands. Soon we passed through a field with the most beautiful cattle in it, complete with calves and the bull. Here a group of 4 us doing the shorter walk branched off to avoid the single stile on the route. The rest of us walked to the A6 and made our way over the stile to the pedestrian crossing at the Diamonds Centre where we met up again with the group doing the shorter walk. Crossing over the A6 we turned right and took the old road over the river to the disused Northampton to Peterborough railway line. Here we turned right and walked on the track until we crossed the river again. Here the group doing the longer walk took the river path to the left. The shorter walk carrying on the track. Walking by the river we soon passed a lock and walked on to the Greenway. Turning right we walked on the Greenway to where the Greenway crosses the railway track. At this point we joined back up with the shorter walk and all of us stopped for a break at a welcome seat. After our break we split up again with the shorter walk taking the Greenway back to Irthlingborough. The longer walk turned left back on to the disused railway track and walked on the track through the wetlands passing lakes each side of the path. Taking a permissive path on the right we made our way to the outskirts of Irthlingborough, listening to the song of a Kingfisher on the way. Just before reaching some houses we turned right to take a path through a small wood. The path wound its way through the trees to a main path where we turned right to pick up a path on the left. This path took us past the electrical substation and on to some pristine allotments with a wonderful herb garden. The path joined Meadow Way which we followed back to the church. Walking through the churchyard we made our way back to Church Street where we met up with the shorter walk group at Rumbles Fish & Chip shop to enjoy a supper of fish and chips. A fitting end to a lovely evening walk

On a bright, warm and sunny day 11 of us met at the Kinewell Lake’s Car Park near Ringsted. Setting off we walked along by the lake parallel to the road.  On reaching a gap leading to the road we crossed over then taking a well-trodden path which led us uphill to lovely views across the fields. On reaching a track we turned right and walked to Blackthorn Lake Marina. We then followed the old railway track to Woodford Mill. After passing the mill we took a waymarked path on the left and walked around Kinewell Lake back to the car park. We then went for a welcome drink and meal at the Dukes Arms in Woodford.

On a lovely sunny day 8 of us started from the Reading Room in Berkeley Street and walked out of Sibbertoft on the Naseby Road. Soon the road turned left but we continued on a track to a farm building here we took a bridleway on the right which we followed to a Naseby Battlefield permissive path. This led us through various battlefield locations to the Sulby viewpoint. This is a raised platform giving views over the battlefield with a series of information panels. The platform also had very handy built in seats which we took advantage of to have our first break and a coffee. After coffee we made our way on the permissive path back to the bridleway. On the way we heard a dull bang but thought nothing of it thinking it was a birdscarer. However on turning a corner we came across a group of people dressed in armour and period costumes practising for a group visiting the battlefield site later that day. Walking on we passed through a wood with a magnificent Bluebell haze. We then walked on towards Welford soon reaching the infant River Avon which rises at the nearby Canons Ashby and flows to the River Severn passing through Strafford upon Avon on the way. Following the river we made our way to the village of Welford. After passing through the Pocket Park we made our way to the Wharf Inn where we stopped for our lunch and a welcome drink. After lunch we made our way to Welford Reservoir and then on to Sulby Reservoir. From here we continued on through the mounds and dips of the medieval village of Old Sulby. Following the Jurassic Way we passed by Sulby and Sulby Lodge back to Sibbertoft. Here we took advantage of Sibbertoft Church offering Tea and Cake in the Reading Room to raise funds for the church and a lovely end to a great walk.

On a lovely sunny day 18 of us, 12 from the Grendon Walking Group and 6 from the Ramblers met at Podington Garden Centre. Setting off we walked through the village along Gold Street to a path which led us past the cricket pitch and through several fields with lambs gambling about in the lovely weather. On reaching Hinwick Road we passed the road into Santa Pod and continued on to Hinwick where we followed a path which leads us across several fields to the Forty Foot lane. Turning left we followed the lane past Forty Foot Acres Wood and a show of Bluebells. Soon we made our way into the Podington Airfield and passed the old World War buildings and the Contol Tower which has now been converted into a house. Making our way across fields used as car parks we soon made our way to the Santa Pod Raceway which today was very quiet compared what would have been happening just a few days before over the Easter weekend. We soon resumed our walk down the Forty foot Lane for a few metres where stopped for a break. After our break we continued on the Forty Foot Lane soon turning off on to a newly diverted footpath which led us to another track which took us back to Podington where most of  us made our way to the garden centre café for a well-earned coffee.

On a lovely sunny day 8 of us walked this very pleasant walk.  All the paths were dry and manageable.  The walk started in Oundle long stay carpark and we followed the footpath along the river by the weir to Cotterstock . At Cotterstock we crossed the river into the village and followed a footpath on the left back to Oundle.  We all enjoyed a welcome snack and drink at a café by the market.

All 13 of us met outside our hotel, on another lovely cloudless but cool day, to set off on the final walk of the weekend. Initially we repeated yesterday’s walk by making our way through Abbey Fields. Soon we branched off to make our way to Kenilworth Castle where 2 of our group left us to explore the castle. We continued around the walls of the castle to Purilieu Lane. We now walked along the lane past High House Farm and on to the earthworks of The Pleasance which was once an artificial lake of a Meer. This moated site was laid out by King Henry V in c.1414 as a pleasure garden and a place of entertainment to escape from the pressures of Royal life. Reachable by boat, the four-acre site comprised a rectangular moated earthwork topped by timber buildings, with stone towers at each corner, and enclosing a courtyard garden. In the 16th century the Pleasance was abandoned and the timber framed banqueting hall was moved into the outer court of the castle but it has since been demolished. Making our way through the old mounds and earthworks we continued on the cross the earthworks called Park Dale which is now little more than a ditch. We now walked alongside a hedge with many spring flowers growing underneath including Celandines, Primroses and Bluebells. Turning right we walked alongside Chase Wood which also had the start of the Bluebells flowering. On reaching an access road we turned right again and walk back towards Kenilworth. On reaching the Millennium Way we set of across the fields towards the castle in front of us. On reaching the castle we took a different path around the castle walls before walking back to the town centre through Abbey Fields. We soon re-joined with the remainder of our group and after a rejuvenating coffee made our way home after a fantastic weekend.   

A full complement of 13 of us left our hotel in Kenilworth on a sunny but chilly Saturday morning for our Saturday Walk which being linear combined both the longer and shorter walks. We made our way through the Abbey Fields Park on to the ramparts near Kenilworth Castle. Now walking away from the castle we passed the Castle Farm and made our way through pasture fields to the Goodrest Cottages where we took a welcome coffee break at a bench with a sign offering the weary a rest! From here we soon made our way into a very different environment with our route passing through the beautifully manicured Police Headquarters Golf Course. The route took us through woods that were soon to become a sheet of blue with the Bluebells set to bloom. Leaving the golf course we made our way into the village of Leek Wooton where we stopped for lunch at the very hospitable Anchor Inn. After a very relaxed stop in the sun we continued on across the A46 and a railway into another wooded area which had masses of wild spring flowers with sheets of Wood Anomies, Primroses, Celandines and soon to bloom in full Bluebells. Emerging from the woods with made our way to Blackdown Mill on the River Avon. This was the end of the shorter walk and three of us decided to catch the bus back to Kenilworth. The remainder of us crossed the road and made our way to the lovely village of Ashow which is adjacent to the River Avon. Here we had another break in the churchyard. After our break we carried on into Rocky Lane where we branched off into Thickthorn Woods which is a wood which was donated to the NHS by a prominent surgeon with the intention of providing a location where patients can recover from their illnesses in the tranquillity of a wood. We made our way through the wood with its Rhododendrons in bloom out on to the busy A452 road and a complete contrast. After crossing the very busy road we made our way to the bus stop and caught the bus back to the hotel. A perfect walk on a perfect day.       

Introducing a new walk to our Weekend Away schedule we included a walk around Draycote Water near Rugby as a stop off on our journey to Kenilworth. A full complement of 13 of us drove to the lovely village of Thurlston where we set of to walk around the reservoir. All of us set off from the village only to find that a public footpath marked on the OS map was not there. After retracing our steps we re-routed and dropped down to the reservoir. Here 3 of our group opted to do do a shorter option of 3½ miles and meet the main group at the Visitor Centre. The remaining 10 of us set off around the reservoir. With the weather perfect for walking without a cloud in the sky but with a cool breeze we walked on the service road to the dam at the head of the reservoir. Crossing the dam we soon arrived at the Visitor Centre where we met up with the remainder of the group. Here we stopped for a very welcome coffee and lunch. After lunch we all returned to Thurlston crossing another Dam and taking the way marked woods walk. We walked on to the footpath back up the hill into Thurlston and the end of the walk.

On a foggy Sunday morning 6 regular members plus a new member to the longer walks started our walk outside the Bell Inn, East Langton.  We took a narrow walkway alongside a house, a couple of doors up from the pub, into a large grassy field, with several sheep with their newly born lambs, towards our 2nd stile and into another small jitty. At the bend we turned left onto the Leicester Round trail, towards Thorpe Langton.  If it had not been so foggy, we would of been able to see a wonderful view of the Welland Valley, stretching up towards Cottingham & Rockingham Castle, but that will be for another time. Our coffee break was at the lovely church in Thorpe Langton just as the clouds were breaking up to show a small glimmer of sun, shine, which remained with us, for the rest of the day. Continuing through the village, it was a shame to see the lovely, thatched village pub, was no longer in use, like so many in recent times. We took a farm track that ran along Stone Cottage Farm, where a farmer driving a tractor, and not paying attention, nearer collided with one of our members, but with him showing a speedy move, managed to jump out the way! Having stopped to apologise, he did offer to give him a lift!  Proceeding down the track, we came to a large ford, there was a sign saying, Bridge Closed, but as the stream was too wide and deep, we took the decision to cross one at a time and with caution, as there were holes in the planks.  Perhaps this is why the farmer, suggested giving us a lift? The next section was by permissive path, which was the continuation of the farm track, passing Langton Caudle and Fox Covert, on our right. At the end, we crossed over the road into Stonton Wyville, a tiny hamlet, for quick drinks stop.  Taking the footpath in the middle of the hamlet, passing some tiny lambs, probably last than a week old, by the medieval fishponds.  After this, there's a steady climb up, passing King Charles Well, although there's not much to see of this now. At the top on a clearer day, you can see the buildings of Leicester in the distance.  From here into Tur Langton, the terrain is undulating grassy fields, but there is a slippery slope near to the village that needs care, coming down, especially if wet underfoot. We walked the length of the village to take lunch at the Mint & Ginger Cafe, which welcomes, bicyclist, walkers and dog owners alike, which very tempting cake selections! Retracing our steps slightly, we took the footpath opposite the village hall, through a house and their garden, horse field and alongside their tennis court, back into a grassy field.  Like all Leicestershire footpaths, they were well marked with the waymarkers and yellow posts, leading us to Church Langton.  Here at the highest point, we looked over towards Foxton and Gartree Prison. On leaving the village, there was a small section of road walking, but there was a footpath, taking us back via the pretty village cricket ground to our starting point, The Bell at East Langton. We saw, lambs, calves, bluebells, violets, primroses, daffodils, a very pleasant walk.

It was a lovely sunny day, just perfect for walking when 5 of us set off from the Riseley Sporting Targets. After parking in the Sporting Targets carpark we set off along a farm access track following the North Beds Heritage Trail. Soon we reached Harings Farm but took a footpath which skirted the farm.  The path took us to a track which we followed through Worleys Wood. Emerging into an open field we could see Melchbourne House.  We then took footpath along the edge of the wood and field. Dropping downhill we reached some ponds and a small stream. Here we turned left on to a footpath which we followed to the Knotting Road.  Turning left we passed the hunt kennels and took  a footpath on the left we followed it all the way back to Harings Farm, passing Penn Wood on the way.  From the farm we retraced our steps back to the start where we took advantage of the café at the the Sporting Targets

Meeting at the rugby club car park on a beautiful sunny early spring day, 10 of us set off by making our way through a narrow jitty to the High Street – Here we crossed the road and turning left we walked to an archway which led us to Olney Surgery out on to West Street. Here we made our way to Long Lane which gently climbed out of the town – It soon turned into a footpath which made its way through estates and houses from many different eras. Crossing over a road the lane continued but now it turned into a footpath which made its way through a pocket park. At the end of the trees the path emerged from the trees to a beautiful open view across to Yardley Chase. We now made our way downhill between two fences. The path continued on through both pasture and arable fields until we reached the remains of a bridge which carried the long defunct Northampton to Bedford railway line which fell foul of the Beeching cuts of the 1960’s. Leaving the track behind we soon made our way to Hungary Hall where we had a break. There is very little recorded about the Hall other than it may be related to the Huguenots and the lace making in Olney. Today it’s a farm. After our break we walked across some fields and crossed back over the railway line with two concrete steps that used to cross over the fences now still in there same position but in the middle of nowhere. Continuing on we passed fields of Lammas and Alpacas before climbing again to a series of stiles – Now walking downhill we made our way to Weston Road where we turned left and walked back into Olney and some magnificent views of the church. Soon we walked to the Market Place and made our way back to the car park and the start. A lovely walk on a lovely day.

Seven of us met at Duck Street Car Park on a very windy, cold damp day. Travelling to Woburn we parked in the free car park in Woburn and walked into the village centre. Leaving the village along the London Road we soon turned off on a footpath into the Deer Park. The footpath passed between two fences and soon entered into the park proper through a high metal gate. We followed the footpath marker posts to a bridge and the head of the Basin Pond. We then followed the footpath posts alongside an access road which climbed uphill alongside the Hopgarden Ponds and over the Chain Bridge. We soon passed the exclusive Paris House restaurant with a taster menu of in excess of £120 per head for 6 courses. We all decided that we would stick to our packup for now. Having passed the restaurant we exited the Deer Park into a field and made our way into Milton Bryan through an old activity centre. Here we made our way to the church where we stopped for a coffee break. During our break we all decided to shorten the walk by a mile because the walking underfoot was so wet and muddy. Also the weather forecast was for heavy rain later in the day. So from the church we walked out of the village on the Eversholt Road and joined the original walk at a waymarked footpath just out of the village. This path led us through a wood then across a muddy arable field, on through an attractive grassy area and dropping downhill to a gate out onto the Eversholt Road. Turning left we walked into Eversholt and onto the very welcoming Green Man Pub where we stopped for our lunch. After our lunch we retraced our steps back along the road to a footpath on the right which led us back into the Woburn Deer Park. Following the marker posts again we followed the path uphill through Purrets Wood and onto to Woburn Abbey which although closed for the winter had major construction work being undertaken. Dropping downhill we passed between the Basin and Stew Ponds we cut across the open park land to the Park Farm with its stables. From here we made our way past the Upper Drakeloe pond back to the car park and the start. As we arrived it started to rain so we had just avoided the walking getting even wetter by the skin of our teeth. We all agreed that it had been a very special walk and well worth the mud and the wet underfoot. The trip home just took a bit of the gloss of the day with us being held up on the M1 for ½ hr because of a car fire!

On a bright, sunny day 6 of us set of from the walker’s car park in Glendon Road. We walked through a small woods, then we emerged in the industrial area where we had to negotiate our way across the busy A43. Walking by the road for a short distance we soon left the traffic behind as we followed the path into Weekly Hall Woods. Following the labyrinth of paths and tracks we followed the edge of the woods making a circumference of the woods with its many different habitats and conditions. After 3½ Miles of lovely walking in the woods we made our way back to the car park having had a great walk.

Starting from the car park at the Country Park 12 of us took the path that led us anticlockwise around the lake. The path led us close to the village of Odell but just before entering the village we turned left and stayed on the path around the lake. Passing many fishing spots all which are named either with a theme related to the country park or a wild animal often seen in the park. Soon we arrived back at the visitor’s centre where we walked to the road. Crossing over through a kiss gate we walked to the church which was open for visitors. Having had an interesting look round we continued on our walk the village green and the lockup. Built in the 1800’s this is regarded as one of the best surviving examples of a 19th century lock up.  Constructed in 1824 it still is in use today but only for storage. From here we crossed over the High Street and walked to the footpath which follows a small stream. Soon we turned left on to another footpath which made its way to some horse paddocks which we walked through in a circle to a lake. Following the path above the lake we soon took a path which followed the shore of the lake until we emerged on to the Odell Road. Here we turned right and walked back to the Country Park and end of a very interesting walk.

Seven of us met at Duck Street Car Park and travelled to Stevington. Parking near the church we set off suitably clothed in wet weather gear as the forecast was for heavy rain later in the day – Leaving dry land on a footpath near the church in gloomy dank weather. We soon passed the well adjacent to the church and soon hit what was going to be the theme for the day MUD. The path followed the line of the River Great Ouse. Having followed the footpath through various grades of mud we came across a notice stating the the footpath was closed due to the conditions under foot. As there was no suitable alternative we all agreed to give it a go and if it was too bad we would retreat and find a pub. Soon we found the area by the river and sure enough it was un-walkable. However we found a very muddy (over boot depth) but walkable alternative which was also well walked. We took this route got very muddy but soon walked into Pavenham where we stopped for a welcome coffee break. After a well-deserved rest we made our way from Pavenham on a series of paths towards Oakley. However we soon met our next muddy test near a farm where the cattle had churned up the mud near a gate where our path passed through. Again we walked through mud over our boots but all safely made it through making our way into Oakley stopping at the Bedford Arms for our 2nd break and our lunch. After another welcome break we walked from the pub to Oakley Bridge over the river and then walked beside the river towards Stevington as the heavy rain started to fall. The path led us away from the river and soon we walked past the Stevington Windmill then into the village back to the start. Surprisingly we all agreed that it had been a very good walk and we all felt very happy for  our day despite the rain and the mud.

Starting from The Green in the centre of Woodford twelve of us headed for Whittlesea Terrace and then Woodford Shrubbery. After walking through the woods we emerged on to a track which we followed to Woodford Grange. Walking past the farm we made our way to the old Northampton to Peterborough railway disused railway track which is used as a walking route from Rushden Lakes to Thrapston. Turning right on to the track we walked along the track crossing over the River Nene twice stopping for coffee at the 2nd bridge. We soon reached the crossing path which leads to Woodford Mill and its teashop. However we decided not to visit the teashop and turned right to follow the Nene Way back to Woodford and the end of the walk. Here some of us visited the Dukes pub for a very welcome lunch after our walk.

Meeting in the Higham Ferrers - Market Square 24 of us set of on a grey Sunday Morning to enjoy a guided walk around Higham. Claire our walk leader led us first along College Road to Chichele College then on to the Cemetery Chapel. From here we continued the walk on a series of footpaths and back ditty’s eventually reaching Shelly Drive and then Northampton Road – From here we headed back to Higham Road and the Tollbar to join The Greenway – Soon we arrived back in Midland Road where she outlined the history of the Parish Rooms, The John Parker Factory and the John White Close. Walking on we made our way into the Castle Field and Claire explained the debate on whether a Castle or a Manor House had been sited there. Walking around the moat we made our way to the Kimbolton Road and back to College Street returning to the Market Square passing various Blue Plaques and visiting St Marys Church and the Bede House. On arriving back at the Square we all made our way the The Carriage House where a further 10 of the group joined us for the group’s annual Christmas Lunch. Many Thanks to Claire for leading the very interesting walk and arranging a very enjoyable belated Christmas Lunch