On a lovely bright autumn day nine of us met at the historic Bell Inn in Finedon. The core of the current Grade II-listed building dates back to 1598, originally operating as a farmhouse before the pub license was transferred there in the early 19th century. The original Bell Inn was located near the church. The pub was famously run by Dennis Wilmott and his family from 1969 until January 2026, making it one of the longest single-operator tenures in the country. From the pub we made our way up hill past the church on the left and walked on Station Road out of the town to a small industrial estate on the right. Here we took a bridleway opposite and dropped downhill to the River Ise passing Westfield Farm on our right. Here we crossed over the river and walked alongside it for a short distance. The course of the River Ise is also of historical interest rising in a field that was part of the site of the Battle of Naseby in north-western Northamptonshire. It flows east past Desborough and the Eleanor Cross at Geddington, then through the grounds of Rushton Hall before turning south and passing through the parkland of Boughton House where it was extensively canalised and landscaped in the late 17th century. It then flows between Kettering and Barton Seagrave where its valley was excavated during the creation of Wicksteed Park to provide a large lake for public amenity use. It continues south between Burton Latimer and Isham, the latter of which takes its name from the river. It finishes its journey by flowing past Finedon and joining the Nene just south and east of Wellingborough. Walking on we made our way on to a clear Byway and with the the railway on our right we arrived at the Harrowden Road.  Crossing back over the river we made our way to an unofficial footpath on our left which led us into Finedon Cally Banks This is a 6-acre nature reserve managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. The site was formerly used to burn Ironstone to remove impurities and resulted in poor soil in which wildflowers flourish. The reserve also includes a stretch of railway embankment for transporting the iron ore. Flora includes, Common Spotted Orchid, Great reedmace, and meadowsweet. Unfortunately, the path through the reserve was overgrown and impassable in places so we walked along the field edge to a gate into Holly Walk. From here we made our way back to Station Road and back through the town to the Bell Inn. Finedon's origins are likely related to the availability of water from the "Town Brook" which historically flowed through the central axis of the settlement. It is now entirely culverted from its spring fed source north-east of Finedon all the way through the town, eventually surfacing in the grounds of Finedon Hall. From here, it flows through The Grove and arable farmland to meet the River Ise near the Cally Banks. The Town Brook was dammed in the 1780s by instruction from Sir William Dolben to create a lake in the parkland associated with Finedon Hall. The lake had an island, which was accessed via a small rowing boat for picnics. The lake was drained in 1880 after a typhoid outbreak in the town and the remains of the earth dam and spillway can still be found in The Grove.

On a warm, cloudy day with rain forecast, 8 of us met in Harpole to walk to the Saracens Head pub in Little Brington, to meet up with the shorter walk. The first mile of the walk was along a very straight farm access road which gradually rose past Frosts Farm to the steep slopes of Glassthorpe Hill from which there were magnificent views of Northampton and the surrounding countryside. As the forecast showers came in, we made our way through lovely undulating countryside. After stopping for a coffee break we then walked on to another hill which led us to the Roman Road. From here we dropped down into Little Brington and made our way to the Saracens Head to await the arrival of the shorter walk. Leaving Harpole 30 mins later 3 of us took the shorter walk. Starting by the Old School which is now a Pre School we took a footpath through to a field. Then following the Northampton Round, we climbed uphill to Harpole Covert with its fantastic views over Northampton. Here the ground levelled off and we walked with the woods on our left. Continuing to follow the Northampton Round we walk on a clear track into the hamlet of Nobottle and the Roman Road – Turning left we ignored the waymarked footpath on our right and walk to a gate which was unlocked. This avoided an absolute bog by a gateway created by the cattle in the field and a spring. Climbing again we made our way across the field picking up the official footpath on the way. Walking briefly on a road we soon took a footpath which crossed a some of fields to Carriage Drive which going right leads to Althorp House. We turned left to walk into Little Brington and on to the Saracens Head to join the longer walkers for lunch. Unfortunately, it started to rain but we still had a very pleasant lunch break in the garden with welcome drinks and comfort breaks from the pub. All 11 of us then retraced the route of the shorter walk back to Nobottle. On reaching the Roman Road we walked through the hamlet and took a bridleway which led us to the rear of Nobottle House. Skirting around a reservoir we had a short break before the view opened up again with more views of the Nene Valley. From here we dropped down into Harpole where we walked through the village back to the church and the start of the walk. We all agreed that it had been a lovely walk with the forecast showers being very light and infrequent. A perfect day for walking.

With a combination of Rushden Ramblers and the Grendon Walking group, a total of 17 walkers met at the Emmuas Village in Carlton on a lovely autumn day to walk to Turvey. Setting off from the café we walked along the track from Emmuas towards Turvey making our way around several fields on broad grass verges before entering Turvey. Here we skirted around the village via Norfolk Road and Elmwood. On reaching the A428 we crossed over into Jacks Lane. We soon branched off to take a footpath which led us through some small paddocks to the Newton Blossomville Road. From here we made our way to the centre of the village where we stopped for a welcome break. Moving on after our break we continued on the High Street to an arch through a wall onto a public footpath which took us to May Road. Here we crossed over and walked through the recreation ground out into the open countryside. Again, walking on broad grass verges and path we made our way back to SchoolLane and Emmuas. Here most of us stopped either for lunch or coffee at the cafe having earnt a relaxing end to the walk.

Eight of us met at at the Fox & Hounds pub in Riseley to walk a 3¼ mile circular route on a cloudy but warm, dry day. Turning right out of the car park we walked through the village with the Riseley Brook on our left. Passing the Keysoe road we took a footpath on the right which led us to Riseley Lodge Farm. After passing through the farm, we headed across some fields to reach the Keysoepark Woods. The footpath took us around the woods to where we reached the Keysoe Road. After a short spell of walking on the road we took a track to our right and walked to a bridleway. From here we took the bridleway to a small bridge over a ditch – Crossing over we followed the ditch to another bridge which crossed over Keysoe Brook – From here we walked alongside another ditch until we made our way across a series of fields back to Riseley and the pub.

Nine of us, including two new walkers set of from Melchbourne Village Hall, on a warm but very pleasant day, to walk past the Church of St Mary Magdalene which is a Grade I listed church The church is one of the Stodden Group of churches, which is a group of six local parish churches. On into Hillands Plantation we walked through the woods to Woodleys Farm which is also a listed building and a stud. Dropping down to Melchbourne Brook we then climbed up into Worleys Wood which has concrete roads through it which were used by USAF in WW2. On emerging from the woods, we made our way across a series of fields to All Saints Church in Riseley. The church dates back to the 12th century and is also Grade I listed building featuring a unique mix of Norman, Decorated, and Perpendicular architectural styles. Moving on we dropped down hill to cross over Riseley Brook and passing the Riseley Earthworks which are closely tied to nearby medieval structures, most notably the substantial and well-preserved earthwork remains of Yelden Castle (a Norman motte-and-bailey) and the historic garden earthworks of Bletsoe Castle just to the south. From here we walked on to the Giddy Goat Community Café where we stopped for a welcome break. In January 2025 the Riseley Cafe Community Interest Company took over The Giddy Goat Coffee Shop to ensure it remained a vibrant, welcoming hub for the local community. From this, The Giddy Goat Community Cafe was born — a place where everyone can gather, connect, and enjoy great coffee. The name “Giddy Goat” was originally inspired by the legendary origins of coffee. From here we made our way up “The Drive” past the Sackville Private Airfield into Flints Wood and once again walking on WW2 roads. Flints Wood merged into Coppice Wood and we walked on to emerge from the wood at a crossroads of paths and tracks. Turning RIGHT we walked along the edge of Coppice Wood to the strangely named “Three Cornered Wimsell” which is a a historic local place-name and woodland! Moving on we soon crossed back over the Melchbourne Brook and climbed up to Melchbourne House and Farm. Melchbourne House has a history spanning more than 500 years. With some rather unexpected history from the medieval Knights Hospitaller and a dramatic 13th-century dispute involving bows, crossbows and fire, to the St John family and possible royal guests such as King James I. During WWII, around 70 American servicemen slept in the house’s Long Gallery, while in 1944 Glenn Miller and his orchestra performed for around 750 troops and the site of the medieval Knights Hospitaller was turned into a baseball field during the war. Walking past the house we made our way back to the village hall and the end of the walk.

Eight of us met at the large layby on the Hardwick Road just outside Little Harrowden – On a warm but very pleasant breezy morning we set off down the track opposite the layby after a few metres we turned right on to a footpath. Unfortunately, the field had been scarified since Trevor & Pauline tested the route just a few days ago.  This meant that the footpath was very difficult to walk on. However, we all agreed to continue and we followed the line of the path to the outskirts of Little Harrowden. From here we walked to the roundabout in the centre of the village and continued on to the school on the left. Walking through the school we followed a footpath out into open countryside which dropped down to Harrowden Brook. Crossing over we climbed up into Orlingbury and its lovely village green and church. Here we took a detour to visit Wythmail's cafe where we stopped for a welcome coffee. After our coffee stop we walked back to the green and crossed over into the Northampton Road – Walking a few steps we passed a magnificent display of hanging baskets and tubs with an amazing assortment of flowers growing in them. Moving on we took a footpath to our left which led across a series of pasture fields some with cattle with very young calves in them. All the fields were parched and yellow because of the drought and the farmers were using their winter silage to feed the animals. We carried on to cross a small stream and walk around the edge of a harvested wheat field to a bridge back over the Harrowden Brook. Once over we took the track uphill back to the start and the end of a very pleasant walk through some of the lovely Northamptonshire countryside.

Meeting at the Garden Centre in Podington 15 of us set off down Gold Street to take a footpath which passes through the gardens of some houses and on across Podington Brook to a number of stables. After walking close to a wood on our left we soon went through open countryside and crossed over three arable fields to a track. Turning left we soon came to a bridge over the brook with a convenient log for a break. Passing over the bridge we then climbed up to the Farndish/Irchester road. Turning left we then walked into Farndish and St Michael’s Church. The church is no longer used and is looked after by the Churches Conservation Trust. Here we all took the opportunity to rest in the pews and bask in the sunlight streaming through the windows. We then moved on and continued along the small lane into some fields. Taking the clear path across the fields, we soon recrossed over the brook and made our way back to Gold Street and the garden centre. Here some of us took advantage of the café and boosted our energy levels with some lunch.

Four of us met at Duck Street to drive to the start of the walk at Woodnewton on a cooler cloudier day. Starting from the centre of the village we made our way out of the village on the Woodnewton Road. Just past the last house we took a public footpath on the left-hand side heading towards the Priors Haw Wood. Passing the woods on our left we walked on to Shortwood Lodge and on reaching the Apethorpe Road we turned left to a bridleway. Soon passing over the old Kings Cliff railway line, with its beautiful bridge. Continuing on to Jacks Green and the Rockingham Forest Mobile Home Site. From here we made our way to the Memorial to Glenn Miller who was stationed at Kings Cliff Air force base during WW2. We then made our way to the The Command Post Café that welcomes walkers & bikers alike and is well worth the small detour. After a welcome break we resumed our walk along the public footpaths. Take caring when crossing the small wooden planks, as they are very slippery when wet. The OS map tells you then to follow the field hedge, but this not safe, so we followed the well-defined footpath ahead to diagonally across the field. We found the next section very tricky as the footpath vanishes, with no line being made by the farmer and you have to cross a large field which can be exceedingly difficult to find the footpath again. We plotted our route by using our GPS and heading for an old gun emplacement. Exiting here, there is a lovely wood fingerpost pointing to Sulehay.  Heading diagonally across the next field the path lead down to an underpass of the disused railway. From here we headed up the hill and crossed the fields into Apethorpe. At Bridge Street, we turned right, going over the bridge into Apethorpe.  Here we stopped for Lunch a seat by the Memorial & Old Stocks. After Lunch we continued through the village passing the Kings Head pub we turned left and walked up the hill.  At the top, at a 3 footpaths sign taking the left hand one we walked on to Cheeseman’s Lodge. Passing the lodge, we walked on towards some woods. On getting to the woods, we turned left, keeping the stream and woods on our right. At a gate, we turned left and headed up the hill.  On passing through a wood, you will have a lovely view of where you have come from. We now headed down into Woodnewton, passing over the Willowbrook stream and continuing up the lane until a T-Junction, where we turned into Main Street, opposite the Church and made our way back to the starting point, passing The White Swan Pub which we can vouch is a particularly good place to end a beautiful walk in this north end of our county.

On a warm summers day with a gentle breeze blowing 13 of us met at St Katharine's Church, Irchester for a walk to Irchester Country Park. We set off through the churchyard and then skirted around the cemetery into a large field with a clear path across to the Country Park. We dropped down the steps into the park and walked to the wide track that led us by the Wembley Pit where the stone for the old Wembley Stadium was quarried and on to the view point over the quarry face. From here we continued on until we met the main access road into the park. Turn right onto the road we walked to a footpath on the right which took us through The Little Meadow which we crossed to the Visitor Centre and the café. Here we stopped for a welcome coffee break. After being suitably refreshed we walked past the Children’s Play Area and the Jungle Parc on the left. We continued on through the Woodlands Car Park and on to a crossroads of tracks. Taking a path to the right, we dropped down into the Railway Gullet and walked through to the Big Foot Pond. From here we walked on back to the steps where we entered the park. Climbing back out of the park we made our way back across the field to the church and the start.  

On a cloudless and very warm evening (28 degrees) but with a welcome breeze 11 of us set off from the Stags Head in Great Doddington – We all agreed that the planned 4 miles would have been very hot and therefore we decided to cut the walk down to 2½ miles. Following the Nene Way, we took a footpath which took us to the edge of the Nene Valley with lovely expansive views over the valley ranging from Wellingborough on our left, Wollaston in front of us and Grendon to the right. We then dropped down the hill to the River Nene which we crossed by Wollaston Lock. Having crossed over we walked on the access road to a track on the right. We turned on to the track which took us to the old Northampton to Peterborough railway track – We walked along the track with the Summer Leys Nature Reserve on our left and a backwater of the river on our right. The track had plenty of shelter from the sun with hedges on both sides – On reaching a footpath on the right we walked through a couple of water meadows to an old packhorse bridge over the river- This gave us a welcome breeze as we admired the bridge and the river. From here we then had to climb the hill back into Great Doddington. Walking through the village then by the church we made our way back to The Stags Head and a very welcome drink. We all agreed that the shortened walk was just enough on which was a very hot evening.

On a dry and very sunny Monday nine of us set of from the small car park in Aldwincle into the Tichmarsh Nature Reserve. Passing over Harpers Brook we turned right walked with the brook on our right and Aldwincle Lake on our left to a bridge over the River Nene. Here we followed the broad track past the Thrapston Sailing Club on the left to a path on the right which took us back over the river to Islip Mill. Here we took a path across a pasture field to a track which took us back to the bridge over the river again. Here we a carried on and walked on a delightful path with the river on our right. Passing the heronry on the left then a bridge on the right. Continuing on we met Brancy Brook on our left which we followed back to Harpers Brook and the bridge back to the car park. The day had turned into a very warm 25 degrees and meant that we were always looking for shade when we stopped. We all agreed that it had been a lovely walk around a beautiful part of Northamptonshire.

On a very welcome cooler day, with a lovely cooling breeze, seven of us set out on the longer walk from the Village Hall in Grendon. We welcomed 3 new walkers, Amanda, Louise and Karl to what was an unusually small Sunday group of four. Making Seven of us in all. Taking a footpath adjacent to the Hall we made our way to Chequers Lane and took the inter village path to Bozeat. The path, which crosses the shallow valley of Grendon Brook, has wide expansive views of the valley. We were soon discussing the likelihood of the views being overtaken by the proposed Greenhill Solar Installation which will fill the valley with Solar Panels. Moving on we crossed the three arms of Grendon Brook and made our way into Bozeat to a very welcome break on the green in the centre of the village. After our break we made our way through the older part of the village by climbing up Mile Street to pass the church on our way to Harrold Road – Here we took a footpath through an old quarrying area and on to the open countryside between Bozeat & Wollaston – We were soon following a farm track which led to Poplars Farm (this appears to have a different name of Green Field Lodge Farm on the Open Street Map). Here we took a footpath which led us through a paddock, close to the house, with two very friendly donkeys. Leaving the donkeys behind we continued on the footpath with some more open views this time of Wollaston. After crossing Wollaston Brook, we followed it into Wollaston walking through the industrial estate then making our way to the Nags Head Pub. Meanwhile a group of five undertaking the shorter walk left Duck Street to travel to Grendon. They started from the Village Hall and also their way to Chequers Lane. Here they followed the lane to cross over Grendon Brook and made their way to Blackmile Lane. From here they followed the former drovers track to the hamlet of Strixton. Passing through Strixton they then followed a footpath to the A509 road which they carefully crossed into the Wollaston Sports Area. Taking a footpath over the Wollaston Brook, they then walked up hill into Wollaston passing a futuristic ecofriendly house with Lamas and Alpacas then on to London Road. Turning right they walked to the Nags Head Pub where it was planned to join forces with the longer walk. With impeccable timing the shorter walk arrived at the pub just 10 minutes before the longer walk. After we had our lunch, we all set off together down London Road to a footpath which led us back to Wollaston Sports Area and the A509. Crossing over we entered into a Rape field with the crop ready to harvest. It stood at least 5ft tall and had fallen over the footpath across the field. All 12 of us decided to give it a go and try to walk over. With the Rape being taller than some us it was no mean thing for all of us to reach the other side of the field. We then made our way across a small pasture field only be met with another Rape field which, while not so daunting, still took a lot of navigating. Once over we made our way towards Grendon with the route opening up for a very special views over the Nene Valley. Soon we made our way back to Blackmile Lane where we turned right to walk through the Nether End part of Grendon and then across Grendon Brook to make our way back to the start. Here we all compared experiences re the Rape fields. Particularly those whose foot ware was walking sandals!

The walk started at the corner of the Avenue and Higham Park Road.  There were 9 of us walking. To start with it was chilly but as we walked up the hill it was coats off as the temperature rose.  There were lovely views across the cornfields and some blue skies along the way.  We all enjoyed a stop at Knotting Church where we were able to go inside this very old church.  On leaving the church we headed back along a very good track.  Paul was pleased to be able to complete this walk as this was his third attempt to do it. 

Five of us met outside the Bell Pub in Little Addington on a very wet & soggy summers evening. Just as the rain stopped, we set of on the Nene Way which took us through fields of very wet Winter Wheat. After de-clogging our boots, we took a path which dropped down to the River Nene where we crossed the river into Stanwick Lakes. As usual Gwen soon sampled the Zip Wire which was a bit damp. We then walked to the disused railway track and continued on to a gate and a road. Here we went left and passed the entrance to Blackthorn Lake Marina and then on over the Rive Nene by Ringstead Lock – We then walked on pleasant paths uphill back into into Little Addington where; after taking off our wet waterproofs, we had a very welcome drink in The Bell. The five of us agreed that although it had been a trifle damp it had been a very pleasant evening.

The day started with 22 of us meeting at the Cattle Market Car Park in Stamford, from which we made our way to the Town Hall to join our guide, Nicola. After a brief explanation of the history of the town, we set off and followed our guide on a very informative and interesting tour. Highlighting the many churches and religious buildings, at one time over 14, that have been used in the town. We visited the location of a wide variety of buildings ranging from Medieval, Tudor, Georgian and even the 1960’s. We also heard many interesting tales and stories from our guide. The tour also visited the site of an Eleanor Cross on which a very modern version had been erected. On finishing the tour at the Town Meadows we then took a break for lunch before meeting at the meadows for our planned walk in the afternoon. Four of us decided not to join us so 18 of us set off through the Meadows and then walked through some of the town that was not on the tour – This led us to a backwater and then by some very exclusive allotments. We crossed over some fields that had lovely views across the Welland Valley before dropping downhill to the river. After crossing the river, we made our way back through the wetlands to the car park where we regrouped and made our way back home having a had a great day with perfect weather.

On a beautiful spring evening 13 of us set off for Stanwick Lakes from Riverside House on the old A6 road in Irthlingborough – Crossing over the River Nene we took the disused railway path into Stanwick Lakes. On reaching the River Nene by the Assault Course two of the group stopped to return to Irthlingborough. The remaining 11 of us took a path to the right around Solstice Lake. Passing the open-air theatre we soon reached the main access road. Here we made our way through the wooded area and walked with Celtic Lake on our left until we reached a path that followed a causeway across the lake. We soon arrived at the reconstructed Iron Age Round Houses on the main track. Here we turned left to walk to the Visitor Centre passing the Adventure Playground, Craft Barn and Gardens on the way. From here we retraced our steps back to the start. From here we made  our way to the Rumbles Fish & Chip shop in the centre of Irthlingborough to enjoy our Fish & Chip supper.

On a lovely spring day 6 of us met at the Village Hall in Lower Benefield and set off across the fields to Upper Benefield. With the parish church being in Lower Benefield this path would have been well used in the past and we noted that is tarmacked all the way. The path led us to the busy A427 Corby to Oundle road which we walked alongside through the village. On reaching the aptly named Coronation Cresent we made our way to a footpath which crossed several fields to Spring Wood. Here we skirted around the wood and made our way to the Brigstock to Benefield road. After stopping for a coffee break we then walked on the road towards Benefield for a short distance. Turning right on to an access road we walked to the strangely named farm of Banhaw Lodge. Passing the farm, we walked through fields of Oilseed Rape which was in full bloom and bright yellow. We soon passed his by and dropped downhill into Lyvden New Bield where we stopped for lunch at the National Trust Café. After lunch we climbed up to the lodge. This is a unique, unfinished Elizabethan "banqueting house" (lodge) designed by the staunch Catholic Sir Thomas Tresham in 1595 as a Greek Cross and represents the Passion of Christ. Intended as a private retreat, construction stopped abruptly upon Tresham's death in 1605, leaving a symbolic, roofless building. It is adorned with religious symbols, friezes, and inscriptions. The site includes a remarkably preserved 16th-century landscape featuring moats, prospect terraces, and a labyrinth. Tresham’s son, Francis, was one of the conspirators involved in the 1605 Gunpowder Plot. On leaving Lyvden we made our way through Bearshank Wood where we found Bluebells and Primroses un full bloom. On emerging from the wood, we dropped down the mysteriously named Winning Foot Hill to the Harley Way where we turned right and walked to a byway which climbed up towards Brickyard Cottage. Just before the cottage we took a footpath which made its way back to Lower Benefield passing through more Rape fields and then giving us magnificent views of Benefield church at the end of the walk.

On a grey and cold Saturday morning 10 of us met at Grendon Village Hall to set off uphill through the village to a footpath which opens out with a lovely view of Castle Ashby House and Church. The path led us to Park Hill Road where we turned away from Castle Ashby and climbed up Park Hill past the wild swimming lake and the equestrian centre. Turning right at the Grendon/Yardley Road we walked to a bridlepath on the left which led us down to the Yardley Hastings arm of Grendon Brook. Crossing over and climbing up the other side the path opened out with expansive views over Easton Mauduit and the shallow valley of Grendon Brook. Comment was made that this view would change dramatically if the proposed massive Solar Installation is approved. We walked on crossing a back lane which is called Golf Course Road because the Castle Ashby 9-hole golf course was located nearby. This is now long gone; however, it does have a public footpath across it. Moving on we made our way into the village of Easton Maudit and walked up Main Street with its magnificent view of the Church. Here we stopped for a welcome break and find the location of the grave of Derek Nimo who was an actor famous for his betrayal of priests All Gas & Gaiters, Oh’Brother and Oh’Father and had a weekend cottage in the village. Moving on we took a footpath by the church which led us to a stone barn, in which, in living memory, lived a Sheppard. Following the Easton Maudit Arm of Grendon Brook we soon branched off to make our way back to Grendon. Passing through medieval Ridge & Furrow fields on the way. Making our way to Chequers Lane we admired the view of the church before making our way back to the village hall. 

Seven of us met at Houghton Conquest on a grey but dry Sunday morning – We parked opposite the church and walked past the Knife & Cleaver pub with the delicious smell of Sunday Lunch cooking. Having passed the pub, we took a footpath to the right and walked to Rectory Lane where we turned right to walk out of Houghton Conquest – We soon branched right and walked through a number of fields and skirting Kings Wood on the left we walked on to the B530 road. Crossing over by a dog leg route we then continued on across a couple of more fields to a small wooded area where we had our coffee break. After our break we continued on skirting around Ampthill Park House then climbing up to the Greensand Ridge into the lovely Ampthill Park. We then walked through the park on the Greensand Ridge Way. Passing various memorials to a Rangers Lodge and a café here we stopped for our lunch. After lunch we continued on the Greensand Ridge Way passing through Laurel Wood back to the B530 road. Turning left then right we followed the way to the ruin of Houghton House which is an English Heritage property and has free access. Today it is the shell of a 17th-century mansion commanding magnificent views, reputedly the inspiration for the ‘House Beautiful’ in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. It was built around 1615 for Mary, Dowager Countess of Pembroke, in a mixture of Jacobean and Classical styles: the ground floors of two Italianate loggias survive, possibly the work of Inigo Jones. Leaving the house we soon made our way into Kings Wood and walked on a path which had a multitude of spring flowers including Bluebells, Primroses, Violets and Wood Anemones. The path the exited the woods and we made our way back to Houghton Conquest and the end of the walk. Highly recommended walk for its views and interest.   

Six of us set of from near the currently closed Bedford Arms and walked left on the High Street to the Sharnbrook Road. We soon came to the entrance into the church and branching right we walked to church. As the church was open, we took the opportunity to look around. After our visit we continued on the footpath which entered a field. The path dropped downhill towards the railway. Before the electrification of the railway there was a crossing over the tracks now, we had to divert along the railway, through some woods to join Back Lane. Turning left we climbed to the bridge over the railway and then took a footpath to the left. Following the path around the edge of the field we walked into Round Wood. Here we turned right and walked through the lovely woods which have masses of bluebells in the spring. We emerged out of the woods to join Back Lane again. Here we turned left and dropped downhill then up to Lee Farm and some houses. At the crossroads we turned right and walked past the farm and Ash Hill Spinneys. Turning right at a T junction we then walked to a bridge back over the railway. Having crossed two tracks, we made our way past Berry Spring Wood and continued back to Souldrop and the end of a lovely walk.

On a bright sunny winters day four of us undertaking the longer walk set of from Duck Street at 9.30am. We were followed by six of us, doing the shorter walk leaving at 10.15am. The journey to Chelwelton takes at least ¾hr from Rushden and the group which left 1st immediately hit a problem with the A45 being closed to west bound traffic. We where diverted off and had to go through Earls Barton to rejoin the route. This added on 30min to the journey. At least we could warn the 2nd group who travelled via Wollaston and then the A428 to Northampton – The group doing the longer walk parked on a very wet and muddy grass verge and set off by the old Central Railway line which soon came to Catesby Tunnel which has been converted into an aerodynamics testing facility specifically for Formula1 cars (although looked unused now). Continuing on we passed Arbury Hill which is the highest point in Northamptonshire (738ft) and is where the rivers Nene, Cherwell (tributary of the Thames) and Leam (tributary of the Severn) rise. Walking on to Upper Catesby which is linked to Robert Catesby the leader of the gunpowder plot. The village, divided into Upper and Lower Catesby, is historically linked to his family they held most of the land in the region. Passing by Catesby House and its very ornate stables we walked up the hill into Hellidon. In the meantime, the group doing the shorter walk had taken a similar route passing the aerodynamics testing facility. Their route cross over the tunnel by an airshaft went on to Stockwell Lane which led them to the The Red Lion pub in Hellidon for lunch. Here they waited for the longer walk to join them. Having all met up at the pub and after lunch we all set off over two very tall ladder stiles and made our way towards the striking feature of Charwelton TV mast which is sited on a 722ft hill. Taking our time to climb the hill we were soon rewarded fantastic views over the Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Oxfordshire countryside. We then moved on making our way back to the village of Charwelton and our cars. We all agreed that it had been a lovely day in one of the most picturesque areas of Northamptonshire. The weather had been very kind with sun all day and conditions underfoot although very muddy where passable despite all the rain we had in the days leading up to the walk.

Starting from the Warth Country Park near the Industrial Area in Raunds nine of us met at the car park to walk through the old medieval village of Mallows Cotton and on to the disused railway line at Ringstead to lead us back to Raunds via Hogs Dyke. The messages went out that its was likely to be very wet and that wellingtons would be best to walk in. However, the both paths from Stanwick Lakes were flooded and impassable. In the end, we had to retrace our steps which made the walk approximately 6 miles. At least it was a dry day and not too cold for this time of the year.
 

Eleven of us met at Woodlands Country Park in Brickhill, Bedford on a very dank, misty, damp day with a light drizzle which was forecast to be heavier later in the day. Leaving the football pitches with multiple games going on we walked through the Country Park out into the open countryside with what would have been wide expansive views on a clearer day. We soon got into a rhythm of walking on very wet and muddy bridlepaths and made our way to a convenient log where we stopped for a coffee break. Following our break, we walked on to the site of RAF Twinwood Farm which opened in mid-1941 when the RAF began to use the grassed field. By April 1942 it had three concrete runways and additional temporary buildings. From then until the end of the war the airfield was used as a training base. In 1944 the airfield was transferred to the U.S. Eighth Air Force and operated in conjunction with the nearby RAF Thurleigh. This gives the link with Glen Miller and the Army Air Forces Band (Special) which was based around Bedford and which there is a museum dedicated to Glen Miller at Twinwoods. Passing by the modern-day pig farm and Biogen plant we made our way to what was the war time access road which now is used to gain access to Yarls Wood Detention Centre and Industrial Estate. We soon made our way on the road down into Clapham and our lunch stop at the Fox & Hounds Pub. Conveniently the forecast heavy rain came down while we had our lunch under cover in the pub garden. After lunch and as the rain eased, we made our way through Clapham to negotiate glutinous mud to get to Clapham Green and then on dryer roads and paths to Clapham Park. On through more mud in Clapham Park Wood back to the country park and the end of the walk. We all agreed it had been a great walk. Many thanks to Jay & Andy who led the walk.

Twelve of us met up in the Higham Ferrers Market Square for a pre-Christmas Lunch Walk around Higham. We set off by walking along Midland Road to visit the 3 plaques located there. On reaching Kimbolton Road we turned left and walked to the roundabout and then made our way through Windmill Banks and York Close to York Road. Crossing over into King Meadow Lane we walked to Saffron Road. Here we turned left and walked to the Cemetery and Cemetery Road on the left. Turning right into College Street we walked past Chichele College and into the gardens. We then made our way back towards the Market Square passing the Green Dragon on the way. On reaching the square we made our way to St Marys Church for a very interesting visit. We then made our way to the Carriage House for a well-earned Christmas Lunch.

Meeting opposite the old Red Lion which is now an Indian Restaurant called Mooche Wala eleven of us set off up the short steep footpath to the doctor’s surgery and village hall. At the top of the hill, we took a footpath which led us out into open countryside. We soon dropped down to Denton Brook which we walked alongside for a few metres until we came to a bridge. Crossing over we began to climb again across some very muddy fields. Passing Castle Ashby Lodge on our right we soon made our way into the picturesque estate hamlet of Chadstone. On reaching a road we turned left to drop downhill to Denton Brook on which there are a series of manmade ponds. These are called Paradise Ponds, and are an elaborate arrangement of ponds and water-courses, probably constructed in the 18th or early 19th century (and existing in their present form in 1840) but which may have originated as medieval fishponds. Chadstone appears in the Domesday Book when it had a total population of 14 people. Moving on we followed the access road to Chadstone Lodge. Here the bridleway led us through some trees to a minor road. Turning left we walked along the road to a footpath on the left. Taking this we followed the access road to Whiston Slade. Tracing our way round the farm we then headed back across more very muddy fields to arrive back at Denton. Fortunately, the walk was done with no rain with some lovely views across the fields.  It was a bit hard going because our footwear got clogged up and heavy but it was well worth doing.