Top 5 Summer Walks in Northamptonshire
Top five best summertime walks in Northampton
Here at Rushton Hall, we consider ourselves extremely lucky to be located in such a beautiful county with stunning countryside.
So much so, in fact, that when it comes to summer and looking for things to do in Northamptonshire our first thought turns to scenic walks and plenty of fresh air.
With summer on the horizon, everyone will soon be planning days out; Northamptonshire is the perfect destination so we have put together this list of just a few of our favourite walking routes to help you enjoy the area we love.
1. Badby Woods
2 miles from Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa
The pretty woods of Badby near Daventry have miles of lovely woodland trails to explore.
The woods can be found to the south of the village of Badby.
The village itself is certainly worth visiting with its picturesque stone and thatch cottages, village greens and a 14th-century church.
If you feel like going a little further you can extend your walk by continuing south along the Knightly Way to the pretty lakes, isolated church and Elizabethan house of Fawsley Hall and Park.
2. Stanwick Lakes
3 miles from Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa
This stunning nature reserve is in the heart of Northamptonshire’s beautiful Nene Valley.
Explore 750 acres of parkland on foot or by bicycle.
You can take the walking route passing between the many breathtaking lakes, or cycle around the perimeter.
There is also a four-mile linear route along a former railway line running from Irthlingborough towards Thrapston and the Nene Way walking route passes through the park so you could even continue your walk along the River Nene to the nearby town of Wellingborough.
3. Grafton Way
13 miles from Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa
This slightly longer route along the Grafton Way takes you from Wolverton in Milton Keynes all the way to Greens Norton in Northamptonshire.
The beginning of the walk will lead you along the Grand Union Canal to Cosgrove before taking you into the countryside and through the lovely villages of Yardley Gobion, Paulerspury and Towcester.
4. Brampton Valley Way
14 miles from Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa
This walk and cycle trail will take you from the outskirts of Northampton to Market Harborough.
The route trails along a disused railway line and the National Cycle Route 6.
It will lead you past Brixworth, Maidwell and Great Oxendon.
It is definitely worth taking a small detour from the route to see Brixworth Country Park as you will see the stunning Pitsford Water.
If seeing all of that isn’t enough, as well as passing through beautiful rural landscapes, you will also pass Northampton & Lamport Railway with its old steam railway.
Brampton Valley Way walking route
5. Jurassic Way
88 Miles from Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa
This walk gets its name from the Jurassic limestone ridge which is the starting point of this walk.
The route will take you from Banbury to Stamford passing through Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Lincolnshire along the way.
This longer walk also includes a stretch along the lovely Oxford Canal from Banbury, the Grand Union Canal near Braunston and the River Welland.
You will also journey through a series of villages and towns including Wardington, Catesby, Braunston, Ashby St Ledgers, West Haddon and Middleton.