Past Walks 2018 

<< 2017 Past Walks Menu          
(Simplified archiving from August 2018)

Local Walk
National Walk
Evening Walk
Weekend Away
Monthly Social
Other Event

January

Sunday 7th
New Members Walk
Stoke Bruerne
Tim

Wednesday 10th
Pub Meet
Wig & Pen
Northampton

Sunday 14th
New Members Walk
Pavenham
John H

Sunday 21st
Figure of 8
Apethorpe
Claire           

      

February Sunday 4th
Circular Walk
Raunds
Aimee
Sunday 11th
Circular Walk
Harpole
Chris G
Sunday 25th
National Walk
Woburn
Belinda


March
Sunday 4th
National Walk
Stonesfield
John A
Sunday 18th
National Walk
Stoke Goldington
Tim
Sunday 25th
Local Walk
Culworth
Lee & Kath


April
Fri 6th - Sun 8th
Weekend Away
Weymouth
Jayne
Sunday 15th
National Walk
Ouse Valley
Kev
Sunday 29th
Toby Cavery Walk
East Hunsbury
Jayne


May
Wednesday 2nd
Evening Walk
Collingtree
James & Dougal
Sun 6th (and or) Mon 7th
Peak District
Belinda & Tim
Fri 11th - Sun 13th
Waendal Walks
Organized Event
Wellingborough
Wednesday 16th
Walk & Social
Wavendon
Ray
Sunday 20th
Local Walk
Castle Ashby
Peter
May
(Continued)

Fri 25th-Mon 28th
Weekend Away
North Yorkshire Moors
Dave




June


Saturday 2nd
Walkabout Festival
Stoke Bruerne
Ramblers
Wednesday 6th
Evening Walk
Rushden Lakes
Tracey
Sunday 17th
National Walk
Olney Tea Shop
Charlotte
Wednesday 20th
Evening Walk
Grafton Regis
Charlotte
Sunday 24th
Circular Walk
Badby
Belinda & Tim
June
(Continued)

Saturday 30th
Group AGM
John H & Tracey




July
Sunday 1st
Post AGM Walk
Yeldon
John H
Wednesday 4th
Evening Walk
Stanwick
John H
Saturday 7th
National Walk
Ashridge Estate 17 miles
Aimee
Sunday 15th
Local Walk
Castlethorpe
Dave
Wednesday 18th
Evening Walk
Northampton
Andy

January

Sunday 7th
Sunday 7 January 2018, New members walk, Stoke Bruerne, walk leader Tim

An 8.5 mile figure of 8 walk starting from Stoke Bruerne a picturesque village by the Grand Union Canal. A figure of 8 walk is a walk of two halves, returning to the starting point at lunchtime and going on an afternoon walk from approximately the same location. This allows people to either walk the morning loop, afternoon loop or both.

If it was your New Year's resolution to get fitter or to come along and 'try us out', this is the perfect opportunity!

Meet in the museum car park on Chapel Lane (signposted once you reach the village) at 10:30am for the morning/full day walk, or at 1pm outside the pub the afternoon walk (see below). It costs £3 to park all day. There is no parking in the village as it is all double yellow lines.

The morning walk is 4.5 miles long and goes across fields to the village of Ashton, and we head back to Stoke Bruerne along the canal, watching the boats navigate the flight of locks just before Stoke Bruerne.

There are plenty of benches along the canal by the Navigation Inn pub (https://www.navigationpubtowcester.co.uk/ ) to eat our packed lunches, and there an opportunity to have a drink in the pub before starting the afternoon walk. We do not have enough time to order food at the pub as it is a busy and popular pub.

The afternoon walk starts from the canal side outside the Navigation Inn at 1pm. This walk is 4 miles long and goes to the village of Shutlanger and goes above the Blisworth Tunnel and rejoins the canal by the tunnel entrance for a short stroll back to Stoke Bruerne.

pin <- Google pin for the car park

Wednesday 10th

Why not come and join us for a New Year drink & catch up at our January pub meet which will be at The Wig & Pen in Northampton Town Centre.

The pub meet will start from 7pm, please be aware some of us may also eat at the pub should anyone want to join us.

The pub address is 19 St. Giles street, Northampton, NN1 1JA.

Sunday 14th
Sunday 14 January 2018, New Members walk, Figure of 8, walk leader John H

A 9.6 mile figure of 8 walk starting from Pavenham, a figure of 8 walk is a walk of two halves, returning to the starting point at lunchtime and going on an afternoon walk from approximately the same location. This allows people to either walk the morning loop, afternoon loop or both.
If it was your New Year's resolution to get fitter or to come along and 'try us out', this is the perfect opportunity!

Meet in front of the Cock Inn, High Street, Pavenham, MK43 7NJ at 10.30am for the morning / full day walk.  The morning was is 5.3 mils and will head out of Pavenham going south along the River Great Ouse out to Stevington returning to Pavenham where we will eat our packed lunch for those who are also doing the afternoon loop.

The afternoon walk will again start from outside the Cock Inn at approximately 1pm.  We will head out of Pavenham, this time going north along the River Great Ouse out to Radwell and then back to Pavenham.

pin <- Google pin of am & pm starts

Sunday 21st
Sunday 21 January, Figure of 8 walk from Apethorpe, walk leader Claire

A figure of 8 walk, where we return to the start for our lunch stop, so you can join us for just the morning, just the afternoon or the whole thing. If you are walking all day, please bring a packed lunch with you.

The walk will start in the village of Apethorpe, known as the birth of the county. The morning loop is approx 5 miles and the afternoon loop is also about 5 miles.

Meeting outside St Leonard's church on Bridge Street at 10.30am, in the morning loop we will head towards King' s Cliffe and Blatherwycke, before returning to Apethorpe for lunch

The afternoon walk will start at the church at 1pm, heading towards Southwick Hall and Bulwick.

pin <- Google pin of am & pm starts

February

Sunday 4th
Sunday 4th February 2018, 9.5 mile circular walk, Raunds, Walk Leader Aimee

Join me on a muddy walk of approximately 9.5 miles. Please bring a packed lunch and meet in the Warth Park Country Park Car Park, Warth Park Way, Raunds for a 10.30 start.

We will head across fields and down the old railway line to the village of Woodford, passing some houses from the 17th century. Continuing through the woods we will then walk alongside the river Nene in to the village of Denford and stop for a pint at the Cock Inn at 5.3 miles. After lunch we will head across the fields in to Ringstead, then back to Warth Park.

pin <- Google pin of start

Sunday 11th

Sunday 11 February, 9 mile circular from Harpole, walk leader Chris G

A 9 mile circular walk from the village of Harpole.

Please park considerately around the village and meet outside Harpole village church on the corner Upper High Street / School Lane for a 10:30am start. Please bring a packed lunch with you, as there won't be time to order food in the pub.

The morning half of the walk is about 4.5 miles long and heads across the fields towards the village of Nobottle before heading over to Flore village. After eating our lunch nearby, we'll then have a drink in the White Hart pub in the village.

The afternoon section is roughly 4.5 miles and takes us via Nether Heyford village and along the Nene Way footpath, where we pass Bugbrook Mill.

Please be aware that there are a lot of muddy fields, particularly if we have rainy spell before the walk.

pin <- Google pin of start


Sunday 25th

Sunday 25 February, 10.5 miles circular walk from Woburn, Bedfordshire, walk leader Belinda

A walk across the Woburn estate and the local field footpaths nearby. There's the opportunity to see plenty of wildlife along the way: the Park is home to several different types of deer, with the possibility of seeing something more exotic too! (eg elephants, zebras and rhinos - as one of the paths goes through Woburn Safari Park).

Please bring a packed lunch with you. Although we will be stopping at a pub at lunchtime, there won't be time to order food there.

Please meet at 10.30am on the grass just outside the free public car park, just off the High Street in Woburn. We'll begin by walking through the town of Woburn, then across the fields to Husborne Crawley, before heading onto the Woburn estate. We'll head past the safari park and out to the village of Ridgmont. After eating our lunch nearby, we'll visit the Rose and Crown in Ridgmont for a drink.

In the afternoon we'll walk past the ruins of Segenhoe church, shortly after which we'll join up with the Greensands Ridgeway path. We'll be following this well signposted path for most of the afternoon. It will take us round the outskirts of Eversholt and back onto the Woburn estate, back to Woburn village.

pin <- Google pin of start


March

Sunday 4th

Sunday 4th March - 8 mile circular walk Stonesfield, Oxfordshire - John A

As the walk is some distance from Northampton, you can either meet us in Stonesfield for the usual 10.30am start, or meet us in Northampton to share a lift there. Please bring a packed lunch as there won't be time to order food in the pub at lunchtime.

If you would like to car share, please meet at the car park of Upton Country Park (see the google pin below), ready to leave at 9.10am. Please turn up a few minutes before this, so we can arrange lift sharing. A few people will need to volunteer to drive. For those getting a lift you will be asked to make a small contribution towards the driver's petrol.

For those meeting us there, please park considerately around the village and meet outside the White Horse pub, The Ridings, Stonesfield for a 10.30am start.

“This circular route in the heart of Oxfordshire visits sites of historical and archaeological interest, including St Peter’s church at Wilcote Manor, the crumbling remains of the ancient Lady’s Well and the ruins of North Leigh Roman Villa. It all makes for a very pleasant countryside walk with much to stimulate the senses – and discussion if you are walking with a group.”

The above text was taken from the recent edition of the Walk magazine. On the day we will walk anticlockwise and the pub stop will be at http://theplough-inn.co.uk/ Finstock meaning we will have completed approximately 60% of the walk before lunch. The pub is described as a friendly Thatched village pub since 1772 with a roaring log Inglenook fire for winter and dogs are allowed in the bar. We can either eat our pack lunches near Wilcote or close to the pub, depending on the weather on the day.

After lunch we head back to Stonesfield to complete the walk.

pin <- Google pin of car share

pin <- Google pin of start

Sunday 18th

Sunday 18 March, Tim, Stoke Goldington, figure of eight walk

A 10 mile figure of 8 walk, starting from Stoke Goldington village which is half way between Northampton and Milton Keynes. A figure of 8 walk is a walk of two halves, returning to the starting point at lunchtime and going on an afternoon walk from approximately the same location. This allows you to either walk the morning loop, afternoon loop or both.

Meet outside The Lamb pub on the Main Road at 10:30am for the morning/full day walk, or at 1pm for the afternoon walk. Please park considerately in the village.

The morning walk is 5 miles long and is a circular walk across fields to the pretty village of Ravenstone.

Returning to Stoke Goldington, there is plenty of space on the village green near the pub to eat our packed lunches, and an opportunity to have a drink in the pub before starting the afternoon walk.

The afternoon walk is also 5 miles long and follows the Midshires Way track towards Salcey and back through Stoke Park Wood.

pin <- Google pin of am & pm start

Sunday 25th


Sunday 25 March, 10 mile circular walk, Culworth, walk leaders Lee and Kath

A circular 10 mile walk starting from Culworth Village - meet on the village green at 10.30am, just along from the Red Lion Pub on High Street / The Green (the postcode is OX17 2BD). Please park considerately around the village.

In the morning we will be walking from Culworth across the Danes moor (which was the site of one of the main battles during the War of the Roses) across the gallops to Edgcote village where we will admire Edgcote House, a grade 1 listed building. Then we will walk up the Jurassic way towards Chipping Warden stopping for a packed lunch along the way. This will be followed by a drink stop at the Griffin Inn, Chipping Warden.

In the afternoon we will be walking towards Trafford House and the site of a medieval village before heading back across fields to Culworth.

Boots are essential for this walk due to potential muddy conditions!

pin <- Google pin of start

April

Fri 6th - Sun 8th

Friday 6th - Sunday 8th April Weekend away Weymouth - Jayne

 We are planning a walking trip to Weymouth for the 6th-8th April. We will be staying at at place in Weymouth called Bunkhouse Plus so have booked out the whole place.

See their website if you wish: 
                                     
http://www.bunkhouseplus.co.uk/

The vague plan for the weekend is to travel down on the Friday and meet at the Bunkhouse for a few drinks and maybe a wander around town. (Make own meal arrangements for Friday dinner).

We will do a decent length walk on the Saturday walking along the Jurassic coast.  I am then thinking we'll go for a nice meal out on Saturday night. Possibly followed by a few more drinks.
Sunday morning will be a walk local to Weymouth. Possibly around Portland. Then thinking a Sunday roast before heading home. Alternatively if people want we could look at an alternative longer walk.

The cost will be around £70 each plus food but this does depend on final numbers.

If you are interested in coming on this weekend please either contact me directly or use the email on our contacts page.

To secure your place I'm asking for a deposit of £20 by the end of February.

Thanks
Jayne

Sunday 15th

Sunday 15 April, Kev, Ouse Valley

The walk starts at The Ouse Valley Car Park on the Haversham Road (close to MK13 0AW) at 10.30am. The car park is free. This is a circular walk of around 9 miles. Please bring a packed lunch with you, as there will not be time to order food in the pub at lunchtime.

The plan is to walk up the Haversham Road and join the Midshires Way. We'll then head across to join the Grand Union Canal walk. Following the towpath to Old Wolverton we have 2 or 3 pub stop options (The Black Horse, The New Inn, The Galleon) so may decide on the day depending on the weather and progress. We’ll eat our lunch nearby before popping into the pub for a drink.

After that the towpath continues to Cosgrove from where we head across towards the railway and back round to the car park.Please note that we may need to be flexible with the route as there are occasional towpath closures planned, also that the route includes paths, roads, towpaths and open fields.

pin <- Google pin of start

Sunday 29th
Sunday 29 April, East Hunsbury, 6.5 miles, walk leader, Jayne

Meet at the Toby Carvery East Hunsbury car park for 10.30am. The pub is on Blackymore Lane and the postcode NN4 0TG.

The walk will be 6 and a half miles through East Hunsbury to Milton Malsor and back through Collingtree.

After the walk there is then an option to stay and eat a carvery meal at the pub

pin <- Google pin of start

May

Wednesday 2nd
Wednesday 2nd May 2018, 3.8 mile circular walk, Collingtree, Walk Leader Dougal

Join me on a walk of just under 4 miles, as a first foray into the summer Wednesday evening walks.  Meet at the junction of High Street and Barn Corner, outside the Parish Church of Saint Columba, Collingtree, NN4 0PR for a 7.30pm start.

We will head down the footpath towards East Hunsbury, along the side of the golf course, across fields to Milton Malsor, where we will pass the church, down a quiet lane before crossing more fields and back towards Collingtree village.  The Wooden Walls of Olde England will be on our right, just before we finish (we will have to wipe our paws / take off our boots before going in).

Parking by the Church is limited, so you are best to park on the High Street / Lodge Avenue.  Don’t turn into Barn Corner as you wont be able to park.

pin <- Google pin of start

Sunday 6th (and/or)
Monday 7th
Walking in the Peak District, Sunday 6 May and Monday 7 May. A slightly shorter weekend break, or two day-walks in the area, organised by Belinda and Tim.

On Sunday we are planning a walk to Stanage Edge, near Hathersage, driving up that morning. We'll be parking at the 'Suprise view' carpark, ready to walk at 10.30am. It will be a circular walk with a very approximate distance of 10 miles.

pin <- Google pin of start

On the Monday, our walk will start from the village of Biggin , again, starting at 10.45am. Meet outside The Waterloo Inn. Please park considerately around the village. We'll be walking a circular route in Upper Dovedale, distance approximately 8 mile - exact route to be confirmed nearer the time (possibly on the day). We will however definitely be walking through the village of Hartington where we will stop for liquid refreshments. Please note revised walk start time of 10.45am.

pin <- Google pin of start

On Sunday night there's an option to stay overnight in Sheffield town centre - the Travel Lodge or Premier Inn have rooms for approximately £40 plus £10 for parking at the time of writing (early March). Please let Belinda know if you are interested in staying overnight ASAP, so we can get something booked before the prices go up. (We'll ask you to book your own accommodation, but want to arrange that we're all staying in the same place!). We plan to organise a meal in Sheffield on Sunday night if there's enough interest in staying over.

For those considering coming up for the day, its an approx 2h drive each way from Northampton. Again, please let us know if you will be doing this, so we can look out for you at the start of the walks.

Fri 11th - Sun 13th

Friday 11 May – Sunday 13 May, Waendal Walking festival in Wellingborough

Its a group tradition that we take part in the Waendal Walk, there are lots of walks on offer as detailed on the Festival webpage: http://www.wellingborough.gov.uk/info/100009/leisure_and_culture/1258/international_waendel_walk_2018

Generally there are takers for the longer walks – 16 or 26 miles (25 or 42km) on either the Saturday or the Sunday and also for the family-friendly shorter walks. All walks start at the Castle Theatre in Wellingborough, and there is a registration fee payable – ( £5 online beforehand via The Castle website (http://www.castletheatre.co.uk/), or more on the day. (Please note if you’re booking online then you need to specify the distance in km and the type of route – choose the ‘field and track’ route. Online booking closes a few days before the event).

Please let Belinda know directly, or via the info@ email address and she'll attempt to compile a list / put people in touch with each other about the distance they'd like to do and on which day(s).

Wednesday 16th

Wednesday 16 May, evening walk, Wavendon (near Milton Keynes), walk leader Ray

***PLEASE NOTE THE EARLY - 6:45pm - START***

We will meet in the Stables car park near Milton Keynes (MK17 8LU), which is a free car park and looks to be open all day. To allow us to have time to do the walk before the rest of the evenings entertainment, please be ready to leave the car park at 6:45pm. The walk will basically be from the Stables in Wavendon, to Woburn Sands and back again by one of a couple of routes. It'll be a distance of around 5 miles (a mixture of roads and footpaths). The show starts at 8:45 pm, and we need to be back before then to bag some seats not at the front!

This walk is being combined with a stand-up comedy night at the Stables in Wavendon. We have already booked comedy night tickets for those who previously expressed an interest. Anyone can join us for the walk, if you also want to come to the comedy afterwards you’ll be more than welcome - you can either buy tickets from the website below, or they look to also sell them on the door (subject to availability).

https://stables.org/event/screaming-blue-murder-comedy-club-11

Click here for directions to the stables

Sunday 20th

Sunday 20 May, Castle Ashby, 10 miles, walk leader, Peter

Meet at the car park at Castle Ashby house, closest sat nav is NN7 1LJ, ready to walk at 10.30am. (There is no charge for the car park). Please bring a packed lunch with you, as there won’t be time to order food in the pub.

The walk is about 10 miles over varied terrain, going via Yardley Hastings, Chadstone, Cogenhoe, Whiston and back to Castle Ashby.

Our lunch stop will be at about the 6 mile mark with some great views, where we will have a short stop for people to eat lunch and then walk another 15-20 minutes to get us to the Royal Oak pub for a drink and use of the facilities before doing the last 3 miles back to Castle Ashby.

Dogs are welcome on the walk, although please be advised there a few styles, possible fields with livestock and a little bit of road walking involved.

pin <- Google pin of start

Fri 25 - Mon 28th
(2 or 3 Nights)

Weekend Away - Friday 25th to Sunday 27th or Monday 28th - North Yorkshire Moors - Dave


I am planning a walking weekend away for the Bank Holiday at the end of May (25th – 27th).  The trip will be walking in the Teesside area of the North York Moors National Park.

The plan (which I am sure will evolve!) will be to travel up on the Friday evening and have a bite to eat at the hotel and probably a few drinks.

We will do a decent length walk on the Saturday taking in some Cook country, where Captain Cook went to school (Great Ayton) and continuing along sections of the Cleveland way passing Captain Cook’s Monument, the highest point being Roseberry Topping which has stunning views.

Saturday night will be a nice meal somewhere, possibly in the nice local village of Yarm.

There are a few options for the walk on the Sunday, I would like to do a route from Chop Gate taking in some of the best sections of the Cleveland Way past a well known local crag formation called the Wainstones and very impressive views if we have a nice day.  There are also some shorter walks from Lordstones if we have some inclement weather.

Sunday meal has yet to be decided but fish and chips at the Seaside (Saltburn, complete with Victorian funicular) is always an option!

If people would like to do only two nights I think the hotel will be flexible on this.

We will be staying at the Bluebell Hotel in Acklam (links below)

Hotel link

https://www.greatukpubs.co.uk/bluebellhotel-middlesbrough

The cost will be around £86 each for 3 nights including breakfast.  I have made a provisional booking initially for a number of twin and double rooms which will go on a first come first served basis but at the moment availability for extra rooms is good.

Please contact me directly or reply to this email if you are interested.

If you are interested I will be asking for a £20 deposit by the end of March to confirm your place.

Cheers

Dave
June
Saturday 2nd
Saturday 2 June, Walkabout Festival, Stoke Bruerne

Co-organised by the Northants Ramblers group (a different group to ours!), there are a range of events taking place all day. Please come along and support the event.

Car parking is available in the Canal Museum car park, or the car park at the top of the village near the church.

4pm boat ride and walk – advance booking required

Members of the group are involved in the 4pm boat ride from Stoke Bruerne to the end of the Blisworth tunnel and walk back. We estimate that the walk is approx 2-3 miles. Its a free event, but you do need to book your place on the boat in advance.                   

Booking is available online

On the day you need to show your online booking details at the Ramblers gazebo in Stoke Bruerne, to get a wristband to board the boat. The boat leaves the Boat Inn pub at 4pm. Estimated time for the boat ride and walk back is 2.5 hours.

Theatre ‘Idle women of the wartime waterways’, 7.00pm, Stoke Bruerne Village Hall

As part of the Walkabout festival, there’s evening entertainment by the Alaram Theatre. Tickets are £8 plus a £1.21 booking fee per transaction. The tickets need to be bought in advance online. More information about the theatre company is available on their website.

pin <- Google pin of Canal museum car park (Chapel Lane)

pin <- Google pin of church car park (Shutlanger Road)

Wednesday 6th
Wednesday 6 June, walk leader John, evening walk from Rushden Lakes, wetland visitor centre.

Evening walk of just under 3 miles starting at the Nene Wetland Visitor Centre at Rushden Lakes at 7.30pm.  We will walk along the lakes and meadows trail which will take in part of the sculpture trail and also some of the lakes around the site.

Once we get back to Rushden Lakes there will be the option to take a stroll over the footbridge for a drink in the Needle & Awl pub if anyone fancies a pint.

pin <- Google pin of visitor centre


Sunday 17th
Sunday 17 June, Tea Shop Walk, 7 miles, walk leader Charlotte

I confess...I’ve planned this walk around coffee and cake and added a possible pub stop for good measure! Meet at 10.30am near the Market Place car park in the centre of Olney, after parking along Olney High Street, or the car parks on East Street.

The first part of the walk is roughly 3 miles and will take us out of Olney to Emberton Country Park. After heading through fields to Emberton Village, we’ll return to the Country Park where we will stop for coffee and/or ice-cream (advertised as homemade).

Next we’ll head across fields to Clifton Reynes, with the option to stop at the pub before heading back to Olney. This part of the walk is approximately 4 miles. Once back in Olney (around 2/2.30pm) it would only be proper to visit one of the tea shops. I’ve arranged for us to visit J&B Sweet Cafe.

Please carry on reading..

Parking: Although we are meeting at the Market Place, you will be unable to park there due to the time restrictions

Advance notice required to be guaranteed cake: The lovely people at the cafe in Olney have kindly said that they will make sure that there is enough cake for us, if I give them a rough idea of numbers. So please let me know by Monday 4 June if you are planning to stay for cake after the walk. You can email me directly if you have my email address or use our email.

No lunch stop - as the walk gets back to Olney quite early and we have a mid morning stop, I haven’t planned a lunch stop. I’d recommend bringing sandwiches and eating them between stops!

pin <- Google pin of start


Wednesday 20th
Wednesday 20 June, 4 mile evening walk from Grafton Regis, walk leader Charlotte

Meet near the White Hart pub on Northampton Road in Grafton Regis for a 7.30pm start, after parking considerately around the village. The walk of just under 4 miles will take us through fields to the village of Alderton and then back again.

Annoyingly, the White Hart pub closes at 9.30 (what kind of pub is that?!) so anyone wishing to have drink after the walk will need to drive 5mins to The Old Crown in Ashton. Sorry!

pin <- Google pin of start

Sunday 24th
Sunday 24 June, 10 mile circular walk from Badby, Tim and Belinda walk leaders

Meet on Chapel Hill outside the church at Badby at 10.30am after parking considerately around the village. We’ll start off walking along the Knightley Way towards Preston Capes, with lovely views over the Fawsley Estate. From Preston Capes we’ll head across the fields to Everdon. We’ll find somewhere to eat our sandwiches between Preston Capes and Everton, before visiting the pub at Everdon for a drink.

In the afternoon, we’ll walk along the Nene Valley way back to Badby via the pretty village of Newnham.

(Please note the morning half of the walk is longer than the afternoon).

pin <- Google pin of start

Saturday 30th


Saturday 30th June, AGM and BBQ – John & Tracey’s house Rushden

The date of the AGM of the Northants 20s to 40s walking group has been set for the evening of Saturday 30th June.

The plan is to have a BBQ at John & Tracey’s house in Rushden. The following day John will lead a walk from the Rushden area and will start at the later than usual time of 11am.

The AGMs are usually very informal, with the business part of the group kept to a minimum. It is your chance to have your say about the group, how it is run and volunteer to help run it, as well as a great social event – remembering some of the walks and weekends we've enjoyed over the year. Prizes will be awarded for best walk, best social and best weekend away.

The details:
Everyone in the group is welcome to come along to the BBQ, please reply to this email if you'd like to come along, or contact John or Tracey directly if you have their contact details. People are welcome to arrive from 6pm. John & Tracey will provide things like bread rolls, sauces and salad. We will ask those coming along to bring along their own food to cook or co-ordinate who is bringing what!

If you would like to stay over, then there is a spare bed, some floor space and even space in the garden for a couple of tents, again please let us know if you're interested.

See 1st July for the post AGM walk

John & Tracey
July
Sunday 1st
Sunday1 July, 8.5 mile circular walk from Yeldon, walk leader John H

Meet outside the Chequers pub on the High Street Yeldon at the later than usual time of 11am (as is tradition for our post-AGM walk). We’ll be heading south west to Knotting and then across to the village of Riseley where we will stop for lunch and a pint in the Fox and Hounds ( https://www.foxandhoundsriseley.co.uk/ ). (According to wikipedia Riseley has an interesting history https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riseley,_Bedfordshire ).

In the afternoon, we’ll head back Yeldon, via the village of Melchbourn.

pin <- Google pin of start


Wednesday 4th
Wednesday 4th July Evening 3 mile evening walk from Stanwick, walk leader John H

3 mile walk starting at 730
Outside Duke of Wellington pub,
Church St, Stanwick, Wellingborough NN9 6PS
01933 622452

The walk heads out through the village then south west along a lane and across the fields back to Stanwick a drink at the pub.
Wikipedia for Stanwick
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanwick%2C_Northamptonshire?wprov=sfla1

pin <- Google pin of start


Saturday 7th
Saturday 7th July, Ashridge Estate Boundary Trail, Ringshall, 17 miles, walk leaders Aimee & Belinda

Its always good to do something different once in a while, so we're leading a 17 mile walk on a Saturday, rather than our usual 8-10 mile walks on a Sunday. Its hard to judge whether you're likely to be OK with this distance. Perhaps as a guide, if you can't comfortably walk 10 miles, then this walk isn't for you. As we're walking a longer distance, we're starting earlier than usual too.

Meet at 9.00am at the free National Trust car park on Beacon Road, Rinsghall, HP4 1NR. Please bring a packed lunch to eat on the trail.

The Ashridge Estate boundary trail is a 17 mile walk through woodland and valleys, taking in some dramatic views. From our start point we will walk round the estate in a clockwise direction, stopping for lunch at approx 9 miles, all being well with the weather. We will take a slight detour from the trail to visit The Greyhound pub in the pretty village of Aldbury, then rejoin the path to pass the Bridgewater Monument and the Ashridge Estate visitor centre where we have the option of making a quick stop for supplies from the cafe at approx 11 miles. We now head towards Ivinghoe Beacon, a steep climb but worth it for the views. Once arriving back at the car park we have the option of a short drive to the Bridgewater Arms in Little Gaddesden for a well earned pint.

pin <- Google pin of start


Sunday 15th
Sunday 15 July, 10 mile circular walk from Castlethorpe, Northants, walk leader Dave

The length of the walk is 10 miles in total of approximately equal distance in the morning and afternoon.

Meet outside Castlethorpe Village Hall on North Street in Castlethorpe at 10:30am, there is parking nearby in the village but please park considerately as always. Please bring a packed lunch with you, as there won’t be time to order food in the pub at lunchtime.

We will begin by crossing the railway line and picking up the Hanslope circular ride bridleway towards Hanslope with some nice views along the way and a few cows. We will stop for lunch in Hanslope where we can eat our sandwiches on a village green with a bench. There is also a pub called the Watts Arms that serves a nice pint.

In the afternoon we will again pick up the Hanslope circular ride bridleway and make our way back to Castlethorpe.

pin <- Googple pin of start


Wednesday 18th
Wednesday 18 July, evening walk, Northampton, 4 miles, Andy

Setting off from the Malt Shovel pub an evening walk followed by a live band and real ales at the pub. A route that some people may remember from previous years.

Meet for a 7.30pm start at the Malt Shovel Tavern (http://maltshoveltavern.com/ ) on 121 Bridge St in Northampton, NN1 1QF. There is no parking at the Malt Shovel pub itself so suggest you park in one of the town centre car parks or get there by public transport if possible.

The walk takes us along the Nene Way, following the river, into Becketts Park and past the marina. We continue into Midsummer Meadow and then Barnes Meadow before returning past the whitewater / canoeing course and back along the riverside. During the walk there is also the chance to see some of the Northampton wildlife.

The walk in total is approx 4 miles, we should be back at the pub at around 9pm.

On returning to the pub we will be able to see a live music from ‘Veronica & Max’ - as well as sampling the impressive array of real ales!

Leader - Andy


August
Wednesday 1st
Wednesday 1 August, 4-4.5 mile evening walk, Wooton, walk leader, Jayne

Meet at the front of the Yeoman pub at 31 High Street in Wootton for 7.30pm. The walk will be around Wootton, Hardingstone and the surrounding area. We should be back at the pub for around 9pm. It will be a 4 - 4.5 mile walk depending on how we do for time.
Sunday 19th
Sunday 19 August, 9.5 mile, Market Harbourough Breakfast Walk, walk leader Jayne

Meet at Market Harborough Indoor Market Cafe ( http://www.harboroughmarket.co.uk/directory/506/market-place-cafe/ ). Postcode LE16 9HB. There is a car park right next to it which at the time of the reccie was free on Sundays.

Meet at 9.45am if you would like to join us for brekkie (I've tried it and it's well worth it).

Otherwise meet at 10.30am to start walking. (Still meet in the cafe seating area in case we overrun on eating slightly).

The walk is 9.5 miles. We will walk from Market Harborough down the Brampton Valley way, through the tunnel. We will stop at Arthingworth for lunch (for those that haven't eaten too much breakfast!). If you think you would like lunch please bring sandwiches with you. If the pub is open there we’ll also stop for a quick drink. In the afternoon we’ll head back to Market Harborough on other footpaths (some may be a little overgrown).
Wednesday 22nd
Wednesday 22 August, approx 3.5 mile evening walk, Harlestone Firs, Northampton walk leaders Albert and Charlie

Please meet in the roadside car park outside Harlestone Heath Garden Centre, on Harlestone Road, Northampton for a 7:30pm start. Postcode for the garden centre is NN5 6UJ, but you shouldn't need to park in the centre car park as there is a big area for parking just outside, free of charge.

We'll head through the Firs to the golf course the other side, crossing the railway a couple of times, as this is the focal point of the walk - we're very much hoping to see several trains go past to entertain Albert (and Ian!). We'll aim to be back by 8:30pm as sunset is 8:14pm, at which point we'll head to the Fox & Hounds pub nearby for post-walk refreshment.
September
Sunday 2nd
Sunday 2 September, 9.5 mile figure of 8 walk, Milton Keynes, Walk leader: Belinda

This is a 9.5mile walk visiting the two lakes of Milton Keynes. Its a figure of 8 walk, meaning that we will return to the cars at lunchtime, allowing you to walk only the morning, only the afternoon or all day. The morning walk is on hard paths, suitable to push young children in buggies.

If you are walking all day, please bring a packed lunch with you as there won't be time to order food in the pub at lunch time.

The morning loop will start at 10.30am from the Ouzel Valley car park north of Woughton on the Green (on Newport Road, see map below). It is an approximately 4.5 mile walk which is buggy-friendly. We will walk along the river Ouzel, past some mediaeval fish ponds (now dried up!) up to Willen Lake. After circuiting the lake, its a short walk through a residential area back to the cars.

For those walking all day, we will eat our sandwiches on the picnic tables near the car park then walk up to the Olde Swan pub in Woughton on the Green for a drink. The afternoon loop will start from the pub.

The afternoon loop is a 5 mile walk starting from the Olde Swan pub in Woughton on the Green at approximately 1pm. (The pub is on the junction of Newport Road and The Green). There is ample on-road parking on the road between the pub and the car park. From Woughton on the Green we will walk across open fields until reaching the Grand Union Canal. We will walk south along the canal to Simpson, and from there cut across to Caldecotte Lake. The towpath maybe muddy in places. We will walk a loop around the pretty northern part of the lake before heading back up the river to the car park. (The section from Simpson onwards is also buggy friendly, but the section along the canal is not!).
Sunday 9th
Sunday 9 September, 7.5 mile walk and carvery lunch, from Tilton on the Hill, Leicestershire, walk leader Rachel

The walk is 7.5 mile circular from Tilton-on-the-Hill, which as a fun fact is the highest village in Leicestershire at 215m. There are views of the John O'Gaunt viaduct which spans 230m with 14 arches at a height of 60m!

The walk starts at the old Rose & Crown pub in Tilton but this is now apparently permanently closed so I am unsure if there is a sign! The post code of the pub was LE7 9LB. 

From Northampton if people turn right off the main road near the village hall and park around there we should all meet up easily enough, the village is small! If the pub carpark is not blocked off we should be good to park there with it being closed.

We head across rolling hills to Twyford then a short hop through the village and back up towards Lowesby Hall, there is one busy road to cross and a small amount of walking on a quiet road but mostly the route is across fields.

The pub we will be eating at is the Golden Fleece at South Croxton, it is a carvery and is £14, there are other menu items available but the carvery is amazing! South Croxton is less than 10 min drive from Tilton once we get back to the cars.

 A table has been booked for 2:30 so please can people confirm if they want a place by Tuesday 4th Sept either via info@letsgetreadytoramble.org.uk or direct to Rachel if you have her details.
Sunday 23rd
Sunday 23 September, approximately 9 mile walk across Richmond Park, London, walk leader Belinda

Please meet at Platform 9 and ¾ at King’s Cross station in London at 10.15am, from there we’ll make our way as a group to Richmond Station. (Sadly, we’re going on the tube, not via Hogwarts Express!). From Richmond station, its approximately 1.5 mile walk to the boundary of Richmond Park.

We’ll walk a circuit of Richmond Park, including some of the highlights of walking in the park such as King Henry’s Mound with good views towards St Paul’s Cathedral and to Sawyer Hill where views of the London skyline are to be had. We also hope to see lots of deer.

Please bring your lunch with you, we’ll be stopping at one (or more) of the park’s cafes along the way, but can’t guarantee they’ll have sandwiches on sale.

Returning to approximately the same place that we came into the park, we’ll follow the river back towards the centre of Richmond and the station. Here there is an optional extra of heading up to Richmond lock and sluice gates, which is open for tours that day, as part of London’s ‘Open House’ weekend. We may not arrive in time for a tour, or there may not be space (The tours are hourly on the hour. The last tour is at 4pm and there’s a maximum of 30 people per tour). However, even from the outside, its a photogenic structure!

More info on the sluice gates is available here: https://openhouselondon.open-city.org.uk/listings/1472 .

Getting to London: trains into London go into Euston from Northampton, or from King’s Cross from Bedford or Wellingborough. If there are 3 or more people travelling together, it is cheaper to buy a ‘GroupSave’ ticket. If you do this, you’ll have to travel on the same trains into and out of London.

Richmond Park is in Zone 4. It may be cheaper to get a ‘travelcard’, rather than buying a return ticket to London and then a tube ticket / using your Oyster Card / contactless payment card.

If you’re interested in the GroupSave, please let Belinda know which station you’ll be travelling from and she’ll try and put you in touch with other people travelling from that station
October
Sunday 7th
Sunday 7 October, Figure of 8 walk from Turvey, approx 10.5 miles, walk leader Peter

Please meet outside Ye 3 Fishes pub (http://yethreefyshes.co.uk/ ), on the main road in Turvey at 10.30am (Bridge Street, MK43 8ER).

The pub has said we can park in the car park if we use the pub for refreshments. (The car park is 2nd turning on the right after you drive past the pub, entering the village from the Northampton direction).

The morning walk is approximately 6 miles. Bring sandwiches as there won't be time to order food at the pub. Those that want to just do the afternoon walk which will be approximately 4.5 miles, please be at the pub ready to walk by 1.30pm.

Both walks are part of the Turvey Trails and pass through Turvey Abbey Park. Most of the walking will be around field edges, with a little road walking. There is a very small amount along the side of the A428, so dogs will need to be on leads. There are a mixture of gates and styles throughout the walk. On the afternoon walk we may be lucky enough to see deer, and water buffalo near a disused railway line.
Sunday 14th

Sunday 14 October, 9 mile circular walk, Yardley Gobion, walk leader Kev

Meet at Yardley Gobion at 10:30am. Please park considerately in the village and meet outside St Leonard's church (near Junction of High Street and Moorend Road, NN12 7UB). Please bring a packed lunch with you as there won’t be time to order food in the pub at lunchtime.

From the church we will walk through the village and head across the fields to Potterspury. We'll then pass through Furtho and over the A508 towards Cosgrove. At Cosgrove we'll follow the towpath along to the Navigation pub where we can stop for a drink and eat our lunch nearby. We'll finish the walk by continuing along the footpath past the old wharf and marina, crossing back over the A508 and coming back into Yardley Gobion from Moor End. The walk is nearly 9 miles in total.

Sunday 21st

Sunday 21 October, Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, 10.5 miles, walk leader Rachel

A few details to whet your appetite, more details to follow:

This walk of a little over ten miles has two climbs to it, one immediately from the start in Bradgate Country Park near Newtown Linford to the War Memorial and Old John Tower and the second at about halfway from Beacon Road to Beacon Hill. Both high points are good places to look over the vast plains of the county and its neighbours, especially those to the north and east. In between the climbing there is a good variety of walking including stretches through woodland, across open farmland and in all there are three country parks to enjoy.
Wednesday 31st

Wednesday 31 October, Hallowe’en evening walk, 3 miles, Harlestone, walk leaders Andy and Sarah

Meeting point: The car park of the Fox and Hounds pub, Lower Harlestone.

Time: 7pm

Please feel free to come dressed in your most ghoulish Halloween outfit (or wear a witch’s hat)

If you go down to the woods today.. you’re sure of a big surprise… Come join us for a thrilling Halloween walk.. if you’re brave enough! Your gruesome walk leader (possibly from a Texas Chainsaw Massacre) will lure you from the car park of the Fox and Hounds of Lower Harlestone off the beaten track and into the woods.

Stop for a drink around the witches’ fire-pit in the heart of the woods. Then you will head off across the golf course, which used to be the site of Harlestone House, a place upon which Jane Austen based her novel Mansfield Park.

If you have survived thus far, your walk leader will entice you towards Upper Harlestone and the Dovecote, a round stone outbuilding. Four hundred years ago doves and pigeons used to gather there to eat and coo in the winter. Now bats have been sighted at this historic stone structure!

Finally you will traverse ye old graveyard of Lower Harlestone before collapsing with relief in the pub for a much-needed drink or two. Phew!

If you go down to the woods today...please bring a torch if you have one!

November
Sunday 4th

Sunday 4 November, Three Shires Way part 1, 12 mile circular walk, walk leader John

This is the start of a series of 4/5 walks to cover the Three Shires way starting at Grafham Water and finishing at Milton Keynes with a total distance of 49 miles.

The first part is a circular route around Grafham water, which is 12 miles. Please bring a packed lunch with you, as there won’t be time to order food at the pub at lunchtime.

Please meet outside the Grafham Water Visitor Centre at 10.30am (Marlow Car Park, Grafham, Huntingdon PE28 0BH). There is a car parking charge of £3.50.

We will walk clockwise along the northern shore of the reservoir. Towards lunchtime we’ll head away from shore to Staughton Green. Here we’ll find somewhere to eat our lunch before visiting the pub for a drink. In the afternoon we’ll head back to the shore continuing our circuit of the reservoir and back to the car park.

Fri 9th - Sun 11th

Summary of November weekend away, Howgill Fells, 9-11 November

Ray is organising a weekend away in November from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th in the Howgills Fells. These are a small range of fells to the East of the M6 (kind of ‘opposite’ the Southern Lake District and just North of the Yorkshire Dales). There will be options for different level walks to suit those going.

Its likely that we’ll be staying at a ‘barn’ accomodation. It has a mix of small bunk rooms and twin/doubles, and all mod cons (despite being called ‘barns’). Assuming full occupancy it would be £45-55 per person for 2 nights and £50-60 for 3 nights (a bit more if we had less than full occupancy).There is the option to stay for three nights, either staying Thursday or Sunday night respectively.

http://www.tarnoutdoor.co.uk/index.htm

Please contact us as soon as possible if you’re interested in coming along, by contacting us on the info@ email address or contacting Ray directly if you have his details.
Sunday 18th
Sunday 18 November, Islip, Area AGM walks

There will be 2 walks from the Islip Village Hall - one starting at 9:30 which is 9 miles and the shorter walk will start at 11:00 - this is 5 miles in length. The Area AGM will start at 2pm in the village hall. If you are staying for the AGM please bring your lunch with you and tea and coffee will be available from 1.30pm.
December
Sun 2nd

Sunday 2nd December, 8.25 mile Pantomime themed walk from Harrold Country Park, Walk leader Kevin (aka Dame Trott)

This walk is Pantomime themed and will hopefully get you in the Christmas spirit. Although not critical, walkers are encouraged to come along as a Pantomime character (use your imaginations).

We will meet at the Harrold-Odell Country Park (SatNav users can use the postcode MK43 7DS), where they ask for a £1 donation for the car park. The curtain will rise at 10:30am on our production of "Ramblers in Boots". Liquid refreshments will be available in the interval (at a local pub). Feel free to bring a packed lunch for eating at a suitable point en-route. The walk is around 8.25 miles. There is a coffee shop at the country park if we get back in time.

As you can imagine the walk will feature a few Pantomime elements so it's sure to be good fun (oh no it isn't!).

Your walk leader is Kevin (aka Dame Trott).

Sun 9th

Sunday 9 December 2018, 10 mile circular from Stevington, Walk Leader Matt

Please meet at the crossroads in the centre of Stevington at 10.30 am (the corner of Church Road and Park Road - see google pin). Please park considerately around the village. There is roadside parking on Silver Street and over the crossroads on Church Road.

The walk will take us from the south end of Silver Street where we will walk over fields and through occasional woodland towards Carlton. As we approach Carlton the route becomes a gravel track before hard surface as we go through the village and over the river Ouse into Odell.

By this point we'd have covered 6 miles and shall stop for lunch with the options of one of many benches by the lake in the country park or in the neighbouring pub the Bell, or some may wish to do both. The pub has a rear garden with tables and "walkers welcome" sign was positioned outside when I visited. Please bring a packed lunch as there will likely be a considerable wait time on food at the pub.

After lunch we continue back over the Ouse, across fields to Pavenham and finally skirting the banks of the river back to Stevington.

It's likely going to be muddy underfoot in many places, so boots are recommended.
Sun 16th

Santa Hat Walk - 16th December - 8.5miles, Wolverton, walk leader Santa

 

 The annual Santa Hat Walk, as always led by Santa himself, taking time out from his busy schedule at this time of year!

 

 Everyone is encouraged to wear a Santa Hat or other Christmassy attire!

 

 This year we will once again have the option of a car free walk, allowing for the possibility of several pub stops in honour of Christmas!

 

 The meeting point is Wolverton Station, which is one stop down the line from Northampton. Due to the timing of trains on the day from the North Pole (via Rugby) we will be starting the walk a bit later than usual at 11am, to meet the 10.50 arrival from Northampton (leaving Northampton at 10.37). If anyone is travelling from the south let us know and we can wait for the 11.02 arrival from Milton Keynes.

 

For those arriving by car, you can park in the station car park, which costs £4.50.

 

The walk itself is 8 to 8.5 miles, depending on the exact route which can be varied on the day. We will head out along the Ouse Valley for a lovely riverside walk, past a couple of nature reserves and underneath “the world’s oldest broad canal iron trough aqueduct” (which we will walk across in the afternoon, making this a true figure of 8 walk!)

 

At the four mile point we reach our lunch stop, which is a picturesque bench by the old A5, and the first pub stop which is the Swan in Old Stratford. Although the pub advertises food we won’t have time to order so bring a packed lunch which we will eat at the bench before going in the pub. There is a limited range of sandwiches for sale in the village store for those who may have forgotten their lunch!

 

 After lunch we head out towards Cosgrove, where we have the option of slightly extending the walk to include a second pub stop at a nice canalside location, depending on time.

 

After Cosgrove we head along the Grand Union Canal and back into Wolverton. En route we will cross the aqueduct mentioned earlier.

 

 Back in Wolverton there is a range of further hostelries, for those able to take advantage, while we wait for the trains home!

 

Although designed as a multi-pub walk the number of pub stops will depend on time and what people want to do on the day.

Wednesday 26th

Wednesday 26th December, annual Boxing Day Rushden Lakes River walk, 4 miles, walk leader John H

Meet at the Visitors Centre at Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre, Rushden, NN10 6BW at 11am.

Our 4 mile walk will head out from the Visitors Centre towards the River Nene following the river around Irthlingborough Lakes and back to the Visitors Centre.

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