Easton Maudit, Yardley Hastings and Castle Ashby Circular Walk

This is a variation on the Grendon, Eaton Maudit and Castle Ashby walk a few weeks ago.The walk outline reminds me of a Seal.  I think I walked all the component parts during Covid, but in different routes. I just had the idea to link them together for a nice walk in the sunshine. Considering it is still early April the weather has been incredible with temperatures up towards the 20 degree mark. 

Starting point today is the Church of St Peter & St Paul, Easton Maudit. We walk into the village and pick up the footpath next to the quirky house that is built on sticks. The path loops over to the right across a couple of fields past the airstrip. 'Horn Wood' is the first point of interest. We could have taken the track and skirted round the edge, but whats not to like about a woodland area?  

looking back to Easton Maudit

 A number of footpaths run off in all directions.We turn almost full circle and head towards 'Cold Oak Copse'. We just follow the edge and catch sight of the first Bluebells I've seen this year. We continue past the copse as far as Yardley Hastings.

 

Bluebells

 

The village's name means 'rod wood/clearing', a place where they were made or acquired. It's a nice day so we have a wander around the village. The local pub 'The Red Lion' is very tempting I must say. We opt for our sandwiches on the village Green instead. As the footpath to Castle Ashby is particularly obvious we opt for the road instead. It isn't far and the view across the Avenue opens up to Castle Ashby House in the distance. Set in the heart of a 10,000-acre estate, it is the ancestral home of the 7th Marquess of Northampton.

Open Water swimming lake

We pass round the edge of the village and pick up the road with the House to our right. We also pass the lake where I did the Open Water swimming a few weeks ago. From here it is a simple matter of following the field paths back across to Easton Maudit. Exactly the same route as completed previously.A nice straightforward walk with plenty of interest. In total just under 8.5 miles walked. 

Althorp House Literary Festival 2025

 

Bright blue skies and sunshine welcome us to Althorp House for the fir,st day of the 2025 Literary Festival. It's the first one since 2018, and my first since visits in 2016 & 2017. We are 20 minutes early and the gates are yet to open. A small, but enthusiastic group has gathered in anticipation. The main topic of conversation is just who they are looking forward to seeing. It's a lengthy walk from the Gatehouse up the drive to our first assembly point 'The Stable Block'. Made from local Ironstone it was built to house 100 horses and 40 grooms, in the early 1700s. In World War 1, Canadian infantrymen were billeted here. 

With Peter James

Today we have a Cafe, Gift Shop, Waterstones and a Pizza stand. We kill a bit of time until we get the call to make our way over to the main Grade I listed stately home. The appearance has changed dramatically from the original Tudor Red brick building of 1788. It has been the Spencer family home for the last 500 years. It has probably never looked better than it does today. I am really looking forward to seeing one of my favourite Authors at 12:00 'Peter James'. In one of the other rooms 'Clare Balding' will be holding court at the same time. Peter James is introduced as the greatest living Crime-writer having received countless awards over a glittering career. It is though for his crime series featuring Brighton-based Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, which have sold 21 million copies worldwide and have given him 20 consecutive UK  Sunday Times number ones he is best known. I am a huge fan of the Brighton based Detective and have read every book he has written. He has also written supernatural thrillers, spy fiction, science-based thrillers, a children's novel, and the novella 'The Perfect Murder'. ITV have also dramatised the Roy Grace series and is currently filming Series 5 which will bring things pretty much up to date.   

  

I managed to get a few words with him too after his hour long talk. Which by the way was extremely interesting I must say. He also spoke about his interest in the Paranormal  after an experience he encountered in a former home. I was glad that one of the books I took for signing was 'The House on Cold Hill'. During his talk he had spoken about spending time talking to murderers in various Prisons. I shared my experience visiting a friend who is serving a life sentence for murder too. A lot of his writing is helped by input from his local Constabulary. His character 'Roy Grace' is very much based on on a real-life former police officer, Detective Dave Gaylor , who helped James after a burglary many years ago.

It was a real thrill to meet Peter after so many years of reading his books. By the time I had joined the queue and got the books signed it was time to move on the next guest speaker. Quite a contrast from someone who has written 36 novels to someone who has recently written her debut book. Chloe Dalton has documented her discovery of an abandoned Baby Hare (Leveret) and her battle against the odds to give it a chance of survival. 'Raising Hare is an account of this most unexpected relationship, and the challenges that had to be overcome along the way. I'm in good company for this talk as Earl Spencer and his new partner Dr Cat Jarman are also in attendance in the next row. You might think the Author to be a wildlife rescue expert, however the situation is way out of her comfort zone. Her background is as a political adviser and foreign policy specialist. It was during the Covid lockdown that she moved back into the countryside and the adventure started. I am a huge fan of Hares and think they get a rough deal all round. They live above ground all year round in all sorts of weathers. They are persecuted in the name of sport and receive no protection whatsoever. Chloe is very much pushing for a 'close season' when there is no shooting or coursing. The Bill is currently at the second reading stage with The House of Lords.

It is an excellent session and I am struck that the Hare is given such autonomy, and most certainly isn't regarded as a pet. There are strict boundaries in place for the Hare to one day hopefully return to the wild and have a family of her own.'Raising Hare' was shortlisted for Waterstones book of the year as well as several high profile awards. I purchased my copy and very much look forward to reading in the near future.

With David Baddiel

Just time for a quick brew over at The Stables courtyard before the next speaker. This time it is a much bigger room for 'David Baddiel', probably around 130 people gathered. I manage to find a seat towards the back. Hi main focus today will be his latest book release 'My Family'. A memoir of a childhood growing up in a dysfunctional family in 60's & 70's London. Despite the sadness of his fathers Dementia, and his mothers infidelities the story is told with great warmth and humour. There have been several other books that he references too such as 'Jews Don't Count' and 'The God Desire'. He tells the audience about the writing of 'Three Lions' the football anthem from the 1996 Euros. How one of his happiest moments was when 78,000 fans sang the song in unison after beating Scotland a Wembley. He describes himself as a 'fundamental Atheist when it comes to religion. Finding himself in a gap between his own thoughts and his Jewish heritage. I really enjoyed the references to the brilliant 'Fantasy Football League' TV show. A series he presented with Frank Skinner that started in the early 1990's.A Jewish audience member raised a question regarding an article in the ' Jews Don't Count' book, something he disagreed with. This concerned an apology to the footballer Jason Lee. I thought he handled a tricky situation very well indeed.It  was a really enjoyable talk, lots of wit, stories and a touch of sadness too. He was good to chat to as well. I was a bit confused why he asked me about my children though? Then about a Nieces or Nephews I had? It turned out that the book I had hastily purchased was actually one of his children's books ....... He said that I would still enjoy it though! 

A few views of the Grounds at Althorp

     

Its goodbye to Althorp after another excellent Literary Festival. I have very much enjoyed the three speakers I have seen today. 

Hopefully it will be an event that continues on the social calendar for many years to come.  

Castle Ashby Open Water Swimming

 

Its a beautiful bright sunny morning with a slight chill in the air. Today is the day that I will finally take part in my first open water swim. It is something I have been thinking about for a long, long time. After speaking to a friend of mine and the upturn in weather I finally took the plunge.... and made the booking. I must admit I have been feeling a bit nervous in the days leading up to the swim. As a Therapist I am extremely interested in the therapeutic benefits that this type of swimming can provide. There are obvious fitness benefits that come from the exercise too. I suppose the question on my mind is can certain swimming activities be particularly beneficial for mental wellbeing? Research carried out certainly seems to support that theory.

We get  parked up and I feel a bit like the condnemned man as we walk through the trees down towards the lake. A large spring fed natural lake that is tested regularly for cleanliness. A few other swimmers are already in the water from the earlier session. A Lifeguard is always on hand to deal with any situations and to brief a first timer like me on what to expect. 

It is compulsory to wear a 'Tow float' which is a buoyancy in case of emergency. A hat of some description should also be worn for visibility. It is now a case of retreating to the marquee to get undressed. I know that some people prefer a wet-suit, especially in the colder weather. I was going to risk ordinary shorts and a stretchy top I use for cycling. No prizes for the best turned out for me today. 

The point of no return.

The water temperature is 11.6 degrees as I walk the board-way with some trepidation. The first few seconds are bound to be the worst I imagine? Be fine once I'm in surely? That's the deal right? Things have suddenly become very real. I ease myself into the water backwards via the ladder. The cold is intense, my feet and fingers feel it the most. This called 'Cold Shock'. The sudden lowering of skin temperature takes immediate effect. This lasts for a couple of minutes. The good news though is I can stand up. I have also been advised not to stray too far away from the safety of the river bank. I need to get moving, can't just stand there freezing. Some deep breaths wouldn't go amiss either. A couple of minutes go by before what could loosely be described as swimming takes place.I feel a bit warmer too , except the toes which stubbornly refuse to cooperate whatsoever. They are usually cold in bed so it was a bit much to ask really. It's reassuring to feel the sun on my face though. As my confidence grows I venture towards the middle of the lake. This was when I had a bit of a wobble ....

Sill waters run deepest ...

Memories of two incidents where I nearly drowned came flooding back. Just for a brief few seconds panic set in. A frantic bit of splashing around and I was back within touching distance of the lake floor. Panic is the worst thing you can do of course, and nearly cost me dearly on a snorkelling trip years ago. I get the 10 minute call, but feel quite good now. I give a confident 'thumbs up' and tell Jackie I'm good for a few more minutes. I would even go so far as to use the word enjoying! All good things have to come to an end though. Getting back up the ladder proved to be a bit more difficult than the descent. Standing back on the board-way I felt quite a sense of achievement watching my fellow swimmers, like a seasoned veteran of the South  Atlantic crossing. I'm quickly brought down to earth as I'm told to go and get dry before I freeze to death.

The water is your friend?

It didn't take long for the shivering and the shaking to start with a vengeance. I believe this is known as 'After-drop'..This is perfectly normal I'm told as the body starts to readjust. After-drop occurs because the body's blood vessels widen as blood flow increases to the extremities, which can lead to a rapid drop in core body temperature. Even in the sun warmed marquee it is hard to get warm. I get dressed as quickly as possible in multiple layers of clothing. Drinking the hot tea from the flask is nigh on impossible. The piping hot liquid is going everywhere such is the force of the shaking. I'm now in danger of scalding myself... All this lasts for a good half an hour before I'm good to go. A hot shower is not a good idea either. This will increase the rate at which cooled blood returns to the core and makes the drop faster and deeper. It was very reassuring to hear that this is perfectly normal, especially for  or inexperienced swimmers. There are numerous benefits associated with Open Water swimming including helping with, depression, anxiety, blood pressure and boosting the immune system. Perhaps mos importantly of all it provides the feel good factor which increases happiness. I certainly felt awake and alive, almost glowing! I shall definitely be dipping my toe in the water again.    

Pictshill House & Turvey Abbey Walk

Water Buffalo

Another trip into the Wilds of Bedfordshire and the village of Turvey. Situated on the River Great Ouse we are on the Buckinghamshire border. No 'John Bunyan' Trail today though, hopefully some nice countryside and parkland. We get parked up in a lay-by on the A428 between Northampton and Bedford. We cross the road and take the steps towards Pictshill House. Over to our right is the largest, craziest Llama I have ever seen. Not that I have seen that many if I'm honest. This one is safely been fenced in despite it's best efforts to escape. It stands upright and must be over 10 feet tall and broad with it too. The main thing is it seems very happy as it charges along the fence perimeter. 

As if a Llama isn't enough! There are also three Water Buffalo enjoying a good feeding session. Not quite what you expect to meet crossing a Byway in the Borough of Bedford. They are also part of a private collection on the Pictshill House Estate. The path takes us towards Great Oaks Wood , passing over the Old Railway bridge. We loop back round through some beautiful countryside towards 'Boons Barn and back to the bridge. 

This time we cross the bridge and enter the Parkland. The Water Buffalo have also moved on too, they are now having a sleep in the sun. Something I expect they do a lot of, along with eating. We take a small detour to look at the derelict 'Moat Farm'. It would be great to have a closer look but it is all fenced off, along with solar powered CCTV. I do manage a look inside a n out building and a stunning Barn Owl takes flight feeling most put out no doubt. 

Abandoned 'Moat Farm'

Back at the Bridge we drop down onto the dismantled Railway line. It's a bit soft underfoot and shady , the ideal habitat for the 'Butterbur' plant. The small purple and white flowers are just starting to emerge in the Spring warmth. They seem to be a favourite of the Brimstone Butterfly too which are plentiful. The Railway line 'St John's' connected Northampton to Bedford. The St John's Station in Northampton is no longer in existence. It was situated near to Victoria Gardens, by the Cattle Market and closed in 1939.

 

We leave the Picsthill Estate passing some interesting buildings, new and old. There seems to be a number of Cottages and Barns that are rented out. It's a great location amongst the Deer Park and other assorted Wildlife. I forgot to mention we also saw a startled Hare earlier?  We cross over the A428 once again to continue the walk. We pass the edge of Pictshill gorse and pick up the North Bedfordshire Heritage Trail. The Trail passes through 23 villages in Bedford and Bedfordshire including Bromham, Odell, Riseley, Wilden and Sandy, long with two country parks and goes by 30 public houses. It connects with the Greensand Ridge Walk at Sandy, Old Warden and also with the John Bunyan Trail at Bromham Mill. 

 

Wide open spaces

Interesting fascias

Passing Grindstone Hill we meet our old friend the railway line once again. This time we go under the tunnel which takes into Turvey Abbey Park. We pass 'Abbey Farm as we head towards 'Turvey Abbey'. The views of the Abbey are very limited from the rear. We continue to get a view from the front from the road. On the other side is a fine looking house with some interesting inscribing on the wooden fascia boards. 'Except the Lord Build The House' 'Their Labour is but Lost that Build it'. Which I believe comes from Psalm 127:1. It essentially means Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. 

Turvey Abbey

Turvey Abbey is dated 1605 on the north facade and 1608 on the south facade. It now belongs to the "Priory of Our Lady of Peace", a Benedictine Order of Nuns. A Roman Catholic community living according to the Rule of Saint Benedict. Next door is the Monastery of Christ our Saviour. The monks share daily worship with the nuns.We make our way back through the park area before arriving back at our start point. 

A really scenic route with plenty of interest for sure .I total a distance of just over 8 miles covered.