Holcot, Sywell Woods, Mears Ashby and Overstone walk

With the virus restrictions on exercise slightly eased we had more time for a longer walk on this occasion.Although it turned out to be a bit longer than we actually anticipated. Throughout the walk social distancing in line with government advice was adhered to.

The start of the route was the same as the VE Day walk on a previous blog. This time the fields were a riot of gold with Buttercups taking centre stage. We even stumbled upon a different pond that we had somehow missed last time.

Walking across the fields to the pretty village of Holcot. This time instead of following the direction of Pitsford Reservoir we went the opposite way.  It was a bit of an ordeal finding the right footpath in the mass of fields as it was quite obscured. Soon enough we were back in the peace and tranquility with just the birdsong for company.

Another pond

Golden Buttercups

Looking back towards Holcot Church

The peace didn't last long though as we had to navigate the usually busy A43.Quieter than usual but a horrible road , always best to err on the side of caution.

It was familiar territory for me having lived in the parts a few years ago for a while. I often walked the trails seeing numerous Deer, Foxes and birds of prey. Nothing in sight today though on what is a perfect day for walking. We stick to the outer edge of the woods , very close to Sywell Airport .

Back on the road our next port of call is the village of Mears Ashby. We take a path at the back of the church , somewhere I had never been before.

All Saints Church Mears Ashby

'The Ducking Pond'

 The sun has really come out now and it is hot! A good time to take on some fluid. The village pub is not an option as it is still in lock down. Have to make do with some Blackcurrant cordial that goes down well.

Even the Churches are closed to parishioners at the moment so I think it will be a while before we get a pint of beer...

Mears Ashby, apparently, has a long tradition of witchcraft would you believe? Not much evidence of any going on today however. as late as 1785 a local resident, Sarah Bradshaw, was so accused. The Northampton Mercury on 1 August 1785 reported that neighbours accused her of being a witch. In order to prove her innocence, she was submitted to the no win situation of the 'ducking stool'. When she immediately sank to the bottom of the pond and died, it was undeniable proof that she really wasn't a witch after all.....

We leave the village heading through more lush green fields on a marked footpath.We cross the road and head down towards  Sywell Reservoir which is also a country park. Covering an area of 280,000 square metres it is a great place to walk around. Not today though,not a bad thing judging by the number of people streaming through the park gates.
Numerous illegally parked cars have also been ticketed. An unpleasant surprise for the unsuspecting driver after a nice walk.

 Just below the Reservoir is the site of the former 'sheep dip' or 'Wash Pit' as once used by local farmers. Dating back to 1777 it is brick lined and mentioned in the Mears Ashby Enclosure Act.
The pit was used to wash sheep before shearing since a clean fleece produced less waste and gave more wool.
Traditionally the sheep washing took place from the end of May. Maintenance work was always completed on Good Friday by a local Carpenter.
There is a reference to a 'sheep washing pool' in the novel 'Far from the Madding Crowd' by 'Thomas Hardy'.

Our journey continues on and  uphill in the direction of Overstone and the Scout hut.
We do manage to get off the road and skirt the edge of Ecton Brook.
It is sad to see the stream that follows the path so polluted with rubbish. Everything from old tyres, chairs to children's toys.  It is pure laziness simple as that and quite pathetic.
We move towards Southfields , avoiding theroad by finding a path through the overgrowth at the back of houses. This is by far the least pleasant part of the walk. We cross round Spinney and then back into the fields linking Crowfields Common in Moulton. Some 15 miles covered!

VE Day Walk Moulton, Holcot & Pitsford

'Moulton Morris Men'

Friday 8th May 2020, the 75th anniversary of 'VE Day' as it is known in the UK. The day towards the end of World War Two that saw fighting against Nazi Germany come to an end in Europe.
It was a beautiful day as I strolled through the village on what  this year is a Bank Holiday, replacing the traditional Monday May Day. Celebrations are a little muted , however many houses have at least put up some bunting or flags. Some have really made an effort!  Decorating their front gardens like the ones above to commemorate the occasion. Of course the current Corona virus restrictions have made gatherings difficult but there seems a public mood to sit outside and make the best of the situation keeping in mind the current restrictions.   

Moulton Church in the far distance

I met up with my old walking partner in the village along with his dog 'Archie'. It's been the bet part of two months since we've been able to get out together. Even now we are adopting the safe distancing practise. I've adopted the name ' two meter Peter'. 

We pick up the footpath that immediately leads to open fields that stretch out towards Holcot. To our right new houses are being built as the village expands further and further. Even further right new developments are springing up by the side of the A43. It really is worrying the amount of green space that is being swallowed up by the developers. We keep to the marked track that crosses the filed in a straight line .Negotiating a couple of styles and numerous sheep we reach 'Overstone Grange' . A little 'limbo dancing' is required to avoid the electric fence. Placed to keep the horses from churning up the gateway I expect.  We pass the working farm and on through the next farm without seeing a soul.


 

Adventurous lambs

Hidden Pond

We really are out in 'the sticks' now and I would struggle to have a clue where we are . If I hadn't already walked here , if you see what I mean.We had only been walking for twenty minutes, yet it seemed another world away. A buy time for the birds too , hungry mouths to feed as the eggs begin to hatch. With no competition the birdsong is ever present , Meadow Pits , Blue Tits, Long Tailled Tits and the distance vibrations of a Woodpecker. 

Eventually our path leads to familiar territory. Exciting a gateway I recognise the village of Holcot and the War memorial. It is inscribed with the names of all the Holcot residents killed in battle. The name 'Lance Corporal Frederick William Mobbs' 32nd Battalion, the Royal Fusiliers catches my eye. I make a mental note to research this later. I now know a little more about him.

Frederick was born in and a resident of Holcot, and enlisted from Northampton. He was killed in action 7th June 1917 in France, aged 21 on the first day of the Flanders Offensives that would continue until the mud all but broke the British Army in December that year. Frederick was the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Mobbs, of Main St., Holcot, Northampton.

He has no known grave but is remembered on panels 6 and 8 of the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

We move towards Pitsford reservoir but before reaching the causeway we detour across  another public footpath . This really is a lovely stretch of the route with spectacular views of the reservoir and lovely open countryside. Again there is a wonderful lake with Moorhens and Coots going about their business. 

Calming waters

After a brief stop to take in the piece and tranquility of the area it was onward again. A slight uphill climb but nothing too strenuous. On or left is the picturesque 'Northfields cricket ground' with it's immaculate outfield and thatched roof score box. Sometimes a venue for Northants Second XI it's a place of beauty. I was lucky enough to play in a memorial match there myself once and I think I spent more time looking at the surroundings than anything else.

'Northfields' cricket ground memorial

Cricket outfield with scorebox in the distance

Views of Pitsford Reservoir

We exit this part of the walk passing the stunning Mouton Grange , a typical English country residence. We walk the private road to exit, although foot traffic is allowed. Rather   than walk through the village of Pitsford we veer off on another footpath across fields belonging to the Agricultural College. We weave our way through permissible paths and wide expanses and big skies to the Pitsford Road. Very close to where I walked a couple of weeks ago near the quarry actually.

This time I veered to the right going away from Moulton towards Boughton. There was somewhere I wanted to visit that I hadn't been to for many years 'Grotto Spinney'. It's really well hidden and unless you knew of it's whereabouts you would struggle to find it I think. I was re-assured to find it still in amazing condition , no deterioration or vandalism. It has stood the test of time for some 250 years now. I love it ! Inside there is a well head for a natural spring. It is called a 'Folly' and was one of a number created by William Wentworth, second Earl of Stratford in the mid 1770s. Sadly some of his other creations have on the Boughton Estate have nor survived so well. It is now a Grade II listed building with Heritage England. It is said to be an ancient Pagan site, maybe because of it's natural spring? In folklore such places along with wells or small bodies of water were often revered. This largely because they were thought to offer healing and cleansing properties. 

Please forgive my indulgence in the grotto but it conjures up something very special in me . 

Time to head back home, there is a 'street party waiting' after all. 

It's a matter of following the bottom of the field and the stream back to 'Specs Lane' in Moulton. By now the temperature has really shot up and little Archie is taking every opportunity to cool off. 

There have been a few people out walking but not many really. The hardest part really is walking back up 'Specs Lane'. Walking back through Moulton it seems as though the locals are starting to put the corkscrews too good use, and the beer is starting to flow. Must admit I was looking forward to a pint of beer and a sit down . The walk in total was a shade over 11 miles and really enjoyable.  

Lets get the party started !

Spectacle Lane Gatehouse

  

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Naseby and Sibbertoft historic Battlefields Ride

View across the Brampton Valley

It's good to be back on my bike again. I've done a number of short rides all with varying degrees of pain Now I feel that my injury has healed sufficiently to venture a little further afield !

All of course while abiding with the current safe social distancing policy This involves keeping a good  two metres distance from anyone else.

My plan is to get to the historic village of Naseby where the most famous battle of the English Civil War took place in 1645.


Leaving Moulton I went out passed the College through the village of Pitsford.Turning right I joined the A508 Harborough Road. Not ideal but less busier I thought than the cycle track that goes all the way to Market Harborough. It was a beautiful Spring day so I took the opportunity to take a picture from one of my favourite beauty spots pictured above. Almost opposite the entrance to Lamport Hall and just before the village of Hanging Houghton. The view across the valley is superb.

 I pass Hanging Houghton and Lamport before reaching Maidwell. I'm nearing my turn off point but not before I have to negotiate a monster of a hill. I have to dig on all my energy reserves for this twisty beast.

After the hill there is respite as I turn left passed 'Scotland Wood' and the road is flat once more as I head towards Haselbeach. I stop again to photograph the wind turbines rising majestically thorough the golden fields of oil-seed rape crop.



Haselbeach is your quintessential sleepy English village. It might even be classified as a hamlet? I do know the population would be less than a hundred. I don't see anybody around , except for numerous cyclists of varying abilities.

I approach Naseby with some excitement, I can feel the air of being somewhere historic and I want to take it in.
A sign points to a monument commemorating the Civil War battle.  I take the road towards Clipston for about 400 yards and on my right is the Obelisk.  The sun is directly behind it so taking a half decent photo was tricky.

The monument was erected in 1823 by John and Mary Fitzgerald, Lords of the manor. It is one of two monuments in the village.

It's probably an appropriate time to introduce some of the leading characters involved in the battle.

King Charles I was head of the Royalist army (Cavaliers).
The Parliamentarian New Model Army (Roundheads) were supporters of Parliament and were lead by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell.  Prince Rupert (Kings nephew) deserves a mention too as a prominent Cavalry Commander.

The Obelisk Memorial

Battle of  Naseby information sign

All Saints Church

You are here

I headed back into the village passing the All Saints Church on my left. It is thought a Church has been in Naseby since 1086 as he Domesday recorded a priest being there. A 17th-century table, known as "Cromwell's Table", stands in the north aisle.Most of the current church building was erected in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Cromwell Memorial - Battle of Naseby

Yours Truly

The fighting took place on the morning of the 14th June 1645. In the open fields of Naseby and surrounding area.This was like the 'Grand final' after three years of fighting. The Royalist (King Charles I) army was heavily outnumbered. They amassed a total of  10,10 (4,600 foot soldiers, 5,550 horses) .This compared to Parliamentarian (Sir Thomas Fairfax) forces of 13,576 (7,500 foot soldiers, 5,400 horses and 676 Dragoons). Unsurprisingly perhaps , the Royalists were defeated. 

It was a massive defeat ,Royalists had suffered 6,000 casualties,1,000 killed and 5,000 captured.Compared to just 400 Parliamentarians  either killed or wounded. Among those killed on the Royalist side was the bulk of Charles’ veteran infantry, including 500 officers. The king also lost all of his artillery, many of his arms and personal baggage. Today it is hard to imagine all the carnage and bloodshed of that day. The skies are clear blue, lush greenery and their is birdsong. Today it is a scene of perfect calm in this most tranquil of settings. 

Emptiness on the Al4

With some reluctance I leave Naseby and begin the journey towards home. The feeling of history seeps into you and it's hard to let go. I cross the deserted A14 again destination Welford via Sibbertoft. 

It's a steep old climb up through Welford and I'm blowing a bit at the top of the hill. I'm half tempted to veer off on some side tracks but stick to the main road. I don't want to abuse the government restrictions on suggested physical activity during the lock-down. Also its always a joy to pass Hollowell Reservoir from the A5199 on a sunny day.
The views are another of the county's best !

I stop at a deserted 'Red Lion' at Thornby. The picnic benches are still outside but the pub is all shut up. I make do with a banana and some cordial.

Beautiful Holowell Reservoir

Heading towards home I decide to leave the main road and detour down 'Merry Tom Lane'. The plan being to follow the 'Brampton Valley way' back to Kingsthorpe. It was a nice idea but the track was just too crowded with walkers and cyclists. I veered off at the Brampton Halt and tackled another big hill up to Pitsford. From there it was a nice ride on to the finish line of home. I had covered over 38miles!

Pitsford, Boughton and Moulton Circular Walk

It's been a while since I last walked or even posted on the blog. Not surprising though really with the Corona-virus imposed lock down. Not to mention my recent shoulder/neck injury.

Anyway the sun is shining brightly today, albeit slightly windy.I'm in determined mood to make the most of the time allowed for exercise. I will be adhering to the safe distancing policy laid out by the government.

Starting point is the village of Moulton. I walk through the village past one of the three Public Houses 'The Telegraph'. Turning right past the Agricultural College I pick up  a footpath that takes me away from the road. Not that it's a busy road of course but it's still nice to get amongst the fields and hedgerows.

 

Quiet fields and Hedgerows

All you can hear is birdsong, a Red Kite glides above pursued by an angry crow. Not satisfied until It has seen him 'off of his patch'. It's a common sight that I imagine is played out on a daily basis I suspect. With sun beating down and the blue skies it almost feels like being on holiday. The reality being far different of course , but all the problems really do seem a world away right now.
The power of walking should never be underestimated and the effect it has on a persons mental health. It's in our DNA to walk , from centuries ago when hunter gatherers would walk up to twenty miles a day in search of food.

Rainwater coming off the field

The footpath ends in the pretty village of Pitsford . Had the pubs not been closed down I would have been tempted to pop into the 'The Griffin' for some refreshment perhaps. Instead I don't venture far into the village and double back up the hill roadside passing Pitsford School leaving the village behind.
I take the style on the right side of the road that is near to Pitsford Quarry also known as T's Wood. Recent heavy rainfall has lead to a steady flow of water draining downhill off the fields.I was tempted to walk through to the village of Boughton, that was the original plan. However the path along the fields seem pretty well laid out and clear. I remember walking hear a few years ago in the winter an it was all completely overgrown.

Following the path a gentle stream bubbles alongside . I follow it as far as it will take me not knowing  quite where it will come out?

Eventually a gateway appears and I realise that  I've arrived at the Ford that crosses 'Spectacle Lane' or 'Spec's Lane as it is better known.

The Ford was fairly shallow but always passable for cars. It always brings back  back memories of my youth. Paddling in the water and falling off my bike as I hurtled through.

The Ford at 'Specs Lane'

     

Continuing the quite steep climb up the hill of the lane I come across a very interesting site!  A Gate arch that is a grade II listed Gothic folly, erected  in 1770 by the second Earl of Stafford. I imagine it was once the entrance to a long driveway. It now stands alone and  and just a reminder of it's passed glory . I like it though, and to me and my lost youth it will always be something to treasure and appreciate.

'The Spectacle'

'Holly Lodge'

At the top of Spectacle Lane is a lovely house called 'Holly Lodge'. Built in 1861 by the Chemist Philadelphus Jeyes whose brother 'John' was the inventor of  'Jeyes Fluid' would you believe?
The story goes that Philadelphus was so fascinated by the 'Spectacle' that he copied the design for the entrance to his house. You can definitely see the similarity if you look at the two pictures above.
Another unusual feature is the farm implement gate, made up of twelve different tools. These include;  a spade, scythe and a Shepherds crook among other tools.  Unfortunately the gate was open ..so a photo wouldn't have done it justice.

The walk back into Moulton is on the road and not a lot to report  really until you reach the village. The welcome sight of the Church  dedicated to St Peter and St Paul looms large amongst the blossoms. Sadly the spire is long gone, taken down in the seventeenth century when it became unsafe.

The current building dates back to the early 14th Century but it is thought some kind of preaching took place on the site in the 9th Century.

Just time to pop into the village CO-OP to pick up much needed and essential supplies. As is the norm at the moment there is a queue outside . It makes a change from the queue that you usually get inside I suppose!
It's not too bad though and they let one person in, as one person comes out.  Generally speaking I have found people to be understanding and tolerant with the situation.


Armed with bread and milk and perhaps a bar of chocolate I take the scenic route back to base. This involves cutting across our very own Nature Reserve

Covering 8.7 hectares the area is mainly grassland
which has surviving medieval ridge and furrow..

It's a lovely area with plenty of mature tress to attract bird life and other wildlife in general. At the moment the hedgerows are full of flower. 
Its been a lovely little walk and great to get out of the house . 

Colourful Hedgerows