Weedon Depot, Flore , Nether Heyford and Grand Union Canal Walk

 Is there anything better than an early Autumn walk in the sunshine? I don't think so. Beautiful dark blue skies and still winds set the scene over Weedon Depot , the starting point for today's venture. Somewhere I've been aware of for a long time but never actually visited. Today is the day I put that right. Steeped in history Once known as The Royal Ordnance Depot, constructed as a secure military for the storage of ammunition and weapons for the British Army. The history amazingly goes right back to the Napoleonic wars up to a time of National Service. The Depot supported every major conflict in between. This would have a been a 'Top Secret site with access strictly secured. It is Georgian in style , made up of large store houses,powder magazines and gatehouses. It was completed around 1810. There is even a canal running down the centre of the complex. which would have linked up to Weedon Wharf and the Grand Union Canal.

The storehouses were of brick construction and faced with stone, each of two storeys and 160 feet long by 35 feet wide, divided into four rooms. One of the buildings was, at a later date, converted into a Military prison with three storeys and containing 121 cells.There was even stabling for regimental horses, a Police Station and a Hospital.The depot is surrounded by a high wall, at each corner of which are bastions, obviously built as lookouts for sentry purposes with patrol walks along the top. These bastions were adapted during the 2nd World War for machine gun posts to be used against air attack. Gunpowder was delivered to Weedon by barge, where it was packed into barrels and boxes and re-issued. The coming of the railway brought a standard gauge rail connection into the depot but it also posed a problem as the new main line ran between the depot and the Grand Junction Canal, severing the branch canal into the depot. 

The Army began the process of decommissioning the site in the late 1960's and in 1984 the Government sold the site at auction. The footprint still remains to this day. To the trained eye there are some subtle reminders of the fascinating history of the place. These include boundary marker stones, horse tethering posts and of course the section of the canal. It is now under private ownership with the buildings used for business and leisure purposes. With the right investment the possibilities are endless and it could become a real destination venue I 'm sure.

Turning right out of The Depot we walk down through the village of Weedon. Taking a short detour to have a look at the Church of St Peter & St Paul. A very friendly black cat goes out of It's way to come and say hello.A parish church of mixed date, combining a late twelfth-century tower with a body of the church rebuilt in the early nineteenth century and a chancel of 1863. The doors are open so we take a look inside this pretty church. Unfortunately the Cat has decided to join us. There then takes place some frantic rounding up to get the cat back out and roaming free once again. 

We have to show some cat like speed as we cross the busy A5 , heading cross country towards the village of Flore. The perfect scene of a footbridge over running water awaits .Another church comes into view as we progress towards Flore.

All Saints Church, Flore

The Church doors are sadly locked this time, there is a Commonwealth War Grave though.F H Rogers, a Stoker on HMS Duke.Part of the Royal Navy Patrol Service , nicknamed 'Churchill's Pirates' or  'Harry Tate's Navy'. No age listed but I suspect he was an older chap. Probably died rather killed in action?

 

Some lovely field walking as we head towards our next destination 'Nether Heyford'. The village is on the flood plain of the River Nene and used to be subjected to flooding. After the incredibly hot and dry Summer the soil is still firm for the most part. It also has one of the largest village Greens in the country. 

Walking through Nether Heyford is very pleasant I must say. It has something of a bygone era feel to it despite it being  of some size. Nether Heyford takes its name from 'Hay ford'. Alternatively, 'hedge ford' or enclosure ford'. There is a smaller village of 'Upper Heyford' about half a mile to the north. In 1699, a Roman pavement was found in Harestone Meadow to the east of the village. The natives seem friendly too. 'It's going to rain one tells us as he wheels his wheelbarrow full of vegetable produce. He might not be wrong looking at the sky. Some threatening black clouds are gathering on the breeze..We arrive at the point to join the canal. The left path will take us to 'Bugbrooke'. That may well be for another day. We need to loop back towards Weedon.  

Nothing like a spot of canal walking to quieten the mind.Usually flat too into the bargain. The rain prophecy comes to pass, unfortunately it didn't pass without giving us a wetting. At least I am grateful for keeping faith with my waterproof coat. It is short lived though as the sun takes centre stage once again. The net result being a beautiful rainbow not quite over the water but still spectacular.

We pass lots of traditional Narrow Boats , many moored up close to Weedon Wharf. Who should jump out of the hedgerow but our Old Friend the 'Black Cat'. Equally as affectionate he followed us some way along the towpath. Eventually, and with some relief he jumped up onto one of the moored boats. Maybe that is is home? We will never know, at least he or she is safe for now at least.

It has been a nice shortish circular walk . Around seven miles in total covered. we arrive back at the Weedon Depot. There is a nice Cafe and book shop that is calling. First port of call though (after the toilet) is the ground floor Antiques centre. Strangely one of the first items on display is a 'Black Cat'. Quite fitting really!

Black Cat

Magnum - The Roadmender, Northampton

 

Early Birds have arrived

What a time to be alive! Having recently seen one of my favourite bands 'Marillion' in Brighton, it is now the turn of Magnum. Both bands I have followed closely since the early to mid 80's. Tonight is the 2nd night of the tour (although the Barnsley gig was almost a month ago)  at The Roadmender in Northampton. So close to home I was able to walk to the venue. One or two 'Old Faces' had already taken up residence. Some were doing the whole tour and had travelled from Germany and Austria. 

Support Act Grand Slam

As much as I can't wait to see Magnum, I am really looking forward to seeing Grand Slam too. There are a few Magnum connections as ex-Magnum Keyboard player 'Mark Stanway was in the original line-up. The band were formed by Phil Lynott of course after Thin Lizzy split up in 1983. Another original member Guitarist 'Lawrence Archer' has also played with the Magnum 'spinoff' band 'Kingdom of Madness'. Things have been a bit stop-start since those early days. They put together a very energetic performance. Mike Dyer on vocals is a livewire and has a powerful voice.Highlights for me were the songs 'Sisters of Mercy' and 'Military Man' both early Lynott composition. The latter covered by Gary Moore on the 'Run for Cover' album. The 8 song set finished with a great finale of 'Whiskey in the Jar' which got everyone singing along.Very impressed with Grand Slam, well worth checking out if you get the chance. The scene is set for Magnum perfectly.

Its a quick turnaround on stage, something I always enjoy watching. Bob's big fan is in its usual place centre stage. We will also have 'Harry James' back on Drums for a limited time only. Of course there is no Tony Clarkin anymore after his sad passing in 2024. Tonight will be as much about Tony and his creative input into making Magnum the force they still are.Magnum take to the stage right on time with a dapper looking Bob last out. 'Days of no Trust' from 'Wings of Heaven' is the opener and we are off to a flying start (no pun intended)Lost on the Road to Eternity' follows and the sound is excellent. Any worries about Bobs voice are soon allayed. We can all relax and enjoy the show, just like old times. 'Wild Swan' is a big favourite of mine, again from WOH. 'The irony of 'When we were younger' isn't lost on me, Bob, a sprightly 79 years young draws a veil over it, no need for comment. He does though pay tribute to losing a great friend and musical partner as prior to 'Run into the Shadows'. The last studio album 'Here comes the Rain' before Tony's passing.

Brendon Riley

Brendon Riley stepped into thee spotlight on guitar from Tony. The perfect and only replacement, carrying forward the group’s legacy into a new era. A highly respected guitar technician, he developed a relationship with Tony, whose guitars he looked after during live shows .All  the way from the USA is Dennis Ward on the Bass Guitar. (pictured left). He joined Magnum in 2019 and has become a huge fan  favourite. We get our first visit to the classic 1985  album 'On a Storytellers Night' 'How far Jerusalem' sounds as good as I have ever heard it played. A poignant reminder of events going on around the world and on home shores. Another of my all time Magnum favourites. 

Rick Benton

A chair is brought out for Bob as things quieten a little with 'The Tall Ships' Not looking entirely comfortable he swivels round a few times into the bargain. A modern day Joe 90! Most of the audience like me, will remember that TV show with some affection I'm sure. He looks quite relived to get off and Its back to business as usual. There is no sitting around for the iconic and utterly brilliant 'On a Storytellers Night'.

There's a stormlamp on the table
Throwing shadows to the gable
And you swallow if your able
On a storyteller's night

The set finishes with another two favourites! 'Vigilante' and the real 'Rocker' 'Kingdom of Madness'.  The band take their leave but the crowd wait expectantly and noisily. The band emerge and an emotional band introduction is made. The only member I haven't mentioned is Keyboard supremo Rick Benton. A Musical Scholar with a theatrical background. Rick joined the band in 2016 taking over from the departing Mark Stanway.You name it and he seems to have done it in the music industry. Appropriately the first song after the encore starts with the spine tingling keyboard intro that can only be 'Sacred Hour'. The curtain is brought down with the very fitting 'When the World Comes Down on You'.

It's an emotional scene as the goodbyes are made. Bob asks the crowd if they want more Magnum in the future? A resounding cheer rings out. Validation if ever it were needed. It has been a great night with old friends and Magnum are one of those bands that have stood the test of time. Proving that there is no substitute for experience and craftsmanship.

Who knows what the future might look like? However on the evidence of tonight the Magnum Night Light will keep burning for a good while yet!

Newquay to Perranporth - SWCP Walk

 

Crossing the Gannel Estuary

Really looking forward to the walk today on the SWCP. I've had to wait for low tide in order to cross the Gannel Estuary. The estuary separates Newquay from the village of Crantock. This is when miles of sand are exposed. During the Summer months a Ferry service operates, this is not an option in mid September. The plane was to leave from the Fern Pit Cafe, a popular starting point where you would normally catch the ferry. Walking down the steep path it turns out that the gate is padlocked as of yesterday. ...Closing off that particular option. There are other options though. Walking along Riverside Avenue into Penmere Drive another path descends to the Gannel. A footbridge can be used 3-4 hours either side of low water. It wasn't needed for long as the water soon turns turns to sand firm enough to walk on. 

What started out as a misty grey day improves over on the Crantock side as the cloud starts to lift. The route I have taken is the official route of the SWCP (Penpol Crossing) so that's not a bad thing. Crantock is a vast expanse of golden sand backed by sand dunes, and another good surfing beach. The narrow footpath winds through the hedgerows where Stonechats are perched. Crantock Beach merges into an area called West Pentire. A small hamlet that is a designated plant area for Marigolds and Poppies especially. The Stonechats are even more evident in the fields. Passing Pentire Point West I am heading towards Polly Joke Beach.  

At Polly Joke

'Polly Joke' is officially called 'Porth Joke'. Originally the bay was called ‘Pol Lejouack,’ meaning ‘Jackdaw Cove’ supposedly sounding a little like “Polly Joke.”. This small but beautiful north-west facing cove is a well hidden gem with its sandy beach,  turquoise sea, and craggy cliff-faces.

 

Kelsey Head

 

Between 'Polly Joke' and Holywell Bay lies 'Kelsey Head'. It is a good area for Seal spotting. There is a lovely small cove that is perfect as the public can't access it. A Warden is keeping watch as a Seal Pup around three weeks old is being tended to by the mother. A large male has made its way onto the sand too. Unfortunately the youngster is just around the corner and out of shot. In the sea there are several Seal heads bobbing about which is great to see. Moving round a bit further there are four more Seals bathing on a large rock out in the sea. There is also a family of Choughs flying around he headland as Holywell Bay comes into view.    

A Cornish Chough

I had only previously seen Choughs around Trevose Head in Cornwall. The are considered as quite rare, although numbers are recovering through conservation work. Previously they were thought to have died out in 1973. As the only crow with a red bill and red legs, the all-black Chough is easy to identify. The Chough is the symbol of Cornwall - it is on the Coat of Arms and, according to legend, King Arthur turned into a Chough on his death. Lets hope that they continue to prosper and become a common site on the cliffs of Cornwall again.It certainly is a great part of the walk between 'Polly Joke and 'Holywell Bay'.The latter has just come into view, a mile-long golden beach with large sand dunes and rugged headlands. There are several Clouded Yellow Butterflies who seem to enjoy the coastal cliffs habitat. I could walk along the beach but stick to the official route through the sand dunes.Harder work of course, something of a roller-coaster ride.

Direction signpost at Holywell

Holywell is a beautiful Bay and has been used regularly as a filming location for the BBC TV series 'Poldark'. Doubling as the 'Warleggan Coast' and featuring the iconic twin 'Gull Rocks'. In the distance there is a steep climb ahead as the headland rises. But for now I'm just glad to get out of the sand dunes. Even then there is still a detour to pick up the SWCP. As the path sweeps round there is an abandoned Army base. This is Penhale Camp, established in 1939 north of the dunes as a World War II emergency measure to train anti-arcraft gunners. Evidence of the gun sites, searchlight batteries and defensive positions, such as pillboxes and trenches, still remain today.The camp was closed in 2010, when, after seven decades of MoD occupation, Penhale became surplus to requirements.

Perran Sands

Rounding Penhale point out towards Ligger Point there is a panoramic view of Perran Sands. 

Two miles of golden sands await,  however I once again opt for the sand dunes route, the official path. If I thought Holywell was difficult then this is another level. At low tide it links up with the beach at Perranporth for an even more impressive sight. I was hoping to find St Piran's Cross amongst the dunes. Unfortunately no such sighting on this occasion. The dunes are so high in places the sound of the sea is blocked out, complete silence. A strange experience for sure. The end is near now though as the beach at Perranporth is within touching distance.

Perranporth Beach

The walk is complete ! Just as stunning and spectacular as I had anticipated. Very tough in parts but extremely satisfying as always. A rich mixture of views, relaxation, exercise and general wellbeing. There is also a sense of escapism. 

There is always something of interest that is for sure. Perhaps with hindsight I should have walked on the beach rather than the dunes. It matters not now though and there is  strong sense of achievement. I'm ready for a pint or two now that is for sure!

In total a distance of 12.5 miles have been covered.