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