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.