Alderton, Grafton Regis and Stoke Bruerne canal Circular Walk

Another sun baked day and another part of the county  to explore. I really wanted to try and see Stoke Park Pavilions near to Stoke Bruerne but it was going to be tricky. The public footpaths didn't run very close and unless there were views thorough the buildings and trees it would be near impossible. What a lovely village Alderton is ! Beautiful cottages and green fields surrounding and total quiet, It's like a ghost town or rather a village. I can't ever recall coming here before? There is a surprise immediately, before we even get on the footpath in the 'form' of the Mount. The disappointment then comes after climbing the rickety old staircase to find an empty space....#The Mount is an ancient monument and found fame after Tony Robinson (Baldrick from Blackadder) took his 'Time Team there in 2000 to excavate the area.

'The Mount '

 Iron Age, Roman and Saxon artefacts have all been found on the site which is now know to have been the site for a two storey castle. It would have been a timber ringwork castle, occupied between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Nowadays there is not much to be seen at the site , and it is down to the imagination to conjure up images of it's former grandeur. It is still a nice place to visit though with it's mature tress and grass area. 

 We leave the village , taking the footpath that leads across open fields past Grafton Lodge .
Lots of ridges and furrows in the field, indications that there were previous buildings on the land. Perhaps an old manor house and outbuildings ?

 

Church of St Margaret Alderton

We cross the A508 and head into the village of Grafton Regis. We pass through the pretty churchyard that dates back to the early 13th century. We follow the quiet road down towards the Grand Union Canal.

Bridge 58

It's always an enjoyable wander along the canal towpath , especially when the sun is shining. Lots of insect action , in particular the bright blue 'Banded Demoiselle' are everywhere.  There is even a Bees nest in an old rabbit hole in the ground which I am careful not to disturb. The stone arch bridge (no.58) always makes for a good photo. Built between 1793-1880 is Grade II listed.

The normally vibrant jewell in the crown of the Canal and River Trust is subdued today. The upturned tables at the Navigation Inn are a sign of the times. That place should be heaving on a day like today.

Calm before the storm

On the water a battle of wills is taking place. In the Red corner we have from Canada ' The persistent Goose'. And in the Blue corner the local favourite 'Mr Mute Swan'. Lets get ready to rumble  ......
The Canadian Goose was obviously getting too close to Mrs Swan (Penn) and her 'bevy' of Cygnets. Resistance was futile and Mr Swan tried to take the Goose 'down town'. A great display of chest puffing and gesturing ensued. But the Goose was not cooked and kept coming back for more. The rule book went out the window when Mrs Swan got involved , leaving the cygnets unprotected. It suddenly became like a WWF wrestling contest as both swans pursued the hapless Goose down the canal. At one stage the poor old Goose flew out of the water taking refuge on the path. But not for long , soon back in the water and making his way back again. I suspect that it may have had a nest of it's own nearby and wasn't prepared to take no for an answer. The swans on the other hand were in protective mood and letting nothing near the precious youngsters.

Thatched roof in Stoke Bruerne

It's always a  lovely place to visit though just to watch the narrow boats negotiating the locks.

The village is home to one of the three museums owned and run by Canal & River Trust. The others are at Ellesmere Port and Gloucester Docks.

A hot walk back to Alderton

We don't go any further along the canal path , instead heading across fields back roughly towards Alderton.

Sadly as thought there was no way of getting close to the Pavilions. The paths in that direction were all marked as private property and clearly visitors were unwelcome.


It's a great shame as The pavilions represent some of the earliest Palladian structures built in England and, despite some re-modelling in the 18th century are of great historic and architectural significance.

Apparently there is some limited permitted public access to the buildings during afternoons in August for a small fee.So that does seem to be the best option.

Reflections

Larsson traps, the cruel side of farming