Great Houghton and Hackleton Walk

Today's Route

 Another hastily put together route from the trusty Ordnance Survey Map. Not really wanting to drive too far the starting point was the sports ground at Great Houghton. I has completely forgotten that I had played football here so many times in the 80's and early 90's for 'Houghton Lions'. After a brief nostalgic trip down memory lane it was time to go. Heading up the lane in search of a footpath   all being well. 

It didn't take long to find it, and as I suspected it involved a long walk across a muddy field. Not many features to enjoy just lots of mud really I think over the past few months I've become a bit of a mud connoisseur of sorts. This offering was what I would describe as 'tacky'. Not boggy or 'Cleggy' but enough to slow you down. Atleast it wasn't the sort that creates 'Hobbit feet'.

Having conquered the first large field I came to a stile. The first of may I was to discover today. Low and behold the stile leads to another muddy field very much of the same ilk as it's predecessor.   

 At least the footpath was clearly marked out, or at least it was until it reached a telegraph pole in the middle of the field. Thereafter it stopped, just at a time when it was most needed. There was a large farm to the right and I always have this fear of a farmer coming out with a shotgun shouting'oi get orf my land'. Or words to that effect at least. Taking on a stealth type mode I made my way to the edge of the field. No footpath sign or trail to be seen, just some barbed wire and electric fence which wasn't entirely welcoming.  At last a path of sorts could be seen over a hedge, taking a bit of a gamble I climbed over and followed it. At least according to my Strava app I was going in the right direction. With some relief I excited onto the Newport Pagnell Road that leads to Hackleton. 

It' a short walk along the road and I'm pleased to see the footpath sign just past the school. The path leads up through the playing field up to open fields. From here it is not entirely clear where the path then goes, if indeed there is one. 

I know it is straight ahead so follow the edge of the field on what is a narrow piece of verge next to a deep ditch with flowing water. About half way up I notice a fence marker the other side of the ditch on the opposite edge. Clearly I was in the wrong place... Time to play 'jump the ditch'. I just about made the leap of faith without sliding back down into the water. A quick dash across the field and I was back in pole position again. 

There is always something very satisfying about knowing that you are in the right place on the map. 

There is now a long straight that will take me very close to the Northampton International Stadium near Brafield. The stadium is mainly used for Stock Cars, Banger Racing and Hot Rods.

I was quietly walking along the hedge line when a Fox strolled along right in front of me. Couldn't have been more than 20 yards away. Very quietly I followed to where I saw him go into the hedge. By the time I had got my camera out he was already halfway through the field and then on to the next one. I could still see him in the distance heading for a spinney. It was a wonderful sight.

 

Turning left there is a lovely long stretch of the walk that runs parallel to the old disused railway line. I could walk either side really but stick to the footpath. It's not difficult to imagine where the trains would once have gone through on the old Northampton to Bedford line. There are a number of stiles to negotiate, not to mention the sheep. There always seems to be one who wants to make a name for himself and challenge you. 

Another left turn and we are on the return leg back towards Great Houghton. The wind is very fresh and it feels more upon in this elevated position. There are some great views looking down right across the to the town. 

There are some tricky old stiles to negotiate here too. Starting with the high one, the uneven one before we we encounter the tricky 'double stile' It is a bit like the Grand National with all the obstacles. The final test is the steepest of the lot like a ladder. After the descent there is then a muddy bog of water to negotiate, all good fun of course.

 

The Double Stile'

The Ladder and muddy descent stile'

Of course the muddiest part of the walk has been saved for the very last field into Great Houghton. All the good work clearing the boots is undone very quickly. It has been a very pleasant walk out on a not particularly nice day. In total I have seen about four other people! 

 

Mears Ashby and Sywell Walk

 

Today's Route

It was a bit of an afterthought to go out today in all honesty. The rain has been horrendous the last week and a lot of areas are flooded. However the rain was forecast to stop late morning and we were promised sunshine!

Starting from the village of Mears Ashby I walked across fields that took me to the car park at Sywell Reservoir. A few cars had started to gather but generally pretty quiet which was what I had hoped for. I try to avoid 'beauty spots' where everybody tends to make their destination if they want a walk. Especially in these times of Lockdown and social isolation it makes sense to avoid as much as possible. 

It isn't my intention to do a complete lap of the water anyway today. Looking at the map I can exit and head up to Sywell. The good thing I suppose about the Reservoir is that there is a hard surface all the way round. I recently cycled around Pitsford Reservoir and it was a nightmare. Both myself and the bike had to be hosed down afterwards..

A lot of bird life around today , mainly Blue and Great Tits gourging on the feeders. Although I did see a lovely Nuthatch on on of the feeding tables. 

As I had hoped I was able to leave the Reservoir and make the journey uphill on the verge of the road to Sywell. It was sad to see more rubbish dumped in the ditches. Lots of cans and bottles and the obligatory McDonald's items.  All thrown gratuitously from the car window no doubt. In Sywell I picked up a footpath that leads all the way back to Mears Ashby across the fields.

It is very pleasant actually and feels quite remote hit really isn't. I haven't taken many photos because I wasn't really planning  to blog the walk. 

Arriving back in Mears Ashby I have the choice of going back to the car or extending the walk. As I'm now on part of the 'Northampton Round' I carry on.  This part is on the road and continues past the Beckworth Emporium which looking at the car park is not busy.There is then a long path across fields that leads back to the heart of the village. Unfortunately these fields were very waterlogged in places. A nice little walk though nevertheless.

  

Harpole, Nobottle, Nether Heyford Northampton Round Walk

The Northampton Round Walk

The starting point for today's walk is the historic village of Harpole. There has been a sharp frost and it is extremely foggy, in short it is freezing!

We travel and park in separate cars in accordance with government guidelines. Starting point is close to the church, through a gate and hey presto we are into open countryside and once more on the Northampton Round. I think I mentioned the NR on the last write up therefore this time I have included a map o the entire route. It is a total distance of 54 miles approx. While doing a bit of research I found out that someone had completed the entire walk in a day. Starting at 6:30 in the morning and finishing late at night. I believe that it was a mixture of a walk and some jogging. Considering he went wrong a few times it was a really good effort. Ironically enough it was someone that I once worked with too. The walk today will take us past Harpole Covert and as far as the Nobottle Road.

The Northampton Round Marker

We turn back on ourselves , picking up the Midshires Way. We really are out in the wilds now. As we progress we have Glassthorpehill on our left. Not that we can see it of course with the fog obscuring any views.     

Friendly Sheep

Looking at the map we are a good distance from the nearest road . As you would imagine aside from the odd sheep it is extremely quiet. The water troughs are completely froze, the ice is a good inch thick. We break it up just in case the sheep feel a little thirsty.

There is the occasional pond too so it is a great area for wildlife. The fields are littered with rabbit droppings ! No rabbits just the droppings in vast quantities. 

The path takes us under the M1 Motorway and then across the busy A45 into the village of Upper Heyford. Half a mile later we reach Nether Heyford. From either the Old English word "heg/hedge", meaning "the ford by the hedge", or from "haeg/hage", meaning "the ford over which the hay is carried". 

It is famed for having one of the largest village greens in the country.

We are now on the Nene Way! And following close to the River Nene.  There are few people about today, heeding the advice to stay indoors. I think we have seen two other people so far and no sign of life in either of the villages. 

Heygates at Bugbrooke Mills

 The next point of interest is the Heygates Flour Mill at Bugbrooke Mills. There has been a mill at Bugbrooke, on the very same site, since before 1086. This extraordinary fact is known because the mill was mentioned in an early publication of the time, the Domesday Book. The Heygates, a family of Northamptonshire farmers, took it over in the late nineteenth century. The direct descendants of the first of these millers still run today’s mill, which is the group’s main location, producing the biggest share of the company’s flour output from its three mills. over 200,000 tons of wheat is milled annually, resulting in 150,000 tons of flour. This is mainly for bread production, including a large share of Fine Lady Bakery’s needs, but is also for biscuit manufacturers and other specialist areas.

Abandoned wheat silos

 

Around the mill there must be at least thirty abandoned wheat silos. These fallen giants portray a very eerie scene amongst the misty gloom. It is more like a scene from Cape Canaveral or a US military base missiles silo. Many of them are rusted and rotted and must have been there for years. I would have thought there would have been some scrap value at least?

 

We continue along the Nene Way and there are some interesting pieces of social commentary to be seen...On all of the bridges someone has scribbled in chalk anti government messages. Clearly not a big fan of Boris Johnson that is clear. 

Some nice scenery along this stretch with the water flowing nicely. The water has a very deep turquoise colour to it , never really noticed that before . Maybe it's something to do with the fog?Back under the M1 and across the A45 we go. We seem to have saved the muddiest fields for this last part of the walk

For good measure the farmer has bolted the gate fr the final footpath. After we have climbed over the footpath is non existent. We skirt the edge of the field and hope we are going in roughly the right direction. 

Finally we reach an exit gate and we are back in the village of Harpole. 

It has been a decent walk, one that I would like to do again on a nice clear day. Total distance 8.5 miles.

Salcey Forest, Hartwell and Northamptonshire Round Walk

First walk of 2021!Nothing much has changed from 2020 except that we are now in Tier 4 of course. Which is very little from being in 'Lockdown'. We are staying within the County boundary so no danger of breaking any laws all being well. 

Starting point is the village of Piddington south of Northampton ans North of Buckingham. It's a bright morning although the forecast is for it to cloud up after lunch. A short walk takes us in to the ancient woodland of Salcey Forest  again. Somewhere we have visited fairly recently when walking The Swans Way. 

There are quite a few walkers out and about today, lets face it there is a fast decreasing list of things that are still permissible. The forest is a remnant of the medieval royal hunting forest. Reminders of the past can still be found, with building remains and ancient trees.The 'Druids' or veteran oaks in Salcey are rare and distinct wildlife habitats, and some of the veteran oaks are believed to be over 500 years old.  

Salcey Forest

Leaving the forest we came across a bit of an obstacle ... The footpath taking us under the M1 was closed. A new bridge was under construction and accessibility was not possible. We didn't particularly fancy trying to cross the M1 especially with 'Archie' the dog in tow. Some creative thinking was required. Very carefully we made our way through the tunnel which was quite waterlogged. We made our way along the fence line and climbed over to join the original pathway. Thankfully we were back on track. 

Leaving the tunnel behind we realised that we had taken a bit of a detour , going the long way round. Oh well It's all good exercise I suppose, a bit of fresh air never hurt anybody.

The problem now though is 'Mud' and lots of it. The boots are absolutely clogged and it is a real slog. 

Approaching Hartwell End I spot a familiar building. The home of an Old friend who is out with her dogs. After a brief catch-up we are on our way passing  a solar farm which is a real blot on the landscape. I don't understand why that can't at least be converted into wild flower meadows as well? Perhaps even a few grazing sheep too?

 

 

We pick up the 'Northamptonshire Round'. This 51-mile circular route takes in some of the prettiest villages and countryside around the town of Northampton. The walk officially starts at Brixworth Country Park and takes in Harlestone, Bugbrooke, Gayton, Piddington, Yardley Hastings and Sywell Country Park.      

Leaving the 'Round' we then join up with the 'Midshires Way'.  a long-distance footpath and bridleway that runs for 230 miles (370 km) from the Chiltern Hills near Bledlow in Buckinghamshire to Gtr Manchester.

Wind Turbines

By the 1870's Piddington was linked to the national rail network by the Bedford to Northampton Line.
It closed to passengers in 1951, and was later shut completely as part of the 1960s Beeching cuts. The picture on the left literally shows the end of the line. 

Still on the 'Midshires Way' we pass Fox Covert , sadly no sign of any Foxes today. In fact there has been very little in the way of wildlife today. Aside from the obligatory Red Kite and occasional Buzzard it has been quiet. 

We reach the M1 again and this time it is a straightforward crossing over the bridge. We are now on the homeward leg of the route.  I have long given up trying to clear the mud from the boots. It has really been an energy sapping walk . 

There seems to be an airfield as we head back towards the village.  

 

 

It has been a walk of just over eleven miles, but did feel longer at times. Always enjoyable though and another area of the County ticked off (again).