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).