Twywell Hills and Dales Walk

 

Finally I have made it over to Twywell and the Hills and Dales awaits. For some reason I have always thought it to be further away than it actually is. It is a perfect day too, just a T shirt and body warmer is all that is needed, on the top half at least. 

Parked up by 'The Old Friar Pub' there is a very handy sign to point me in the right direction. The name "Twywell" derives from two Old English words meaning two springs or streams. It is just a short walk down a lane, past the allotments and a paddock then a meadow. The entrance then becomes quite clear up some steps and into the trees. 

The site takes its name from the abandoned quarry workings which have left a mosaic of undulating limestone quarries, grassland scrub and woodland which is now a haven for wildlife.  The Nature Reserve covers an area of 54.6 ha (135 acres).

 

 

 

There are various paths going off in all directions. It is not very helpful that the signpost is broken in half and laying on the ground. Undeterred I walked up the slight incline and found myself on the boundary edge. Iron ore was quarried in the area at various times between the 1880s and 1974.

In 1994 the land was purchased by East Northamptonshire Council from British Steel for wildlife conservation and to offer quiet recreational opportunities to local people and other visitors. It is managed by a partnership of the Wildlife Trust, Rockingham Forest Trust and the Woodland Trust.

The remnants from the days of quarrying are very obvious across the site today. I have also heard that the area is used for grazing of livestock. In particular the Highland Cattle which you would think would be easy to spot. In places it is very muddy though and care is needed.  

The noise from the nearby A14 is growing louder. As the path turns right the busy road is just the other side of the fence. The path runs parallel for a while before passing 'Gullet Pond'. A short climb opens up to a much wider area of fields in an area known as 'Whitestones'. Originating from the former limestone quarry. I ask a 'dog walker' where the cattle might be? He points me in the direction of a ridge the other side . It isn't long before I have a few sightings!

 

The Highland Cattle are quite a sight! They seemed quite unperturbed and take little notice of me. They are happy to keep on grazing, and can eat up to 70kg of grass daily.

They have become quite a tourist attraction and like to cool off in the nearby pond I'm told. 

 

After all the excitement of the Cattle i make my way back towards the visitors car park. I noticed a finger post sign there earlier pointing towards Cranford St John. Looking at the map I can do a circular walk back to Twywell which is always my preferred option.

There is a lovely stretch of path  through a field divided by a hedgerow, going downhill towards a stream and small lake. It is a beautiful scene with the blue skies,sunshine and birdsong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 At the end of the path we have have footbridges old and new. I have gone with a photo of the newer version. My attention is drawn to a large swarm of Bees circling above. They seem to have made a nest in an old Woodpecker hole. I suspect they are 'Tree Bumblebees'. I'm not getting too close though especially with my bare arms...  
It is a lovely secluded area and nobody else is about. I follow the stream past a farm where a mother cow is very protective of her calf. I reach the road that on the left goes to Cranford St John. I need to go uphill the other way though. It is a bit of an uphill treck until I spot the footpath sign. 

It's a bit of a barren field, but at least there is no mud and fairly dry and the direction across is clear. At the end of the field is a beautiful Old Oak tree.The path continues through the gap in the hedge. It is just a case then of following the various paths back to the road to Twywell.   

I spotted another footpath sign over a style on the bend in the road. I can't resist giving it ago and walk through the field.Although it took me down some spectacular steps across a stream it was the wrong direction. I backtracked and found the path that took me down a track past a small farm and emerged near the pub. It was here that I met 'Reginald' a local resident. He seemed convinced that I was lost, despite me pointing out that my car was parked over the road. 80 years old and looking as 'fit as a fiddle'. Originally from Birmingham 'Reginald' was telling me he has lived in the village since he was 19 years, old and married the girl who lived over the road.  What a character ! It has been a cracking walk with lots of interest and cracking scenery. In total a little over 6 miles covered.