Easton Maudit, Yardley Hastings and Castle Ashby Circular Walk

This is a variation on the Grendon, Eaton Maudit and Castle Ashby walk a few weeks ago.The walk outline reminds me of a Seal.  I think I walked all the component parts during Covid, but in different routes. I just had the idea to link them together for a nice walk in the sunshine. Considering it is still early April the weather has been incredible with temperatures up towards the 20 degree mark. 

Starting point today is the Church of St Peter & St Paul, Easton Maudit. We walk into the village and pick up the footpath next to the quirky house that is built on sticks. The path loops over to the right across a couple of fields past the airstrip. 'Horn Wood' is the first point of interest. We could have taken the track and skirted round the edge, but whats not to like about a woodland area?  

looking back to Easton Maudit

 A number of footpaths run off in all directions.We turn almost full circle and head towards 'Cold Oak Copse'. We just follow the edge and catch sight of the first Bluebells I've seen this year. We continue past the copse as far as Yardley Hastings.

 

Bluebells

 

The village's name means 'rod wood/clearing', a place where they were made or acquired. It's a nice day so we have a wander around the village. The local pub 'The Red Lion' is very tempting I must say. We opt for our sandwiches on the village Green instead. As the footpath to Castle Ashby is particularly obvious we opt for the road instead. It isn't far and the view across the Avenue opens up to Castle Ashby House in the distance. Set in the heart of a 10,000-acre estate, it is the ancestral home of the 7th Marquess of Northampton.

Open Water swimming lake

We pass round the edge of the village and pick up the road with the House to our right. We also pass the lake where I did the Open Water swimming a few weeks ago. From here it is a simple matter of following the field paths back across to Easton Maudit. Exactly the same route as completed previously.A nice straightforward walk with plenty of interest. In total just under 8.5 miles walked.