Just four of us braved a very wet squally morning to walk from Olney to Clifton Reynes. Leaving from the Car Park at the recreation ground in East Street we walked by the children’s playground across the recreation ground to the River Ouse – We then walked on a very muddy path beside the river to a bridge. Walking over the bridge we turn right and climbed a short but steep hill and then walked across the fields to the road into Clifton Reynes. Turning right then left we walked past some allotments and on to a village road. Here we turned left and walked to a T junction by the Robin Hood Pub. Here we turned right and walked to Clifton Reynes Church for a coffee break. Unfortunately the church was locked so we sheltered under some trees in the churchyard. Leaving the church we turn right on to a track where we took a path right across a pasture field to a track. Turning right  nd then dropping down the hill back to the bridge over the river. Having crossed the river we walked straight on towards Olney Mill and the Church. Soon we passed the Mill on our left and walked on to Church Street. Just before the High Street we took a path to the right and walked through the public gardens to the Market Square. We then walked north on the High Street to the Cowper Memorial Church where we took a path through an arch which took us back to East Street and the cars. A very wet and muddy walk but the four of us agreed that it was a very good and interesting walk.

15 of us set out from the Duck Street Car Park on our pre-Christmas Meal walk led by Megan – We walked from the car park along Duck Street through the swimming pool car park to the Rushden Greenway . Here we took the disused railway track from the High Street  passing under Washbrook Road we admired the murals on the wall of the bridge which spelt RUSHDEN.  We continued on through the trees lining the path to a junction.  A right turn took us into the industrial estate at Skew Bridge. We walked on past Waitrose and were joined by 2 more walkers making our group 17 strong. We then crossed the A45 road on the new pedestrian bridge into Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre walking past the shops and on into the Rushden Lakes Nature Reserve. Taking the circuit around the lake we stopped at some picnic tables to have coffee. After coffee we walked along the Broadwalk back to the shops and retraced our steps  back to the Duck Street Car Park – A lovely short walk on a sunny but blustery day giving us all a good appetite for our Christmas Dinner later in the day.

On a day that started wet 7 walkers were fortunate to complete walk with no rain. The ground was quite boggy in places but wearing wellies kept our feet dry. We set off from the Sporting Targets and headed towards Harings Farm buildings on a farm access road. Then we went through a gap in the hedge on the right skirted around the farm and headed for Worley’s Wood.  We then walked on the concrete path through the wood to the end.  Walking out of the wood into a field we had lovely views of  Melchbourne Park. We then turned left downhill to a stream and pond – We then turned left and followed the hedge on the right until we reached the kennels on the left. We then came to a road and turned left. We then took a signed track on the left and shortly after going through a gate we turned right and keeping a hedge on the right we skirted a small spinney with a pond in it.  We kept on the path which headed downhill and became very enclosed.   At a junction we turned left and with a stream on our right we walked back to the start.

18 of us met at Newton Bromswold on a dank, dark and misty morning. We were all ready for a very slippery and wet walk following days of rain. From the start we walked through Newton Bromswold churchyard into the village. Passing by the Swan Pub on the left we walked across a pasture field and then went on using field side paths to the village of Yeldon. We walked through the village to a very slippery stile into the Castle Field. Here we climbed up the Castle Mound to admire what was a very misty view and also to hear about the history of the castle and the village. Moving on after our short stop we walked across two very muddy fields and then carried on on grass tracks to the village of Melchbourne. Here we stopped for coffee by the church. Leaving the church we walked on through Hillands Plantation and Worleys Wood. Both these had concrete roads through the woods. These are remnants from the 2nd World War when the woods were used to store ammunition and high explosives. After leaving Worleys Wood behind we took a path that skirted Harings Farm and followed the access track to the Riseley Shooting Targets Centre. Here we stopped for very welcome break and our lunch. After lunch we retraced our steps and took bridle paths and footpaths through a nature reserve. These paths took us over very rough ground which because of the conditions underfoot was very difficult terrain. Once through we walked on into the hamlet of Knotting and its historical church. From Knotting we walked along the road towards. Melchbourne. Soon we reached the Byway Newton Lane on the left. This took us back to Newton Bromswold and it proved to be very challenging with the Byway having been completely churned up by trail bikes and horses during the recent wet weather. After 2 miles we arrived at Newton Bromswold and back to the start just as the daylight faded away at 3pm!. We all of felt that despite the damp, dark, grey weather and challenging underfoot conditions that it had been a successful and a very interesting walk.  

Nineteen of us started from Old Weston Village Hall on an absolutely beautiful sunny autumn morning. All of us prepared for a very wet walk following very heavy rain the day before. We took a path north opposite the village hall and walked across two three pasture fields to a brook. The path went through some woods and then we stopped for coffee. After coffee we continued to follow the brook which we soon crossed and followed to a road. We briefly walked left on the road and then followed a bridle path towards RAF Molesworth. Just before a wood we turned left and followed the path around the perimeter of RAF Molesworth. The path weaved its way left and right for 1½ miles. Soon we met a road and walked downhill into Molesworth village and the Cross Keys Pub where we all sat outside in glorious sunshine and had our lunch. After lunch we walked across the camping and caravan field belonging to the pub and then on across some pasture fields into the village of Brington. Here we took paths which went through the village past Manor Farm. Crossing a brook we climbed a hill and then dropped down to another road – On over another brook and across a very boggy stretch of path then uphill again to a pile of logs where we had a welcome break. Setting off north we passed Fox Holes Farm at a T junction we turned left and followed a bridle path back towards Old Weston. We turned off the bridle path and walked by a ditch to the road road into Old Weston – Crossing the road we walked past the church back to the village hall and the end of a great walk on a lovely day.

On a dull but dry morning 10 walkers set off towards Stanwick Lakes.  The walk started at Saffron Road and headed walked down to Kings Meadow Lane and then followed a path across the A45 to the old railway track where we turned right to reach Station Road.  Then we turned left and passed where Nene Park Football Ground had been. At the roundabout we turned right and headed up Marsh Lane until turning right to the lock. Here we followed the footpath into Stanwick Lakes.  We then turned right and then back onto the old railway track and down the steps to walk past Higham Lock.   Then back along the same path to the start.

Ten of us ventured to the start through floods and traffic delays after a torrential downpour from hurricane Lorenzo just before setting out to the start. Once at The Rising Sun pub in East Stourmouth it brightened up and stopped raining so we all decided to try the planned walk. We set off from the pub taking a footpath south of the village through acres of orchards. Some of the trees had not been harvested yet and where laden with apples. The walk took us past Stanton Farm and round Little Stanton Farm and on through yet more orchards to Preston playing field where we stopped for a coffee break. After our break we walked through Preston village and took a footpath which led us to the Little Stour River. We followed the path to the Blue Bridge which appropriately enough was painted blue. Here we had a short piece of road walking to Grove where we took a path into Stodmarsh Nature Reserve. We walked through the reserve turning right near Harrisons Drove Hide and walking to Grove Ferry. Here we had a short break and comfort stop. Leaving by the Stour Valley Way we walked to Red Bridge (no it wasn’t painted red) and then by a series of tracks and footpaths across the Little Stour river into West Stourmouth. We walked through the village to the church where we took a track through more orchards back to East Stourmouth and The Rising Sun where we all had lunch which was a very pleasant end to a lovely walk

Fourteen of us walked from the Wantsum Brewery and Tap Room in St Nicholas at Wade along a farm track to Belle Isle. Here we crossed the Wade Marsh Stream and carried on to the River Wantsum. After crossing the river we turned right at the Whitfield Sewer (a river) and walked to a bridge over the river and then on to Marshside where we had a break for coffee. The landscape was similar to the Broads and Fens with most of the walk being below sea level and having lots of drainage ditches. At Marshside we crossed the North Stream and picked up the Saxon Shore Way which took us over the busy A229 to a house with a windmill. From here we passed Oar Farm and after walking under the railway walked on across more low lying ground to Reculver. Here we stopped for lunch at the Reculver Café where we had our pre-ordered lunches. After most of having a Magnum desert we walked to Reculver Roman Fort and the ruins of St Marys Church. On past the fort we continued walking along the sea wall. Soon we took a path which took us inland following the River Wantsum. Over the railway we made our way on to Chambers Wall then going back over the A299 and on to St Nicholas at Wade and the brewery passing a new born calf on the way. At the brewery we had a welcome rest and sampled the beer and cider. A great walk, perfect walking weather and a very welcome pint at the finish.

10 of us met at the Village Hall Car Park in Wadenhoe to walk the Lyvden Way to Lyveden New Bield - We set off in heavy rain as we climbed the hill to Wadenhoe Church and on through the Scout Campsite to the Aldwincle Road - We commented that we where walking part of the Thrapston - Aldwincle - Wadenhoe walk we had undertaken in July but in the opposite direction - We soon turned of the road and walked to a Byway where we turned left and walked down hill to a footpath on the right - We walked across some pasture fields to the edge of Green Side Wood - By now It had stopped raining and the sun came out - Taking the opportunity to remove the wet weather clothing we stopped for a coffee break. After the break we walked on through the woods - The sun was now very warm and the woods gave us some shade as we walked on the footpath to a forest track - This track led us through Lady Wood and Assarts Coppice which led to open farmland - Here we turned right on to a footpath and walked around the edge of the woods to Lyveden New Bield - By now the rain had started again however we were lucky that it dried up enough for us to have lunch in the Cafe garden - After lunch it started to rain again so we put the wet weather clothing back on and set off to walk back to Wadenhoe. Passing through Lilford Wood and on towards Wadenhoe Little Wood and Wadenhoe Lodge we experienced rapidly changing weather pouring with rain one minute and very warm with the sun out the next. We soon reached a road where we turned right then left on through a very muddy section of path back to Wadnehoe. We all agreed despite some challenging weather the walk had been lovely and is highly recommended.

12 of us met at Stevington on a dry cloudy day. The walk started at the Royal George Public House and followed some of the John Bunyan Trail. We crossed the road and at the crossroads headed up Church Lane passing the church and the Holy Well on the left.  Continuing along the footpath following the River Ouse on the right across a field.  Then turned left around the edge of Wood Croft Spinney.  Keeping on the footpath until the road at West End (part of Stevington) was reached and turned left.  Turn quickly right on to a footpath that crosses the old railway line.  Turn left to reach the John Bunyan Trail.  Follow this footpath until you get to Stevington Windmill.  Continue to join Park Road and back to the Pub

The walk started at the Montagu Arms and follows the stream keeping it to the right.  After passing all the houses the lane becomes a gravel track.  We continue uphill crossing a newly cut cornfield in the direction of Wigsthorpe.  From the top of the hill there are lovely views as far as Oundle.  On reaching the road we turn right then left onto the Nene Way back to Barnwell. The walkers enjoyed perfect conditions a dry sunny day and not too hot.

14 of us started from Sudborough on a very sunny very warm morning. We followed the road west out of the lovely village and branched off on to footpath on the right after climbing the hill and were rewarded with a impressive panorama looking North East across the Northamptonshire countryside. We soon joined the Slipton Road and walked for 3/4 mile to a footpath. Here we walked across a field back to the Slipton Road and on into the village.  Turning left we walked to Slipton Church  where we had a break under the shade of a tree. We then walked on into Drayton Park and on past Drayton House. We then walked down the drive into Lowick - Here we stopped at the pocket park and had lunch. After lunch we walked into the village and on to the Snooty Fox pub where we stopped for a very welcome drink. By now the temperature had reached approx 30 degrees making it very uncomfortable to walk in. There was a general agreement that we should cut the walk short so we returned to Sudborough by taking a footpath through the local vineyard and following The Harper Brook back to Sudborough. A great walk on a very very hot day.

On a lovely sunny morning 10 walkers started from Manor Farm in the centre of the village.  Bear left through the farmyard and head towards a small spinney. The walk went over a stile and down 48 steps  with the option to view Drayton House. The walk takes you into Slipton and passes the church and War Memorial for the First World War.  Then follows the footpath opposite the Samuel Pepys pub and back to Twywell.

Eleven of us started the walk from The Old Barn on a cloudy warm day. We headed downhill passing Wadenhoe House.  We then crossed the White Bridge by Mill House.  Then diagonally across the  meadow heading for the high river bridge.  Following the footpath uphill to emerge near a farmyard and onto the Achurch to Thorpe Waterville road.  Keeping on this road until we reached the road to Aldwincle.  Then on reaching Aldwincle heading for the footpath  (Nene Way) just after St Peter’s church.  This will take  you through the narrow way by the new rectory to open fields.  Turn sharp left here and follow a hedge on the left then on the right. There are lovely views from here. Crossing a planked bridge and then walking uphill to the footpath through the wooded area. This passes St Michael and All Angels and the weir and lock at Wadenhoe.  Up the road to the T junction into Mill Lane and the car park

Thirteen of us started from Meadow Lane in Thrapston in wet drizly conditions - We walked along Meadow Lane towards Islip over the River Nene and past Islip Mill - Turning right on to the Nene Way we walked across two meadow fields to a small copse - Here we turned left and walked to the Ridge Road - Right at the Ridge Road and on past the Elinor fishing lake on our right - Past a fishing lodge and on to the Lowick Road just outside Aldwincle - Turning right on to a footpath which lead us into the village of Aldwincle - Turning left and left again down Cross Lane we took a footpath on the right which we followed to a track where we turned right and climbed uphill to where we met the Lyveden Way. On to a footpath on the right we walked to the Wadenhoe Road - Left then right to Wadenhoe Church where we had lunch in the rain. After lunch we dropped down to the river and Wadenhoe - Instead of entering the village we turn sharp right and followed the undulating Nene Way back towards Aldwincle - Where the Nene Way turned right into the village we took a path across a field to pass through a Pocket Park to Main Street - Following Lowick Lane we took a footpath (Nene Way) on the left and followed it through Titchmarsh Nature Reserve back past the Sailing Club to Meadow Lane and the car park. We walked through rain most of the day but it did not spoil our enjoyment of a lovely walk.

Five of us left Castle Ashby House car park on a breezy cloudy day. Leaving by Castle Road we walked past the Falcon Inn (which is being refurbished) and turn right into the minor road leading to Park Hill. We walked on through the parkland with views of Castle Ashby House to Park Hill Farm. Passing the farm we soon reached the Yardley Road turning right for a few yards we then turned left onto a bridle path which led down hill to a brook. Crossing the bridge we turned right and followed a footpath to a road and then on through rolling pasture land which was in the early 1900's the Castle Ashby Golf Club. We soon reached Yardley Hastings where we stopped for a break in the Pocket Park. After our break we walked through the back doubles of Yardley to a footpath which took us back towards Castle Ashby. After a short rain shower we walked up the Castle Ashby House Drive with its magnificent view of the house. Leaving the drive by a footpath which crossed a overgrown field we arrived at the hamlet of Chadstone. We then walked on the minor road back to Castle Ashby where we had refreshments at the cafe in the Rural Shopping Yard. A very pleasant end to a very pleasant walk.

On a hot, sultry, overcast and close evening 13 of us left the Rose & Crown Pub and walked through the village to a footpath which took us east out of the village. Over 7 stiles in quick succession we walked by and through fields with a lovely display of wild flowers. The path turned left through a rape field and continued on through an overgrown section to a derelict building. The path continued on  to Horn Wood here we decided not to walk through the wood because of the biting insects so we surveyed the view of the Nene Valley from the high vantage point and had a rest/drink stop. We returned to Yardley  by retracing our steps until the rape field here we took an alternative route back which avoided the stiles and returned to the pub via Little Lane and the giraffe eating the tree. On arrival at the pub we all had a very welcome drink while we cooled off.

After a scorching Saturday with temperatures of 32 degrees and overnight of 15. It was decided to amend the planned 9.25 miles walk down to 6.25. 12 members plus a new walker joined this beautiful walk that had showed this part of Northamptonshire off in all its glory. Setting off from the White Horse pub in Old we set out by skirting the playing field boundary whilst the children were playing a game of cricket, following the waymarkers that led up to the site of the medieval village of Faxton.  Passing on we saw Shortlands House in the distance with its turret roof.  After watching the farmers bailing the hay we turned along the ridge that gave far reaching views in both directions, up to Market Harbough in the north and down to Pitsford Reservoir to the south. After passing Lamport Hall and crossing the busy main road, we took our lunch break in the pretty village of Hanging Houghton. Once refreshed and toasted Jenny's birthday with a slice of brownies, we set off towards Scaldwell. Here were we came in contact with a flock of Jacob's sheep and two inquisitive alpacas. After a comfort break at the village hall, that has turned the Old Member's Room into a village run pub, we continued our way back to Old.  But before we had gone very far, we came across three very friendly donkeys and it was agreed that they were the best coloured ones anyone had ever seen. All too quickly we returned to our starting point, were a pint was gratefully received.  Also the landlord was cooking a BBQ, so some of us had to partake. The right decision was made to reduce the miles as it was a pleasurable ramble and not a slog.

9 of us set off from the Duke of Wellington pub past the church and north on to a track which led to a bridle path where we turned left for 1/4 mile and then again right to walk to the bottom of Meadow Lane. Under the A45 into Stanwick Lakes on to the Adventure Trail and on past the Visitor Centre to the roundabout at the main entrance. Here we crossed over the A45 and turned left on to a bridle path which ran alongside the A45. We soon turned off the bridle path onto a footpath which took us back to the village. Where we had a welcome drink in the pub. Great evening walk.

20 of us started from the Harrold Country Park Car Park - 16 on the longer walk - 4 on the shorter walk. Longer Walk - Leaving the car park by a gate and the southern end we walked to the River Ouse and walked by a lovely stretch of the river for 1/2 mile. Coming away from the river we turned right at the main path and walked into Odell - past The Bell Inn we walked to the church where we took a bridle path on our left and walked into Odell Great Wood - After 1/4 miles we turned sharp left  and walked South West until the edge of the wood. Tracing the edge of the wood we turned right and walked across fields to the Odell Road. Crossing the road and over a stile we walked to a path which we followed south beside a lake and then a stream with an attractive waterfall. Walking  into Harrold we turned right and followed the path to Brook Lane. We turned left onto the High Street and walked to the village green with the Lockup. Walking across the green we took a path by the Mill House and a footpath which led us to the church and back to Harrold Country Park. - Shorter Walk - We left the country park by the Odell Road and walked north to the Fire Station. Taking a footpath to the left we walked by a lake on the right and walked to a T junction and the waterfall described in the longer walk. From here we followed the same route back to the country park.

Ten of us met at the Emmaus Village Carlton on a beautiful May evening. Taking the minor road from Emmaus we walked into Carlton. Passing the Fox Inn we turned right onto a bridle path which led to New Barns Farm where we saw a wide range of animals including lambs, goats, geese and many chickens. Passing through the farm we continued on paths through the lovely countryside around Carlton past Great Oaks Wood back to Emmaus. Following the walk we all retired to the Fox Inn for a welcome drink. Great walk on a lovely evening.

A coach load of us left Rushden for Snettisham early on Sunday the 19th May. Stopping at Sandringham for coffee we dropped the walkers off at Shepherds Point while the non walkers stayed on the coach to be dropped off in Hunstanton. The walkers split into two groups one for the longer walk and one for the shorter walk. The longer walk headed south to visit the Snettisham Nature Reserve. We visited the wildlife observation hides which gave panoramic views across the saline lagoons, salt marsh and the vast expanse of mudflats that make up The Wash. We then headed back north back to Shepherds Point via different paths. Here we retraced the  steps of shorter walk and followed in their footsteps to Heacham using the Sea Bank Path and then on to Hunstanton where we had time to look round the town and eat a late lunch. We were all picked up by the coach at 4.30pm and arrived back in Rushden at 6.30pm. Perfect weather for walking rounded off a perfect day.

The walk started at Podington Garden Centre where we parked and enjoyed refreshments at the end.   It was a lovely warm sunny day and just perfect for walking. 5 of us left the garden centre and headed towards Hinwick Village.  We walked up the road on the left which led to a footpath and eventually arrived at Forty Acre Wood.  From the footpath Santa Pod was visible and then we walked in the area of Podington Airfield.  Then through the wood to follow the same tracks back to Hinwick and Podington. 

12 of us set off from Blakesley on a chilly overcast morning. Passing the pub and over the disused railway we took a footpath across the fields to Greens Park Farm (1.75 miles). From here we walked on to Weedon Lois  stopping for coffee by a brook. (2.25 miles) Passing Weedon Lois House and the Castle Mound we walked through the village past the church to a footpath which led us past the village school. (3.75 Miles) On downhill to a stream where we turned right and followed a footpath up to the village of Western where we stopped for lunch at the Crown Inn. (5 Miles) After lunch we took a footpath opposite the pub to walk to the hamlet of Plumpton with its lovely church.(6 miles). From here we took footpaths across the fields to Woodend via Oakley Bank Farm. At Woodend we stopped in the bus shelter for a drink break (7.5 miles). From Woodend we crossed a field to the road which led us back to Blakesley. The walk ended in warm sunshine.

The walk started at Riseley Sporting Targets and up a track to Harings Farm, through a field to Worley’s Wood and along a concrete path to the end of the wood to open farmland.  We walked passed a pond and crossed a stream and then followed the path that went near the Oakley Hunt Kennels.  Then skirting a small spinney we descended to where the walk had started. The walk was enjoyed for the variety of wild flowers, birds and a deer that we saw along the way. Everyone stopped at the Sporting Target Cafe and enjoyed refreshments where people were very friendly and helpful.

In pouring rain 14 off us left Potter Heigham to walk down Middle Wall. On reaching the A149 the rain was stopping and it began to brighten up. Crossing the A149 we walked down the Middle Wall in what is typical broads countryside. Geese and other wildfowl to our left and calves to our right. After a mile we turned left onto a bridlepath and walked to Glebe Farm. We took the footpath to our right and walked around the Sound and Waggon Hill Plantations. The rain had stopped now and the white flowers of the Blackthorn where lovely in the half light. We soon reached a footpath to the right which led into the Hickling Nature Reserve. Taking this path we walked through marshy ground to meet the Weavers Way. Going right here we followed the Weavers Way to a bird hide where we stopped for coffee and to look at the birds. After coffee we continued on the Weavers Way which followed the edge of the broad. When we reached Candle Dyke we were treated a display of the Wheerymen Sailing Boats tacking up the channel into Hickling Broad and a pair of Hen Harriers hunting. On reaching the River Thurne where we turned right to walk the 1.5 miles back to Potter Heigham passing some river edge properties on the way.

16 of us started the walk from a small car park beside the River Yare at Mill Hill near Bramerton Common. The day overcast but dry. We walked on a footpath beside the lovely River Yare and on past Hill House to Surlingham Church. Here we turned south and headed up Cross Hill Lane towards Rockingham St Mary. After 1/2 mile we turned left onto Holloway Road after another 1/2 mile we took a footpath on the right stopping here to administer 1st aid to Rod who had walked into a overhanging branch and cut his head! After another 1/2 mile we stopped for coffee. On to Rockford St Mary where we turned left and walked down "The Street" stopping at the village shop for provisions. Then we walked on through the village to the New Inn and the Rockland Broad Marina. We took another short break and retraced our steps to a lane on the right. Taking the Wheerymans Way we passed Surlingham Woods and on into Surlingham. After 3/4 mile we turned right on to footpath which went through some delightful broads landscape to Coldham Hall where we had lunch. After lunch we followed the Wheerymans Way to the Ferry House pub on the River Yare. Here we took the path past Surlingham RSPB Reserve and on to Surlingham Church, stopping to look inside a very quaint and unusual building. From here we followed the river path back to the cars. Despite the chilly wind we had a great walk and no rain. 

14 of us stepped out on a glorious spring morning.  We parked opposite the Red Lion Pub in East Haddon and walked up a little lane to a sports field and followed the sides of field, bridleways, footpaths to eventually reach Holdenby where we found a little seating area for a coffee/lunch stop.  We stopped to look at the ancient church, which was unfortunately locked.  We picked up the MacMillan Way for a couple of miles and progressed back to East Haddon passing beautiful houses, and a sewage works.  The walk was only seven/eight miles but felt like longer due to the undulating nature of the walk.  Some of us stopped at the Red Lion for a glass of cider before making our way home. 

There were 10 of us walking on this sunny, dry day.  The walk started at Wharf Road Higham Ferrers and headed through Garden Fields onto Shelley Drive and Northampton Road.  We crossed the footbridge over the A45 into the “Lakes”.  Then headed towards Skew Bridge Lake and followed the footpath until reaching the sign for the Muddy Boot Walk.  The walk followed the river on one side and Big Lake on the other with views of Ditchford Lock. The footpath continued between Big Lake and Little Lake where there was a seat to sit and admire the views and enjoy the peace.  Then we crossed the meadow and back by the shops to take the footpath along the river and back into Higham.

11 walkers set off from the Castle Theatre car park on a dry bright day.  The walk took us through Castle Fields stopping at the bandstand.  Then through the churchyard and Swanspool to Croyland Park. We walked onto Wilby stopping at Sainsbury for some refreshments.  Then came back through Morrison’s car park to Swanspool and finished the walk with a visit to the Museum.

On an absolutely fantastic February day 19 of us set off from a layby near the Crossway Hand Cottages uphill past Crossway Hand Farm and on to Boars Head Farm. On through Holes Brook Wood and uphill to Morehay Lawn  where we stopped for coffee. After our break we walked east then south through a series of woods to the village of Southwick where we had our lunch in the Shuckburgh Arms which had a impressive covered area at the rear. After lunch we walked south up the Oundle Road to the Water Tower where we turned west on to a Bridlepath. Past Short Wood and on to Provost Lodge from which we had one last climb and then down hill back to the cars. With temperatures touching 18 degrees, not a cloud in the sky and a magnificent walk we could not have hoped for a better day.

There were 12 walkers on a nice sunny  dry day.  The walk started by a mobile home park  in Clapham and headed towards the open countryside with lovely views across the fields. The walk finished through a housing estate and by the shops of Clapham. 

Fourteen of us set out from the Castle Theatre car park to walk some of the cycle ways of Wellingborough. On a sunny but windy, cold day we walked to the Castle Fields and the bandstand which was built in 1913. From the bandstand we walked past the Isebrook Hospital and the old workhouse to the London Road Cemetery and its two chapels. From here we crossed London Road into the Swanspool Gardens. Swanspool House was built in 1779 and is now council offices. Crossing the Doddington Road we walked through the Croyland Abbey Gardens stopping to read about the 5 wells located here and the Zoo which was originally opened in 1943 and closed in 1970. From the gardens we walked through Croyland Park on past Croyland Lake and on to Northampton Road near Sainsburys. Walking on through Stanwell Park (another well!) we passed under Park Farm Way into Park Farm Industrial Estate. On through the estate to the Hardwick Road  crossing the A509 again we walked on a green lane between the housing estates to the Gleneagles Social Club where we sat in the warm to have lunch. After lunch we continued on the green lane past Redwell Leisure Centre to a bridge over the Harrowden Road. On past the Redwell Medical Centre we recrossed the Harrowden Road into Hatton Park where we passed the Redwell. Leaving the park we walked through the streets to Bassetts Close and another bandstand. On through Morrisons Car park to the Tithe Barn and Croyland Gardens back to the Castle Theatre Car Park via the museum. A very interesting walk in mainly parks and green areas. To be recommended 

Fourteen of us set out from the Castle Theatre car park to walk some of the cycle ways of Wellingborough. On a sunny but windy, cold day we walked to the Castle Fields and the bandstand which was built in 1913. From the bandstand we walked past the Isebrook Hospital and the old workhouse to the London Road Cemetery and its two chapels. From here we crossed London Road into the Swanspool Gardens. Swanspool House was built in 1779 and is now council offices. Crossing the Doddington Road we walked through the Croyland Abbey Gardens stopping to read about the 5 wells located here and the Zoo which was originally opened in 1943 and closed in 1970. From the gardens we walked through Croyland Park on past Croyland Lake and on to Northampton Road near Sainsburys. Walking on through Stanwell Park (another well!) we passed under Park Farm Way into Park Farm Industrial Estate. On through the estate to the Hardwick Road  crossing the A509 again we walked on a green lane between the housing estates to the Gleneagles Social Club where we sat in the warm to have lunch. After lunch we continued on the green lane past Redwell Leisure Centre to a bridge over the Harrowden Road. On past the Redwell Medical Centre we recrossed the Harrowden Road into Hatton Park where we passed the Redwell. Leaving the park we walked through the streets to Bassetts Close and another bandstand. On through Morrisons Car park to the Tithe Barn and Croyland Gardens back to the Castle Theatre Car Park via the museum. A very interesting walk in mainly parks and green areas. To be recommended 

14 Walkers - On a cold but bright day - The walk started from The Bedford Arms car park. The walkers turned right from the pub and walked up the road onto Forty Foot Lane then we turned left following a muddy Forty Foot Lane (track). On the right was Great Hayes Wood. At a footpath we turned left over a ditch bridge and along the edge of a field then turned left heading towards a railway line. Over the bridge following the footpath back to Souldrop passing Middle Farm along the way. 17 people met at the pub car park 14 did the above walk. 3 went to Harold Country Park for a shorter walk. 16 of us went to Nellys Kitchen and enjoyed a good meal with helpful staff.

The walk started from the village across the field in a diagonal and picked up a linear footpath toward Yelden.  At Crowfield Farm we continued up the hill through the farmyard following a farm track, picking up the footpath again at a copse.We had a 20 min break and then turned right to pick up a track leading back to Newton Bromswold.  The Landlord at the Swan had prepared bread rolls and 12 of the 13 partook of a drink and a roll.  The walk was easy apart from a few areas of uneven path and mud. All passable; no stiles.