February

Sunday 4th	Local Walk Figure of 8 - 5 miles in the morning, 5 in the afternoon. Meet at 10.30am at Salcey Forest main car park which is located off the road between Quinton and Hanslope, about 6 miles south east of Northampton (Grid Ref. SP 795 517 - See map below to make sure you get the right car park). Meet at 1pm for the afternoon walk only. The Royal Forest of Salcey is a magnificent ancient woodland offering excellent walking and opportunities to view an amazing range of wildlife. The forest is a remnant of the medieval royal hunting forest. Reminders of the past can still be found, with many miles of ancient woodbanks, building remains and ancient trees. The 'druids' or veteran oaks in Salcey are rare and amazing wildlife habitats, and some of the old oaks are believed to be over 500 years old. The car park has a café and public conveniences. In the morning we will walk about 5 miles heading out of the forest towards Piddington and back via Hartwell. I plan to have lunch back at the main car park so bring a packed lunch as the range of food available at the café is limited. If you would just like to do the afternoon walk meet us at the main car park at 1pm. We will do a 5 mile walk around the forest including a chance to walk up The Tree Top Way. This climbs to a height of 20 metres through the canopy, offering fantastic views across the forest (as shown in the picture). Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Jayne leader
Wednesday 7th	Pub Meet Toby Carvery, Northampton, from 8pm. Meet at the pub to find out more about the group and future walks, trips, events etc. Map of pub location
Sunday 11th	Local Walk We are putting on an extra walk this Sunday Sorry about the late notice Starting at grid reference SP 604 565 ("Everdon Stubbs" wood) Everdon > Farthingstone > Litchborough> Seawell Ground > Fulling Mill > Adstone > Knightly Wood > Everdon Meet at 10.45am for an 11am start for a winter wonderland walk Please bring sandwiches etc. there is a pub at Litchborough, but we are not sure if they will be serving food If you are interested please contact John or Vicki Maps of Walk Start- Relative to Nearby Towns Local Area
Sunday 18th	National Walk The Cotswolds The Walk:A 9.8 mile circular walk from Chipping Campden to Broadway and back, via three hills of varying heights. Total ascent is 443m but it is not an unduly strenuous walk (although there are some steep bits!). The walk features some excellent Cotswolds scenery, with impressive views for many miles, two immaculately preserved Cotswolds stone villages, a chance to climb a stone tower on a hilltop, and a surprise feature!! Also a pub stop in the village of Broadway - or for those with other interests, Broadway offers the usual cake shops, cafés, gift shops etc as well and there will be time to stop there for a little while. So it is probably a good idea to bring boot coverings (i.e. carrier bags!). Meeting:Meet at Sixfields, Northampton, at 9am for car sharing and / or in Chipping Campden at 10.30am. Meeting point in C.C. is the car park in the grounds of Chipping Campden School, Grid Ref SP 154 395, directions below. Directions:Best way to get to Chipping Campden from Northampton is as follows: A43 past Towcester to Brackley, A422 to Banbury, A361 to Chipping Norton, A44 towards Evesham. But before you get to Evesham, take the B4081 to Chipping Campden (just after Moreton in Marsh and Bourton on the Hill). This will bring you into the south of the village. When you get to the main road in the village centre, turn right. Continue along the main road, through the centre, and look out for a sign, pointing right, to "Coach and Car Park" at the far (eastern) end of the village. The sign also directs towards"Campden Research Association" and "Sports Centre", the road leading to the car park from the main road is Cidermill Lane. After a short distance along this you will see a sign for Chipping Campden School on the left, this is what you want. You should then see a large car park! (Which is open to the public, we will not be trespassing on school property!!) Alternative route is the B4035 from Banbury direct to Chipping Campden. With this route you will reach the car park before the centre of the village, it will be on your right. The walk is a slightly modified version ofThis Walk From Walking Britain(cut down from 11 miles). Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Street Level Map of Sixfields Car Share Point Chipping Campden Website Andy leader
Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th (option to stay until Mon. 26th)	Weekend Away Sorry - Now Fully Booked ! Those coming should now have received info. by e-mail, contact Rich if you have any questions. If you want to see more details of the accommodation take a look at the link below - www.derbyshireholidaycottages.co.uk Location Maps - Relative to Nearby Towns Local Area

March

Sunday 4th	Joint Walk with Leicestershire & Rutland Group 10.30 am - Sharnford - 8 miles Start point: Car Park on the main road in Sharnford opposite the Countryman pub. Pathfinder 915 (SP49/59) (Grid Ref. SP 481 918) Sharnford- Aston Flamville- Burbage- Burbage Common- Aston Firs Wood- Freeholt Wood- Sapcote- Sharnford An easy walk through pretty villages and wooded landscape. Coming from Leicester take the B4114 towards Hinckley. Go past the Mill on the Soar pub on your left and also a Shell Petrol station on your right. Keep going straight on and you will enter Sharnford. Go past the Sharnford Arms pub on your left hand side then the car park is further ahead on the right hand side. Coming from Northampton, the best route appears to be to take the M1 to junction 20, then take the A4303 (left turn off the M1) to the A5, where you should turn right towards Hinckley / Nuneaton / M69. Stay on the A5 until you come to the B4114 on the right, which you should take to Sharnford. You will then be coming to Sharnford in the opposite direction to the directions above, so the car park will be on your left, before you get to the Sharnford Arms pub on the right. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area(refer to instructions above rather than relying on exact location shown) Leader Paula Croskell of Leicestershire & Rutland Group Contact Via Andy if Necessary
Wednesday 7th	Pub Meet Toby Carvery, Northampton, from 8pm. Meet at the pub to find out more about the group and future walks, trips, events etc. Map of pub location
Sunday 11th	Local Walk 9 mile walk starting at 10:30am from the village of Newton Blossomville (SP924515). There is plenty of parking on the road outside the "Old Mill" gastro-pub (previously known as the "Old Mill Burnt Down"!?). There is also the possibility of having breakfast inside the Old Mill - some of us are taking this option, at the invitation of the owner - meet there from 9.30 if you would like to join us. The walk takes us down to the river, over to Cold Brayfield, and across the fields to Lavendon for a lunch stop. There is a choice of pubs for refreshments, the Green Man has plenty of tables outside, whilst the Horseshoe has a beer garden round the back. After lunch we will walk pass Lavendon Grange, back over the river to the pretty village of Clifton Reynes, with views across the valley to Olney before heading back. There are only a few stiles on the walk to jump/fall over, and the mud wasn't too bad with only one really muddy bit. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Tim leader
Sunday 25th	Local Walk An easy figure of eight walk starting from Stoke Bruerne, a picturesque village to the SW of Northampton. The morning walk will be about 4.5 miles and take in the villages of Ashton and Roade, the afternoon loop of 4 miles will pass through Stoke Bruerne Park and Shutlanger. There is no parking in the village as it is all double yellow lines so best place to park is in the museum car park (signposted once you reach the village) - £2 charge for the day. Grid Reference SP 744 500 Meet next to the museum car park at 10:30am for the morning walk (or all day) or at 1:15pm for the afternoon walk. If you are coming along to the afternoon walk only then please let us know so we can look out for you. For lunch, there is an area to eat sandwiches etc, or there is a café and a couple of pubs nearby. Don't forget the clocks go forward on Sunday - Meeting times above are inBritish Summer Time. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Mark Leader

April

Easter Monday Walk Meet at 11am at at Wakerley Woods (Grid ref SP 961 986) From there we will go to Harringworth for a pub stop and through Borrowden before returning to Wakerley The walk is 8 miles Maps of Start - Local Area   Relative to Nearby Towns

Sunday 1st	National Walk Meet 9:30am at Frankie & Benny's, Sixfields for lift sharing or 10:30am at Cannock Chase Visitor Centre on Marquis Drive (SK004152) where there is plenty of parking (small car parking charge). There is a shop, cafe and toilets there. The walk is around 11 miles long, round the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We will be walking through areas of woodland and heathland looking out for the fallow deer that roam the chase. Lunch will be a picnic in the grounds of Shugborough Hall, home of Lord Lichfield and we return via the canal and back through the Chase past Strawberry Hill back to a well deserved tea and cake at the cafe. I haven't been to Cannock Chase since I was 8 years old, so don't be surprised if we get lost! Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Tim leader
Wednesday 4th	Pub Meet Toby Carvery, Northampton, from 8pm. Meet at the pub to find out more about the group and future walks, trips, events etc. We will also be sorting out the New Walks Programme for July to December Map of pub location
Saturday 14th	Local(ish) Walk From Hook Norton, the day after the Brewery Tour Primarily intended for those who have been on the tour, after which we will be staying overnight in the village, but others are welcome to join us. The walk is around 7.5 miles, plan is to go to Whichford, where there is a pub for a hair of the dog, and then up Whichford Hill to Church End before returning to Hook Norton. Meet for an 11am start (to give us a bit of a chance for a leisurely breakfast) at the Sun Inn, Hook Norton, which is where those of us who have been doing the tour will have been staying. As there may be major hangovers involved, leading to delays, changes to the walk etc, it is best if those who are thinking of coming Contact Andy in advance, so you can be updated on the day. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Andy leader
Sunday 15th	Car Free Local Walk In support of theNational Day of Climate Action, organised by carbon-info.org , to highlight the issue of global warming. The national day of action is actually on Saturday 14th, but as we already had Hook Norton planned for that day, our walk is on the Sunday instead. For the walk, meet at Northampton Station in time for the 10.30 train to Long Buckby, arriving at 10.40. From Long Buckby we will walk to Great Brington, with a pub stop at the Fox and Hounds, then to East Haddon and back to Long Buckby. Total length of the walk is around 10 miles. Trains back to Northampton are at 58 minutes past each hour, we should be finished in time for the 3.58 train. Train fare is £3 return. As this is a car free walk you are encouraged to get to Northampton Station by public transport or on foot. We recognise that this may difficult, especially on a Sunday, but do try. If you live within walking distance of Long Buckby it is obviously OK to meet us there, but we would ask you not to drive there. Map of Meeting Point (Northampton Station) John leader
Sunday 22nd	National Walk Meet 9:30am at Frankie & Bennies, Sixfields for lift sharing or 10:30am at Ivinghoe Beacon car park (Grid Ref: SP 962160 ) The walk will be around 9 or 10 miles and take in part of the Ridgeway, Ashridge Park, Ivinghoe Beacon and a couple of nice villages with hopefully a nice pub as well! Not sure what the food situation is like though so suggest you bring a packed lunch. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Erica leader
Sunday 29th	Local Walk - Figure of 8. Meeting point: Car park in Castle Ashby - There is only one, it is in the centre of the village. Directions from Northampton: Take the Bedford Road (A428), turn left to Castle Ashby just after Denton. You will pass a sign saying "making IT simple" and then see a field with sheep in it on the right, beyond this you will see the car park. This is next to the "Rural Yard" and also close to children's climbing frames etc. Also it will be full of ramblers on Sunday so should hopefully be quite easy to spot! Morning: Start Castle Ashby 10.30am. 4.5 miles past the castle and then to Yardley Hastings and back to Castle Ashby. Afternoon: Start Castle Ashby 1pm. 8 miles out to Grendon, then towards Great Doddington, along the Nene way then back to Castle Ashby via Whiston. Lunch will be at Castle Ashby. There is a tea shop, where people can get tea and cake, etc. In the afternoon there is a pub stop at Castle Ashby station. This is a figure of 8 walk, you can do just the morning or just the afternoon or stay all day for both. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Northampton Local Area James T leader

May

Wednesday 2nd	Pub Meet & Evening Walk The first evening walk of the year will start from Milton Malsor just to the SW of Northampton. Meet at the Greyhound (Grid Ref SP 732 557) at 7:30pm for a 4 mile circular walk to Blisworth and back, or if you just want to join us for a drink, and to find out more about the group, we should be back at the pub for about 9'ish. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Northampton Local Area Mark walk leader
Friday 4th to Monday 7th	Bank Holiday Weekend Away ****NOW FULLY BOOKED**** Dartmoor / South Devon Coast Staying on the southern edge of Dartmoor The plan is to travel down on the Friday afternoon / evening and do walks on Dartmoor and along the Devon coast on the Saturday and Sunday. We will then travel back on the Monday, probably with a shortish walk somewhere around the Cotswolds. Following the success of Jayne & James weekend last May and the popularity of Rich's weekend, the accommodation will be in wooden chalets, luxurious caravans or cottages. These are on the Parkers Farm holiday complex which is located near Ashburton. This is just off the A38 not far past Exeter which should make for a relatively straightforward journey down on the Friday. The cost should be no more than £30 for the 3 nights accommodation. Food will be provided for breakfast and lunches (approx £8) and we will eat out at nearby hostelries on the Saturday and Sunday evenings. ****NOW FULLY BOOKED**** Details of Accommodation Organised by Mark
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th	Waendel Walk Annual long distance walk around Wellingborough. Members of our group will be attending on one or both days. For more information see Waendel Walk Website
Tuesday 15th	Pub Meet& Evening Walk The walk will start at 7.30pm at the former "Dusty Fox" in Harlestone, which by then will have reopened as the "Fox and Hounds" Its about 3.5 miles. Will be more relaxed pace than usual due to the walk leader being 22 weeks pregnant by then! If you don't want to do the walk just meet at the pub from around 9pm, to find out more about the group, future walks and events etc. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Northampton Local Area Rebecca walk leader
Sunday 20th	Local Walk A circular route from King's Cliffe over pleasant rolling North Northamptonshire countryside, through woods and fields to pub stop at Southwick, then return. 8 miles. I reccied this walk on Good Friday and the weather was sunny and summery and the ground dry. I saw a herd of deer, three red kites, flowering Hawthorn, several ponies, pheasant and a few butterflies. So hopefully more of the same on the day! Meet at 10.30 at the corner of West Street and Orchard Lane in King's Cliffe (Grid Ref  TL 001 972). Cars can be parked in Orchard Lane - it is the very first turning right as you enter the village - keep your eyes peeled or you may drive past it. I don't know if the pub in Southwick does food, so probably best to bring a packed lunch as usual. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Jenni leader
Friday 25th to Tuesday 29th	Bank Holiday Weekend Away Scotland The plan will to be to tackle the 4,000ft peaks in the Cairngorms national park, this will involve at least one challenging walk, weather permitting involving c 20 miles and two major peaks. Obviously people can opt out of that day and there are some more leisurely walks in the area, but this is mainly aimed at the committed hill walker. Now fully booked Organised by Clive

June

Sunday 3rd	National Walk ***IMPORTANT - NOTE CHANGE OF MEETING POINT*** Two Great Houses and a Pudding Bakewell, Chatsworth Park, The River Wye, and some Bakewell Pudding !!! 9½ Miles Meet at 8.30am at Sixfields (near Frankie and Bennies) or at 10.30am in Bakewell. From Northampton you will arrive in Bakewell along the A6, from Matlock. On arrival follow signs to the town centre, you will reach a roundabout, take 3rd exit (turn right) and follow the one way system. At a T Junction turn left, over a bridge and continuing to head away from the town, then turn right into station Road. The road then forks - take the right fork which is Coombs road, the car park is off this road and is called "Bakewell Bridge Car Park". As you pull into the car park you will see restaurant called FELICINI this is the new meeting point for the walk. There is a toilet block in the car park, close to the farmers market, look out for the funny tent structures to its roof. Car Parking charge of £3.50 for all day, if this car park is full there is a larger car park behind it. Meeting time in Bakewell is 10.30. The walk is 9½ miles with an extra mile to add if people would like to detour to Haddon Hall. Route: Bakewell Bridge car park > Edensor > Chatsworth House > Follow river through Chatsworth Estate where we will have the lunch stop > Beeley (Pub Stop) > Fold Far > Smelting Mill Brook > Bouns Corner > detour to Haddon Hall if required > Bakewell > Bakewell Pudding. For the pub stop at Beeley there is a very smart pub, you must remove your boots and sarnies can not be eaten at the pub - for those who wish to keep their boots on there is also a licensed cafe in the same village but once again sarnies can not be consumed on the premises. The walk is a little hilly but very pleasant with fantastic views, the village of Edensor is incredibly pretty, and Chatsworth house simply stunning !! There are stinging nettles on the second part of the walk where the footpath is also slightly overgrown, if it is a hot day please bring plenty to drink and don't forget your Sun Block and always take care of your knees! Walk leader Vicki's phone number has changed, if any one requires the new number for the day, please Contact Vicki Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Vicki B leader
Wednesday 6th	Pub Meet & Evening Walk Chapel Brampton Walk: Take 2. Last year we gave up this walk after a mile or so, as the rain was so heavy. I'm hoping for better weather this year, and so will try again! Starting outside the Spencer Arms pub at Chapel Brampton at 7.30pm, a 3.5 mile walk going to nearby Church Brampton. Then east through the fields and back on a path beside an old railway track, going past some steam engines and a station at the end. There looks to be plenty of parking in the village, and the pub is obvious if you drive in on the A5199 from Northampton. Chapel Brampton is signposted from Northampton, and pretty easy to find. If you know where Waitrose is, just go there are follow the signposts! If you don't fancy the walk meet at the pub at around 9pm just for drinks and to find out more about the group. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Northampton Local Area James III walk leader
Saturday 9th	Annual BBQ, AGM and Awards Ceremony Much more than a BBQ, this is the AGM, when we elect the committee for the next year, and also the annual awards ceremony, when members are rewarded / humiliated for their actions during the year! Who will win the prestigious Golden Boot Award this year? This year it will be held at Dave Collier's house (address will not be published here but has been e-mailed to all members) Arrive from 6pm and bring something for the BBQ. Also bring some drink - however, there is a plan to get a polypin from Frog Island Brewery, so if real ale is to your taste you will be able to share in this.Contact Andyin advance if you would like to as we will need a few people to make sure it all gets used (without enough people saying in advance we won't be getting it). You will also, obviously, need to contribute to the cost. Also part of the annual BBQ is the annual awards ceremony. As well as the usual best walk, best weekend etc we will have "comedy" awards, including the "Golden Boot Award". Another important and necessary part of the BBQ is the AGM, when we re-elect the Committee. Details of this have also been e-mailed to all members. For those needing to stay over after the BBQ, Dave has some floorspace available. It would be helpful if you could let him know in advance if you are planning to stay over (contact Via Andy). Hosted by Dave C.
Sunday 10th	Local Walk Post Annual BBQ Walk Therefore a later than usual start of 11am to allow for a lie in! Start at the church in Preston Capes (near Everdon). The walk is about 7 miles and there should be a pub stop half way round. There should be ample parking outside the church. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Northampton Local Area Dave C. leader
Tuesday 19th	Pub Meet & Evening Walk World's End pub, Ecton (Grid Ref  SP 826 639) Meet at the pub at 7.30pm for a 3½ mile walk Or meet at around 9pm just for drinks and to find out more about the group Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Northampton Local Area John walk leader
Thursday 21st to Thursday 28th	Week Long Trip The Dolomites, Italy Now once again fully booked ! Organised by Vicki B
Sunday 24th	Local / National Walk Local Walk Start at 10.30am at car park at Aldwincle (Grid Ref TL 007 813) Distance 8.5 to 9.3 miles (can easily be altered if very hot weather!) Stinging nettle index - very low (some tall grass though) Car park is a little hidden, as you first enter Aldwincle you'll see a road ahead/to your right, looks like a single track, turn off here and follow the road round to the left, as you come round the bend you'll see a single track on your right, don't take this road as it goes into the nature reserve, the car park entrance is about 50m further on, on your right (car park holds about 15 cars and is free). Walk starts in Aldwincle and ventures out onto the Tichmarsh nature reserve (Apparently has one of the largest nesting colonies of herons), the walk follows the Nene Way into Islip, then cuts across country to Drayton House. Path goes down into Lowick for Lunch and pub stop. After lunch we head back across country to Wadenhoe and then back down the Nene Way into Aldwincle. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Kettering Local Area Steve Leader

July

Sunday 1st	Local Walk Meet at 10:30am in the village car park in Weedon Bec. The walk is approximately 8.5 miles and links the villages of Church Stowe, Bugbrooke, Nether Heyford, Flore and Weedon Bec. We'll be walking some stretches of the Grand Union Canal path, across fields and through villages. Key features include canal, river, disused railway, several bridges and lots of churches! There will be a pub stop but we may need to have lunch on one of the village greens. Directions from the M1:-Exit at Junction 16 and take the A45 towards Daventry. Follow the road through Flore and until the crossroads with the A5. Take a left here (signposted A5 Milton Keynes / Oxford), then take the first right (it's quite quick) signposted 'Village Hall'. Follow this road for about 3/4 mile, it bends to the left and then you'll see a sign for 'Village Centre Parking'. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Northampton Local Area Mel leader
Wednesday 4th	Pub Meet & Evening Walk Red Lion pub, Denton (Grid Ref SP 837 580) Meet at the pub at 7.30pm for a 4 mile walk Or meet at around 9pm just for drinks and to find out more about the group Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area John walk leader
Sunday 15th	National Walk Meet 9:30am at Frankie & Benny's, Sixfields for lift sharing or 10:30am at the car park at Cowleaze Wood, near Stokenchurch (SU726957). The start point is only 3 miles off J5 of the M40. Follow the signs off the A40 to the Chiltern Sculpture Trail. There is a large free car park there. The walk is about 10 miles long, round the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The woods are set high in the Chiltern Hills with amazing views over the surrounding countryside. There are many pieces of sculpture dotted round the wood. We will walk along part of the ancient Ridgeway track to Watlington Hill, with rare woodlands and more views over the Chilterns. Red kites are common here, so keep you eyes peeled! Then we walk to the pub at Christmas Common for liquid refreshments, and find a nice spot to eat lunch, before heading through several beech woods including Queen Wood and Bowsley Wood to return back to the cars for a well deserved ice cream. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Tim leader
Thursday 19th	Pub Meet & Evening Walk Walk starts from the George Inn in the centre of Brixworth (SP 748 707). Meet at 7.30pm. It will only be 3 miles or so and the weather is bound to pick up soon, so hope to see you there!!! Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Mark walk leader
Sunday 29th	Local Walk Meet at 10.30am at Pitsford Reservoir (the free Anglian water carpark by the causeway) for an 8½ to 9 mile walk taking in Scaldwell, Old, Walgrave, Hanington and Holcot. (Grid Ref SP 780 701) The walk is mainly meadows and crop fields with views over Pitsford nature reserve and has the potential for at least one pointless style ! Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Gayle leader

August

Wednesday 1st	Evening Walk, followed by pub meet Meet at 7.30pm at the Stags Head, Great Doddington for an approx 3 mile walk to Summer Leys and back to Great Doddington. If you don't want to do the walk, just meet at the pub from approx 9.30pm to find out more about the group and future walks, trips, events etc. Maps of walk start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Vicki B leader
Sunday 5th	National Walk Peak District (Dark peak area) Meet at 8.15am at Northampton train station car park, for car sharing, or at 10.30am at the car park at on the left hand side of Ladybower Reservoir, grid ref SK172893. There are refreshments and toilets there. The walk will be 8 to 10 miles, up on Dovestone Tor and then over Alport Castles. Bring a packed lunch but there will be a pub stop which is just off the route. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Clive leader
Sunday 19th	Local Walk Alcester > Oversley Exhall > Oversley Hill > Haselor Aston Cantlow > Alne Hills > Kinwarton > Alcester Approx 10 ish miles circular walk , with some mild gradients, passing through some very pretty villages and hamlets. Part of the Arden Way. The walk starts from the ancient Roman town of Alcester following the Arden Way, ascending to the village of Haselor and its pretty church on the hill. Descend into Walcote through fields, onto Aston Cantlow where there is a very good pub ( Once again recommendedbyKevyn, where he had a NICE LUNCH while the rest of us got very wet walking the 26 mile Arden Way !!!!) over the River Alne, onto to Alne Hills, Kinwarton and back to Alcester. We can not eat sandwiches at the pub, but there are plenty of places to stop for lunch. This time hopefully the sun will shine ! Meet at Northampton train station car park at 9.15am for car sharing or at 10.30am in Alcester at the large car park in Bull's Head Yard, behind the High Street (see map below). Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Vicki B leader
Tuesday 21st	Pub Meet& Evening Walk Jenni's Birthday Begin at the Stag's Head pub, High Street, in Earls Barton. There is parking here or there is also another parking place in the centre of the village near the Chemist. We will leave the village and venture down into the Nene Valley, going along the river and following part of the established Weandel walk route. The walk will be 3 to 4 miles. Meet at the pub at 7.30 or 9.00 if you do not want to walk. As a further incentive to come on this walk, if you are undecided, I shall be bringing 2 bottles of Champagne with me by way of celebration of it being my birthday (one of those 'landmark' birthdays!), so I hope to see you all there - may even run to a few 'cakey' type things also, if I find a few moments to make them! (perhaps some homemade fruit liqueurs as well.......!) Pub Info Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Jenni walk leader
Bank Holiday Friday 24th until Monday 27th	Weekend Away Snowdonia The plan is for a slightly extended weekend, with the option to arrive on Friday morning or evening, finishing on bank holiday Monday. We will camp at Capel Curig or there is also a B & B in the village. Weekend features proper mountains, maybe some scrambling, but those who wish to go and do lakes shops valleys waterfalls etc can also join us! Cost will be camping fees - £4 per night plus food in the hotel  - 10 mins walk up the road. We can even have breakfast in the world famous Pinnacle cafe in the village. Hotel We Will Eat At Campsite Website Contact John ASAP if interested

September

Sunday 2nd	National Walk Windsor Castle - Windsor Great Park - Wentworth Golf Course - Virginia Water Approx 10 miles We will have to travel to Windsor by car as the train would take too long, but we will be using the train to get from the end of the walk back to the start. Meet at Northampton train station (large car park at the side of the station) at 9.15am for car sharing. Or meet at 10.30am in Windsor at the car park of the Windsor and Eton Riverside station. It is possible the Windsor car park will be full as it is not very big, so if you are going straight to Windsor best to arrive with time to park elsewhere in the town and walk to the meeting point. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area (Street Map) Local Area (OS Map) Map of Car Parks in Windsor John leader
Wednesday 5th	Pub Meet Toby Carvery, Northampton, from 8pm. Meet at the pub to find out more about the group and future walks, trips, events etc. Map of pub location
Sunday 9th	Local Walk The walk will start at Brackley Market Place by the Town Hall at 10.30hrs. (Grid Ref - SP 584 368) It is a circular walk of approx 9 miles. We will walk from Brackley to Mixbury to Westbury to Turweston and then back to Brackley. This walk covers the three counties of Northants, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire and then back to Northants. Pub stop is at the Reindeer pub in the village of Westbury - they do food but it is advisable to take a packed lunch as it may take a long time for everyone to be served with pub food. There is a beer garden which we can use. Also note there are stinging nettles - so shorts wearers be forewarned! Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area (Street Map) Local Area (OS Map) Vicki C & Rich leaders
Friday 14th to Sunday 16th	Weekend away Andy's "Official" 40th Birthday !! A return to the Swanage Auberge bunkhouse at Swanage, in Dorset Andy's official 40th birthday - as some of you will know, Andy's actual 40th birthday weekend was last year but he was not able to attend it - the plan is therefore for a slightly varied repeat of the weekend this year. It will be based at the Swanage Auberge, which is an alpine style bunkhouse in Swanage! They also provide meals in an alpine style which reportedly are very good. The location will allow for coastal walks, swimming in the sea, a steam railway and even a nudist beach nearby!!! None of these are compulsory though and events can be a bit different to last year to give some variety for those who went last time (there will still be coastal walks and swimming though). For more details see the Swanage Auberge website Now Fully Booked Location Map (as provided by Auberge) Location Map (streetmap) Organised by Andy
Sunday 30th	National Walk An 11 mile (but very flat!) walk from Stratford-upon-Avon in the heart of Shakespeare country. The walk will take in some of the historic sights of Stratford and beautiful villages with Tudor cottages and medieval churches. Pub/refreshment stop en-route, but also bring a packed lunch. Meet 10:30am, at the (free) car park on the A439 as you enter Stratford (from Warwick). It's on the left and about a mile before the town. Grid reference SP 209 557. Or meet at 9:30am at Northampton Railway Station (large car park to the side) for car share. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Mark leader

October

Sunday 7th	Local Walk This is approximately a 10.5 mile walk talking us through the villages of Blatherwycke, Bulwick, Kings Cliffe and back through Fineshade Woods. There is also the possibility of seeing Red Kite during this walk. Please bring a packed lunch. There will be the opportunity of a pub stop and when we get back to the woods there is the cafe for anyone who likes a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Weather permitting they also sell very good ice cream. Meet at 10.30am in the main car park at Fineshade - between Corby and Stamford (Grid Ref SP 979 984). There is a car parking fee of £2.00, this includes a £1.00 voucher to use in the Lodge Cafe at Fineshade. From Kettering follow the A43 towards Stamford. Past Corby, Deene, Bulwick and Blatherwycke - there will eventually be a right turn for Fineshade (sign posted). IMPORTANT NOTE The A43 north of Corby will be closed for resurfacing on Sun 7th Oct. This is the route that most, if not all of you will be travelling, the official diversion will take you via Uppingham (A6003/A47) which will put at least 20 mins on the journey. Those with local knowledge or good with a map can nip round the village of Deene adding no more than 5 mins Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Hayley leader
Sunday 21st	Local Walk Woburn A figure of 8 walk starting from the free car park on Park Street in Woburn village (SP950331). Meet at 10:30am in the car park for the morning/full day, or in the centre of Woburn village at 1pm for the afternoon walk only. The morning walk is 5 miles long, walking through the historic Woburn deer park where 10 species of deer roam free. We pass close by Woburn Abbey, walk through woodlands and a bamboo forest before returning to Woburn via the deer park. There are toilets facilities available en-route, and a pointless stile to keep Andy amused. We will have a picnic lunch in Woburn village before finding a pub to sample some fine ales. The afternoon walk is 6 miles long, walking through woods round Woburn, but keep your eyes peeled for the exotic wildlife, hopefully we will see elephants, giraffes, zebras, bears, and wallabies. Bring your binoculars! Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Tim leader
Sunday 28th	National Walk Malverns Length: 7 miles, over the southerly section of the Malvern's Hills, starting from Hollybush at 10.30am. There are options to extend it also if the group feels they want to walk further. Rating: Easy / Moderate, there is gradient involved but these are only hills not mountains. It is described by the guide book as energetic! Short Friendly Rating: 50%, there are some stinging nettles around, but all the paths are very well walked so most are clear. Lunch: Bring your own. Pub / Facilities: There is a bar in the hotel at the mid way point.There is also a Public Toilet and Ice-cream Van. Final Note: The Malvern's are beautiful hills which are both historically interesting have fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. The walk goes over Herefordshire Beacon and Midsummer Hill, both of which were Iron Age forts and there is also a Cave! Meeting in Northampton: Meet to lift-share at 8.30am at Northampton train station (large car park to the side). Destination: Hollybush in the South Malverns, on the A438 going out of Ledbury (first car park on the left which you reach after Eastnor Castle, Grid Ref SO 759 368).We will start walking from there at 10.30am. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area James T leader

November

Sunday 4th	Local Walk Distance - about 8 and a bit miles. Starting time - 10.30am Starting point - Braunston - meet outside the village hall (SP544663 is 'The Green'.) Parking - somewhere thoughtfully around the village Lunch - bring a pack lunch, a couple of potential pub stops Description - walk along canal to lunch stop at Welton then across some fields to the Jurrasic Way and back to Braunston. We will pass through the village of Ashby St Ledgers where Robert Catesby, a leading figure in the Gunpowder plot, is said to have 'plotted!' Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area Erica leader
Wednesday 7th	Pub Meet Toby Carvery, Northampton, from 8pm. Meet at the pub to find out more about the group and future walks, trips, events etc. Map of pub location
Sunday 18th	Area AGM Pattishall Parish Hall This year's Area AGM will be held in Pattishall Parish Hall, School Road, between Pattishall and Astcote. (Grid Ref: SP677536) The Northampton Group who are hosting the AGM have arranged two walks, starting from the Village Hall - 9.15 am start for 10 - 11 miles, packed lunch required. Leader Peter Keeble. or 5 miles starting at 12.15 pm. Leader Maurice Goldsby. The AGM starts at 3pm and there will be an address by Martin Keys, the Footpath Team Policy officer from Central Office. Members of the 20s 30s Group are urged to attend to show our support. It is suggested that we do the 9.15am walk. Maps of Walk Start / AGM Location- Relative To Northampton Local Area
Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th	Weekend Away Two days walking in the North Yorkshire Moors, staying in the YHA camping barn at Sinnington near Pickering. This holds 12 people in two room one of 9 and the other of 3. Cooking facilities, fridge etc are provided. There is a pub within a mile of the Barn for food and drink as well, we will eat there at least on the Saturday night. Walks will include an 8 to 9 mile circular on Hutton le Hole on the Saturday and a figure of eight taking in Goathland, otherwise known as Aidensfield in Hearbeat, again a distance of around 8 miles. If there is enough interest this can incorporate a walk using the steam train. The barn costs a total of 156 for the two nights plus meter for the heater/ shower. There is one shower and two toilets and hot and cold water, so should be reasonable accommodation. You only need a sleeping bag as mattresses provided. Costs if we fill it will work out at 13 each plus share of the meter costs. Contact Cliveif interested and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Car sharing is recommended as Sinnington is about 170 miles from Northampton and will take about 3 to 3½ hours on a good run. Organised by Clive

December

Sunday 2nd	National Walk An Urban Walk in Birmingham, taking in such features as the new Bull Ring, the Jewellery Quarter and most importantly the "Frankfurt Christmas Market" - this is the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside Germany or Austria! The walk itself is only 5 miles or so, so there will be plenty of time for shopping and / or a few pints of Holden's Best Bitter ! The plan was to get there by train but there seems to be engineering works so you have to get a bus to Coventry first and then a train from there, which takes 2 hours! So we will meet at Northampton station for the 9.25 bus, which gets us to Birmingham at 11.30, which is later than usual but will still leave enough time and allows some lie in for those who have done the Good Food Show the day before! Those making their own way should meet us at 11.30 outside New St Station at the top of the slope down towards New St. N.B. This is not just a walk around the shops and market - there is a section along the canal and another section past non-shop buildings, so we wont be able to just nip inside a shop in bad weather, so bring your normal waterproofs etc. Trainers will be fine though. Map of Walk Start Map of Northampton Meeting Point More info on the Christmas Market Andy leader
Wednesday 5th	Pub Meet Toby Carvery, Northampton, from 8pm. Meet at the pub to find out more about the group and future walks, trips, events etc. Map of pub location
Sunday 16th	Local Walk - Compulsory Santa Hat Walk ! Meet at 10.30am in the large lay-by on the B526 Newport Pagnell Road. Coming from the Northampton Queen Eleanor roundabout take the exit signposted Newport Pagnell, go past Wyevale garden centre on your right hand side, go straight over 3 mini roundabouts, the lay-by is on the left hand side as you leave Northampton (just before the end of the built up area). Grid Ref - SP 774 570 The walk is just under 8 miles taking in the villages of Preston Deanery and Great Houghton, and returning through Brackmills country park. I plan to stop for lunch at Great Houghton recreation ground so please bring sandwiches, and then we will go to The Old Cherry Tree Public House in Great Houghton for a drink in the afternoon. This is our last walk before Christmas so don't forget to wear your Santa hats! Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Northampton Local Area Jayne leader
Wednesday 26th	Local Boxing Day Walk A chance to walk off that Christmas turkey and / or escape from the in-laws! A 9 mile walk, starting from Weekley. The main highlight will be the Geedington Squirt Off (which involves the local fire brigades firing water at each other!) We will also see Boughton House and Queen Eleanor Cross (yes there is more than the one in Northampton!) Meet on the village green next to the post office/tea shop at 11.00am, after parking thoughtfully around the village. Maps of Walk Start - Relative To Nearby Towns Local Area John leader

 

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