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. NB This is the Toby Carvery in East Hunsbury (near
Wootton off the A45) and NOT the other Toby Carvery in Round
Spinney ! Sunday 11th Local Walk An introductory walk for potential new
members If you have overdone it at Christmas and your thoughts
are now turning to getting fitter in the new year then this
is the walk for you! Or if you have just never walked with
us before and would like to give it a try, there will be
many others in the same position so you won't be the only
new face there! The walk will start at Harrold Country Park (Grid Ref SP
956566) which has a large car park with a voluntary payment
for the parking. Recommended parking is in the overflow car park that is
sign posted from the main car park - there is a suggested
£1 parking charge - and meet at the Cafe. The morning walk is 4.2 miles on good paths, no ploughed
fields, it may be muddy in places but couldn't tell as
ground is frozen solid! This part goes though the park to Odell and back though
Harrold. There will be a chance to have lunch near the car park
with plenty of benches looking over the lakes or there is a
chance to grab a drink or snack at the cafe. The cafe will be open and very good but there is a good
chance that it will be full but they are happy to do take
out food and drink and the are plenty of benches to sit
on. In the afternoon we'll be heading over the historic
bridge over the river Great Ouse heading to Calton then
around the rolling Bedfordshire countryside back to the
country park. The second half will be a bit more muddier as it goes
though Great Odell Wood. That half will be 4.5 miles. This is a figure of 8 walk so you can do either the
morning or the afternoon or both halves. Meet at the cafe at
10.30am for the morning or all day or at 1pm for the
afternoon only. Maps of Walk Start John leader Sunday 18th Local Walk - Figure of 8 I call this my mud and wildlife walk......... This walk will start from the Queen's Arms PH car park in
Orlingbury (Grid ref SP861724). Meet at 10.30am for the morning half or to stay all day,
and at 1.15pm for the afternoon. The morning walk will be approx 5 miles via Hardwick and
Little Harrowden and there are quite a few stiles and
footbridges in the first half. there will be some muddy
fields to encounter and some slight detours (some hedges and
some road walking options if it gets too muddy and hard
going). There has been foxes seen in the neighbouring
fields. Bring packed lunches, but hopefully the pub will be open
for beverages. The afternoon walk (1.15pm start) will be again approx 5
miles with yet again a choice of walking some roads if
walking gets too hard going in the muddy fields. This
afternoon amble will take in Pytchley and Isham. There is a
slight problem with access to a public footpath being
overgrown, but have had a word with a local and they
promised to clear it??? There is also a badger set
en-route. Maps of Walk Start Elaine leader Sunday 25th National Walk Meet at Wendover in the Chilterns at 10.30am, or at
Sixfields, near Frankie and Bennies, at 9.15am to share
cars. Suggested route from Northampton is down the M1 to
junction 11, turn right towards Dunstable on the A505 and
then carry on through Dunstable in roughly the same
direction, go past the the turning to The Downs and follow
signs straight on to Aston Clinton on the B489, then stay on
this road past there until it meets the A4001 to
Wendover. Meeting point in Wendover is the car park in the town
centre, off the High Street, also signposted to Toilets and
Library (Grid Ref SP 868 077). Parking is free on Sundays
but there is a height restriction of 2.1m (so no Land
Rovers!). Parking may be restricted so car sharing is a good
idea. The walk is approx 9 miles, including a slight detour to
a pub for lunch, and includes spectacular views of the Vale
of Aylesbury and surrounding area (and even the Cotswolds on
a clear day - apparently), and takes in Coombe Hill (the
highest point in the Chilterns with a view) and also passes
Chequers, the Prime ministers country retreat, using a lot
of the Ridgeway national path. There are a couple of climbs (and the views are worth it)
and one steep downwards slope. Maps of Walk Start Claire and Matt leaders
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Sunday 1st Local Walk A figure of eight walk returning to the popular location
of Stoke Bruerne, a picturesque village to the south west of
Northampton. The morning walk will be about 5.2 miles and heads along
the canalside before taking in the village of Shutlanger and
Stoke Bruerne Park. The afternoon loop, also 5.2 miles,
takes in Roade and Ashton before heading back along the
canalside. To get to Stoke Bruerne just head out along the A508 from
Junction 15 of the M1.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)
- £2.50 charge for the day . Meet in the car park at 10:30am for the morning walk (or
all day) or at 1:15pm for the afternoon walk. (Grid
Reference SP 743 497) 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 are canalside picnic benches (now
available again as the towpath repairs are complete) and two
pubs also on the canalside. Maps of Walk Start - Andy 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. Sunday 15th National Walk A Valentines Themed Walk in Dove Dale ! Distance 8.5 - 9miles Meet at the main Dove Dale Car Park at 10.30am (parking
costs £3, possibly £2). Brown Tourist signs for
Dove Dale can be picked up in Ashbourne. For those with Sat nav the post code DE6 2AW (Digmire
Lane, Thorpe) will get you almost there (Don't turn off into
Digmire lane in Thorpe, just stick the main road for another
mile or so (if you reach Ilam you've gone to far)). Grid Ref: SK 146 508 For car sharing from Northampton meet at Sixfields, near
Frankie and Bennies, at 8.30am. Please ensure that you bring sturdy footwear as there is
the odd patch of uneven/rocky ground, also please come
equipped for exposed conditions so no jeans and bring your
raincoat, and overtrousers if you have them, and spare warm
clothes. Also bring a packed lunch, although crips/drinks
are available at the lunch stop. The walk starts in the Main Dove dale car park, we follow
the main footpath, taking in most of the sights of the Dove
dale valley including the stepping stones (water level
dependant), lovers leap (the Valentines Day feature!),
Jacobs Ladder and Hurt's Wood, before branching of and
heading to Stanshope and then onto Alstonefield, where we
will be stopping for lunch and a pintat the George. We then head back down the hill to Milldale, before we
follow the river dove back to the car park. For those that
are brave, locally made ice cream is available at the end
(as well as teas and coffees for those that aren't so
brave). Please be advised that there is the odd steep hill
involved (you do get to walk down them as well!). Maps of Walk Start - Steve and Gayle leaders Friday 20th to Monday 23rd Weekend Away SORRY - NOW FULLY
BOOKED We are going to the Peak District a couple of miles north
of Matlock, this is a nice short drive from Northampton Accommodation for the weekend is Pine Lodges set on a
holiday park complete with its own swimming pool and
pub! Please see the link below for more details of your
luxurious accommodation. The cost is going to be £45 per person for
accommodation, this is excellent value as this is for a 3
night stay. Main walks will be planned for the Saturday and
Sunday. With the Sunday night / Monday being an added bonus
for those that wish to take it. Organised by Rich
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Sunday 1st Local Walk Meet at Harlestone Heath, in the car park nearest to the
Wyevale Garden Centre (more of a layby really) on the
Harlestone Road at 10:30hrs. It is a circular walk of approx 9 miles. Plan to walk via Great and Little Brington with a lunch
stop at Great Brington. Maps of Walk Start - Vikki C 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. Sunday 8th National Walk A 9 mile walk starting at 10:30am at the Chilterns
Gateway Centre car park, Dunstable Downs (Grid Ref
TL008198). The car park is off the B4541 and is signposted from the
centre of Dunstable as "Dunstable Downs" or "The Downs" (if
coming from the M1 just head straight through Dunstable then
turn left at the top of the hill, this takes you up another
hill and the car park is on the right near the top). Follow the brown signs for the Visitor Centre and park in
the visitor centre car park (cost £1 per car). We will meet outside the new visitor centre. For car sharing meet at Sixfields, near Frankie and
Bennies, at 9.30am. There is a cafe and toilets available at the walk
start. Dunstable Downs is part of the Chiltern Hills and is the
highest point in Bedfordshire. The walk will take us along
the ridge with some great views, a visit to a tree
cathedral, and pass close to Whipsnade Safari Park. We might
get some glimpses of some animals, but it is unlikely they
will be as close as on my award winning Woburn walk. Please bring a packed lunch, we will be visiting the pub
in Studham for a quick drink and to eat our sandwiches. The walk is suitable for both shorts loving and mud
hating ramblers ! Maps of Walk Start Tim leader Sunday 15th Local Walk A 10-11 mile walk from Badby around some of
Northamptonshire's most beautiful countryside. The walk will take in the villages of Hellidon and Priors
Marston and pass by the highest point in Northants (which is
not very high!). Meet at 10.30 am in Badby on the village green outside
the Maltsters PH (postcode NN11 3AF or grid reference SP 560
591) Bring a packed lunch. Maps of Walk Start Mark leader Sunday 29th Local Walk Local Walk DON'T FORGET CLOCKS GO FORWARD
THIS WEEKEND ! MEET AT 10.30AM BRITISH SUMMER
TIME (EQUIVALENT TO 9.30AM GREENWICH MEAN
TIME!) A circular walk distance of approx 11 miles starting from
Gumley (11 miles south east of Leicester just off A6).
Located on a summit of hills overlooking the Welland Valley
in South Leics. Please note access is via a gated road signposted Gumley
(which is interesting with 3 gates to negotiate). Meet at 10.30am outside Bell pub car park on main street
please park considerately around village (not much parking
by pub) (grid reference SP682899) Walk passes through Laughton,Mowsley & Foxton before
returning to our start point Highlights - plenty of wildlife including possible
buzzard sightings, an old chapel & mud walls, plenty of
pubs, stroll by Grand Union Canal, Foxton 10 locks with
museum, cafe which does delicious ice creams & a pub
(good beer) Maps of Walk Start Lee leader
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Wednesday 1st 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 planning the New Walks Programme for July
to December, so come along if you would like to lead a walk
or organise a weekend away (NB only established paid up
members may lead). Sunday 5th Local Walk A figure of 8 walk starting from Stony Stratford. We will
meet at the northern end of the Stony Stratford High Street,
the end nearest the river (SP783408). Directions from Northampton, go on the A508 until you
reach the big A5 roundabout. From the A5 roundabout take the
exit signposted to Old Stratford and after you cross the
river bridge take the first right and park at this end of
the High Street. Meet at 10:30am on the High Street for the morning/full
day or at 1pm for the afternoon half. The morning walk is 5 miles, we will walk by the old
disused canal to Cosgrove lock, along the canal and the
river before returning to Stony for a picnic lunch by the
river. Most of the walk is on good paths and gets a very
high shorts rating. The afternoon walk is again 5 miles long along the High
Street, pass the famous Cock & Bull inns (where the
phrase "cock and bull story" comes from). We will follow the
river to the pretty villages of Deanshanger & Passenham
where we will stop at a pub for refreshments. Shorts rating
- a very high 9/10 for those brave enough to be considering
wearing shorts Maps of Walk Start Tim leader Monday 13th Local Walk Start point Great Easton 3 miles north west of Corby in
the Welland valley, overlooking Rockingham castle GR 847
931. 8.9 miles long taking in the villages of Nevill Holt and
its abbey, Medbourne and Blaston. Pub stop at Medbourne Please park around the village. Meet at 10.30am in the middle of the village by the
pub. Maps of Walk Start John leader Sunday 19th National Walk National Walk Wootton Wawen, Warwickshire A 9.5 mile walk starting from the Village Hall car park
in Wootton Wawen (pronounced Woot'n Woe'n apparently!), grid
ref SP 152 632; Please meet in the car park at 10:30am; location shown on
map below. Alternatively you can meet for car sharing at Sixfields,
near Frankie and Bennies, at 9:15am. The walk heads through Austy Wood and Knowle's Wood where
we will hopefully see a carpet of bluebells (as requested!),
then through rolling fields and along daffodil-bordered
country lanes to Preston Bagot and Henley-in-Arden, before
returning via the Stratford-upon-Avon canal (including
aqueduct feature!). Please bring a packed lunch; we can stop in Henley in the
afternoon for those that wish to partake in refreshments or
public conveniences, but this will probably be too late for
a lunch stop. Shorts friendly rating is 'quite' - there are
a couple of overgrown paths; piggy backs available on
request! Directions - From Northampton you can take the M1 to J17
where you come off to take the M45. This turns into the A45,
then follow signs for and join the A46 towards Warwick. When
you get to the M40 roundabout take the 4th exit onto the A46
still, then at the next roundabout take the 2nd exit, still
A46. At next roundabout take 4th exit, A3400 (Birmingham
Road), and continue along this road until you enter Wootton
Wawen. Just before a large bend to the right, take the B4089
to the left and the car park is then immediately on the
left. There are several other routes you can also take; if
you have any questions or difficulties please let Mel
know. Maps of Walk Start Mel leader Disclaimer: Walk leader accepts no responsibility for
disappointment due to lack of floral features as stated
above. Any complaints or feedback should be directed to
mother nature or chosen authority on global climate
change.
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Friday 1st to Weekend Away SORRY - NOW FULLY
BOOKED Location: Norfolk Broads Accommodation : Hemsby Beach
Holiday Park Organisers : Claire and
Matt Close to "Hemsby's famous Golden Beaches" for beach
swimming, but there is also an indoor pool on site for
swimming. Walks - tbc, but potentially a 9 mile walk to the "most
remote pub in Norfolk (only accessible on foot, boat or
train)" on the Saturday and a coast walk on the Sunday, and
a small walk on the way back on Monday. Eating places tbc - probably will be local pubs, or into
Great Yarmouth Optional Entertainment - Great Yarmouth Greyhound racing
on the Saturday night - the "Five Good Things Deal" -
£9.50 per person (up front) includes Admission,
Racecard, Basket meal, drink and Tote Bet Voucher. Approx Cost (exc Greyhounds) £50-£60 inc
lunches and breakfasts. Claire has paid a deposit for the chalets, so will need a
deposit of £10 each asap. Organised by Claire and
Matt Wednesday 6th Evening Walk A nice country stroll in the countryside for Bedfordshire
starting at the chequers pub in the village of Yelden (Grid
Ref TL012668). Passing though the site of a motte and bailey then by the
river til out the the old USAF base of Chelveston where they
few flying fortresses in WWII. Back into Yelden past the
historic church and back to the pub. It is a 3 mile walk starting at 7.30 which should get us
back in plenty of time before it gets dark where we can
retire to the pub for a drink. Please do not over fill the car park at the pub there
plenty of spots to park safely around the village. It will take about 5mins to get there from the Rushden
bypass and its about 20 mins from riverside to there Maps of Walk Start John leader Friday 8th to Waendel Walk Weekend The annual Waendel Walk takes place on Friday 8th to
Sunday 10th May. This features walks around Wellingborough of up to 26
miles on both the Saturday and Sunday. Members of our group will be participating on Saturday
and Sunday. The following walks are available on those days - 26 Miles - 11 or 12 of our group doing this on Sat, 4 on
Sun 16 Miles - 4 or 5 of our group doing this on Sat, 1 or 2
on Sun 9 Miles - 1 or 2 of our group doing this on Sat 6 Miles 3 Miles (also several cycle rides - none of our group doing
these) Those doing the 26 mile walk on Saturday should meet at
the Castle in Wellingborough at 7am to register in time for
a 7.30 start. Those planning other walks should make their own
arrangements to meet up, an e-mail has been sent out saying
who is doing what and giving contact details. You can register in advance or on the morning of your
first walk, for more details see official
website There will also be a Post/Mid Waendel BBQ hosted by Steve
and Gayle Sunday 17th National Walk A 10 mile walk starting at Aspley Wood car park (SP 925
336). Meet at 10.30am We will walk down through the woods along the Milton
Keynes boundary walk and out towards Great Brickhill for
lunch and a pub stop. In the afternoon we will skirt back past Little Brickhill
& Bow Brickhill through the woods. CAUTION: there is a
small hill here! Maps of Walk Start Hayley & Gareth leaders Thursday 21st Evening Walk Starting at the Red Lion in Brafield-on-the-Green (SP 820
587), meet at 7.30pm. 4 miles/6.5 km via Denton and Whiston Spinney.Quite a
nice walk. Shorts rating: good. Cows: 4. Peacocks: 4. Lambs: Many. Also features quite a nice view of the Nene "valley". Maps of Walk Start Chris leader Sunday 31st Local Walk Nene way and Grand Union
Canal Approximate distance: 14 mile
(shortcut to make it ~10 mile may be negotiated!) Starting at Sixfields car park in
Northampton near Frankie and Bennies at 10.30am, Heading out towards Kislingbury to
Nether Heyford (with possible shortcut via Bugbrooke) to
link up with the Grand Union Canal, heading back to
Northampton through Rothersthorpe. Wildlife: sheep, horses, ducks,
ducklings, swans, cygnets, cows (at a distance), irises and
cow parsley Nettle count: in bits, towards the
end of the walk Shorts? Only if not at all
susceptible to nettles! Maps of Walk Start Leaders: Paul and
Belinda Wednesday 3rd Evening Walk A 3.5 mile walk from Mears Ashby taking in Sywell
reservoir. Meet at the Griffin PH, Mears Ashby at 7:30pm for the
walk or 9pm if you just wish to join us for a drink. Grid Ref - SP 840 664 Maps of Walk Start Mark leader Saturday 6th Annual BBQ & AGM Our Annual BBQ, AGM and awards ceremony will be held on
Saturday June 6th at Vicki & Rich's house in St
Crispins, Northampton. Full 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 / Great Oakley Brewery, so if real ale is
to your taste you will be able to share in this (obviously
contributing to the cost). Let Andy know in advance as we
will need a few people to make sure it all gets used. 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! As usual this will include Best Walk, Best Weekend and
Best Social, for which we will vote on the night. Also there will be an award for best photo, which this
year will include a new sub category "Best Photo Which Is
Not A Comedy Picture Of Andy" to allow any serious photos of
nice views etc to get a look in! All photos on our website taken during or since the AGM
last year are eligible, if you have any nominations let Andy
know so we can have a shortlist for the BBQ itself. We will also have various "comedy" awards, eg "best
blisters" etc including the "Golden Boot Award" (for
outstanding achievement / stupidity!). If you have any ideas
for suitable awards contact Andy with your suggestions! For those needing to stay over after the BBQ (due to an
inability to drive home due to the drink!), there is some
space available! Again, contact Andy who will pass this on
to Rich. The BBQ will also include the official AGM, details of
this have been e-mailed to all members. Sunday 7th Local Walk The walk on Sunday - alternatively known as The Official
Post Hangover Walk - will start at the traditional 11am. Meet at car park on High Street in Upton One. As you
enter Upton One it is immediately on your left. This is approximately 6 miles and goes from Upon One to
Kislingbury,Harpole, St Crispins and back. Pub stop at Kislingbury at any one ofthe 3 pubs. Maps of Walk Start Vikki and Rich walk leaders June / July Tuscany and Florence -
Week Long Trip It has not been easy to tie up separate flights and
acommodation so instead a package deal looks like the best
option - For an example see This
Link This costs around £360 pounds per person, for July,
which includes everything after getting to the airport -
flights, car hire in italy and even a "welcome pack" of
coffee and biscuits! Of course it doesn't include fuel for the cars or any
food but it does seem like a good deal. The villa has a pool (they all seem to actually) and in
this case is also near to Florence, Vinci (birthplace of
Leonardo) and only an hour from the coast and from Pisa (of
the leaning tower) which is near to the coast. This price is cheaper than the originally planned date of
23rd May when the price is £490 pounds, that week is no
longer possible anyway due to other commitments. Moving into
July is not much more expensive (£375 for the first
week). All of these are based on this particular villa, which is
for 8 people so it would depend on getting 8, if numbers are
less there are plenty of other villas available. As is
pretty common it is mainly double beds so it will need to be
couples or people who are prepared to share double beds! If you are interested Contact Andy
with dates you are available and what your other
preferences are. NB obviously it is not possible to suit everyone with
dates so we will have to go with the majority. NB This trip is almost certainly full, there MAY be
some spaces depending on our final villa choice. Organised by Andy Thursday 18th Evening Walk Meet at 7.30pm at The Half Moon in Grendon for a walk of
3.75 miles. Maps of Walk Start Vicki B leader Sunday 21st Father's Day Local "Bring Your Father"
Walk Start Little Brington, parking
respectfully around the village. Meet near the pub (SP 660
637) at 10.30am Figure of 8 walk - 4.16 miles in
the morning to allow all members of your family to join in a
nice stroll across the countryside to Great Brington and
Nobottle and back for lunch, then in the afternoon a
slightly longer 5.5 miles out to Brockhall and Whilton and
back. Maps of Walk Start John leader Sunday 28th 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 and a chance to climb a stone tower
on a hilltop. 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. Thesign 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 of This
Walk From Walking Britain (cut down from 11 miles). Maps of Walk Start - Andy leader Wednesday 1st Evening Walk Northampton Riverside Evening Walk from Malt Shovel
followed by Live Band (free) + best real ales in Northampton
(NOT free) Meet for a 7.30PM start at the Malt Shovel Tavern on
Bridge St in Northampton. The walk takes us along the Nene Way, following the
river, past the new flats and into Becketts Park, where we
may see some squirrels. We continue into Midsummer Meadow,
taking the riverside walk. After crossing Barnes Meadow we reach a section of flood
channel and then return along the main river channel and
past the whitewater / canoeing course, before returning via
a slightly different route through Barnes Meadow, Midsummer
Meadow and the park and then back along the riverside. The walk in total is approx 4 miles, we should be back at
the pub at around 9. As this is a town pub they will not appreciate muddy
boots, but this shouldn't be an issue as barring extreme
weather before the walk it will be do-able in trainers with
no mud to see as it is mostly on hard paths and just a bit
of grass. On returning to the pub we will see blues performed by
"Texas Thunder" so the pub will be fairly crowded. However
that shouldn't stop us sampling the impressive array of real
ales! There is no parking at the Malt Shovel - you can park for
free fairly near at St Peters Way (near Argos) or you can
probably get away with parking next to the pub in Morrisons
on a 2 hour ticket (costs £1) - they close at 9 and its
doubtful anyone will check after then (but we accept no
liability if you get clamped!). Alternatively there is the
St John's multi storey which is 80p for all evening. Maps of Pub / Walk Start - Millie leader Sunday 5th National Walk Meet at 10.30 am outside the village hall at Woodhouse
Eaves. The walk will be at least 10 miles but no more than 12
miles, taking in Woodhouse Eaves > Deans Lane > Beacon
Road > Broombriggs Farm Country Park > Spring Hill
Wood > Newton Linford > Hallgates > Swithland >
Woodhouse Eaves A pretty walk in Leicestershire countryside, fairly flat,
but there are a few small hills. We will follow the route
through fields, county lanes and then meander along the
river through Bradgate Park, where there will be a nice
opportunity to have lunch, before passing the relics of
Bradgate House which was once the home of Lady Jane Grey,
onto Hallgates Carpark back to Woodhouse Eaves. No pub stop
at lunch so please being packed lunch, there is a cafe by
the river in Bradgate Park, but there is a pub at Woodhouse
Eaves at the end. If it is a hot day, please bring plenty to
drink. If any one needs to arrange a lift please contact Vicki
who will try and arrange it for you. Or meet at Sixfields for car sharing at 9.15 am (meet on
the raised parking area next to Frankie and Bennies). Vicki will meet us at the start of the walk Maps of Walk Start (not showing exact village hall
location): Vicki B leader Wednesday 15th Evening Walk A 4 mile walk from Castle Ashby, taking in Chadstone and
Whitston. Meet at 7.30pm at The Falcon in Castle Ashby. If you don't want to do the walk or can't get there in
time, meet at about 9pm for the pub only. Maps of Walk Start Andy leader Sunday 19th Local Walk Meet Northampton station at 9.50 in time for the 10.07
train to Berkhamsted, arrival 10.50. For those going by car,
please meet outside the station entrance nearest the castle.
However please travel by train if possible. If we go as a
group we can get cheaper fares, as 4 people can travel for
the price of 2. Walk will take in the castle, Ashridge estate,
Bridgewater monument and Beacon Hill, coming back via Tring
along the Grand Union Canal. Distance 12 to 14 miles which
can be reduced by 3 miles by getting a train from Tring. Maps of Walk Start Clive leader Sunday 26th Local Walk National Walk Meet at Rufford Country Park near Sherwood Forest (Grid
Ref: SK 643 647). For those with sat navs the post code is NG22 9DF, (for
the Rufford Craft Centre at the Country Park). It is 82
miles and about an hour and half travel time from
Northampton. Alternatively for car sharing meet at Sixfields (near
Frankie and Bennies on the raised parking area) at 9am. We have decided to call it the Robin Hood, Major Oak and
Raspberry Walk. We will start off at 10.30 am we will be walking on the
Robin Hood Way and over the River Maun (over a lovely
bridge) and pass a lovely archway house, onto the Major Oak
for a lunch stop. There are toilets and refreshments here as well as Robin
Hood hats if anyone wishes to purchase one........... Then after lunch we will head off towards Sherwood Heath
Nature Reserve (there are toilets here too at the tourist
information centre). There are some very overgrown paths to
conquer en route to this, so no short sleeve tops or shorts
for this part please. Then on to a lovely water mill and there is a tea shop
there if anyone wants to stop briefly, before heading onto
the second highlight of the trip which is a closely guarded
secret until the very end, but fun will be had by all,
promise. The walk is roughly 10.5 miles approx 5.3 in morning and
5.2 in afternoon. Approx 2 hours 15 mins each section. A lovely walk in the Nottingham countryside a bit of
road, a bit of wood, a bit of river, some tracks and fields.
A nice selection, just need the weather to make it
perfect! Maps of Walk Start Elaine & Paul
leaders
Monday 4th
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Saturday 1st Navigation Skills Training This is designed for those who want to learn how to
navigate, read a map, use a compass etc. Meet at Twywell Hills and Dales Country Park at
10.30am There are no toilets or food vendors but you will be
passing a pub during the walk. Maps will be provided but please bring your own
compass. Maps of Meeting Point Contact John for more info and to let him know you are
attending so he can print enough maps. Sunday 2nd Local Walk Start point Kimbolton on the B645 15 mins from
Rushden. Parking is in the town centre on the main street gr
TL099677 Walk is fig of 8 with 4.5m in the morning starting at
1030 taking in the grounds of Kimbolton school and Kimbolton
park We will have lunch in the Saddle pub on the High St. The afternoon is 5 miles heading north of the town and
taking in views of Grafham Water. For the afternoon only meet us in the pub garden from
1230 Maps of Walk Start John leader Thursday 6th Pub Meet and Evening Walk Meet at the St Johns Arms just outside Melchbourne, Grid
Ref TL029662. Park in the pub car park as the is no on road parking,
its only 10 mins from Rushden, Walk is 3.7 miles through local wood and around the
grounds of Melchbourne house Meet for a 7.30pm start at 9pm for a drink Please note that this walk will be on the Thursday (6th)
rather than the Wednesday (5th) as previously
advertised. Maps of Walk Start John leader Sunday 9th Local Walk Start in Blisworth at 10:30 on the small green where
Gayton Road meets the High Street. (Grid Ref - SP 724
534) There is limited parking along the layby on Gayton Road,
otherwise please park respectfully around the
village. Circular walk, approx 11.5 miles. The walk will go
through Gayton, and Eastcote, and stop for lunch at
Pattishall, where there is a pub. Interesting features
include a chance to pick some early blackberries, and a look
at Blisworth canal tunnel. Some parts of the walk are
overgrown, so the shorts rating is low! Maps of Walk Start Paul, Tom and Sally leaders Sunday 16th National Walk Walk: Coton in the Elms (National Forest), South
Derbyshire. The quickest way to get there looks like M1, M6,
M42(North bound), A444 at the end of the M42. Distance: Just shy of 11miles Start point: Coton Wood Car Park just south of Coton in
the Elms Grid ref: SK 245 148. Sat Nav: Postcode DE12 8ES will get you to Mill Street in
Coton in the Elms. 10.30am start. Car sharing: Meet for a prompt 9.30am departure at
Sixfields, near Frankie and Bennies. The parking is free although the carpark is quite small.
If no space in car park, please park considerately close by
and meet at the car park for the start of the walk. As some of you may or may not know the National Forest
project is approx 20-30 years old and aims to create and
link both ancient and newly planted forest across western
Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. This walk will takes us through somes of those woods
(both old and new) and takes in some of the prettiest
villages in the locality. The Walk starts in Coton in the
Elms and takes in the villages of Lullington and Netherseal
before returning to Coton. Lunch will be in or around Netherseal, please bring a
packed lunch, (pub stop at the Holly Bush Inn). Maps of Walk Start Steve & Gayle leaders Wednesday 19th Pub Meet and Evening Walk Meet at 7.30pm outside The Hare pub in Loddington for a
7.5km / 4.5 mile walk via Great Cransley. Please park considerately around the village; car sharing
where possible will make this easier. Alternatively meet at 9:15pm onwards for the pub
only. Full pub address is 5 Main St, Loddington, Kettering,
NN14 1LA. Grid ref approx SP 815 785. Maps of Walk Start Mel leader Friday 28th Weekend
Away Yorkshire 3
Peaks A trip to Horton in Riblesdale where there is a plan to
do the Yorkshire 3 peaks on the Sat but this will not be
compulsory and you can join us on one of the hills or even
visit the local towns. The plan is camp in the village but there is plenty of
accommodation in the village from bunkhouses up. Camping has been booked for those who have already
expressed interest but others can join us if you book your
own accommodation. If interested Contact
John
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Monday 31st
(Bank Holiday)
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Wednesday 2nd |
Pub Meet Toby Carvery, Northampton, from 8pm. Meet at the pub to find out more about the group and future walks, trips, events etc. NB This is the Toby Carvery in East Hunsbury (near Wootton off the A45) and NOT the other Toby Carvery in Round Spinney ! The intention is to rotate the pub location this autumn / winter to cover all parts of the county before evening walks start again in May. |
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Sunday 6th |
National Walk Beautiful 12 mile Walk in the Surrey Hills Starting point at Newlands Corner overlooking the Aldbury Downs, and descends in the bottom of the downlands and through some beautiful Surrey villages. Lunch break on a beautiful village green and potential pub stop on route for afternoon break or tea room stop at the end dependent on time. Best way to get to the starting point is to go round the M25 Anti Clockwise to J 10, Down the A3 towards Guildford, Left down the A247, that crosses a dual carriageway and become the A25, Car Park is on the right hand side (huge picnic area with visitor centre) - meet outside the Visitor Centre at 10.30am. Grid Ref TQ 042 493. For those travelling from Northampton on the day meet at 9am at Sixfields for car sharing, on the raised parking area between Frankie and Bennies. Maps of Walk Start Claire leader |
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Sunday 13th |
National Walk Meet at Baslow for a 10.30 start outside Baslow Village Hall (Grid Ref - SK 258 722). For car sharing meet at Sixfields for an 8.30am departure (meet on the raised parking area just next to Frankie and Bennies). Please try to be prompt as we need to make the most of available light. There is a car park which is pay and display close by with toilets. Route : Baslow > Bubnell > Calver > New Bridge > Knouchley Farm > Stoney Middleton > Coombs Dale > Bramley Lane > Bank Wood > Baslow. Approx 9 miles. A very pretty walk with Views of Baslow and Curbar Edge, pubs at Stoney Middleton, Hassop and Pilsey. Maps of Walk Start John leader |
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Sunday 27th |
Local Walk Oakley, Bedfordshire ( NOT Great Oakley Northants!) Meet at the Bedford Arms (Grid Ref TL 007 536), park around the village. Figure of 8, morning walk 6 miles following the Ouse Valley Way taking in the villages of Pavenham and Stevington and its windmill returning to the Bedford Arms for lunch. Afternoon 5.5 miles meeting at the pub at 1pm walking to Bromham taking in the water mill and heritage trail, if time we will stop at the mill to look round and have a cup of tea at the cafe Maps of Walk Start John leader |
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Wednesday 7th |
Pub Meet The Ock and Dough, Wellingborough, from 8pm This is the start of our rotation of the pub meet location this autumn / winter, which will cover all parts of the county before evening walks start again in May (or will at least feature Wellingborough and Kettering and surrounds as well as Northampton!) Meet at the pub to find out more about the group and future walks, trips, events etc. We will also be planning the New Walks Programme for Jan to June 2010 |
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Sunday 11th |
Local Walk Belton in Rutland Belton in Rutland > Leigh Lodge > Leigh Lodge Cottages > Hibbits Lodge > Brooke > Brooke Priory > Braunston in Rutland > Withcote Lodge > Belton in Rutland 10 - 12 Miles Meet by the church in Belton In Rutland for a 10.30 start, after parking sensibly throughout the village. (Grid Ref SK 816 013) Maps of Walk Start John leader |
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Sunday 18th |
National Walk A 10 mile woodland walk starting from Ampthill Park (TL024382). Meet at 10:30am at the free car park. Please bring a packed lunch. The walk goes along the Greensand Ridge through Warren Woods where the new Centre Parcs will be built next year, so it might be our last chance to walk there. Yes, I've checked the path is still open! We will then walk to the Green Man at Lidlington (lunch stop). After lunch we will walk through the woods to Millbrook. We pass by the Millbrook proving grounds, fingers crossed we may see an exotic car driving round, or 4x4's attempting the "1 in 1" gradient. We pass the rather grand Ampthill Park House before walking back through the park, which used to be a royal hunting park visited by Henry VIII. Directions: The best way to the walk start is via the M1 J13, and go on the new Ridgemont bypass, if you're not sure which way to go just follow the signs for A507 Ampthill. The car park is first turning on your left, 50m after you turn off the A507 onto the road to Ampthill town centre. As this is quite local for a National Walk there are no plans for car sharing from Sixfields. Maps of Walk Start Tim leader |
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Sunday 25th |
National Walk Ironbridge 5 miles in the morning and a look round some of the museums in the afternoon Starting from Dale End Riverside Park car park. Grid Ref SJ664037. Meet there at 10.30 or meet at Sixfields for car sharing at 9.00 (meet on the raised parking area near Frankie and Bennies) The walk takes in the River Severn and passes many of the museums. In the afternoon we will visit some of the museums in the Ironbridge gorge. Maps of Walk Start John leader |
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Sunday 1st |
Local Walk The morning section will start from the car park opposite the Windhover public house, (and does include some walking on roads,) which is at the start of the Brampton Valley Way, the grid ref is SP 737 653, we will go through Boughton and up towards Pitsford, and through Pitsford nature reserve and then around Moulton College grounds and back down to Boughton for stop for lunch at the Windhover PH. As for the afternoon part it is much shorter. we cross the railway line twice in the early stages of the walk and skirt the golf course near harlestone heath. then onto Church Brampton and come back down the Brampton Valley Way back to the pub. this afternoon section is only about 3.5 miles long. As the morning section of this walk is long approx 5.5 miles, we would like to start at 10.30 prompt. If we start later (taking this into account) the start of the afternoon walk will be delayed to at least 2pm and if the lunch time stop takes more than half an hour it will be more like 2.15pm start. Maps of Walk Start Elaine & Paul leaders |
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Wednesday 4th |
Pub Meet The Needle & Awl, Rushden, from 8pm. Meet at the pub to find out more about the group and future walks, trips, events etc. |
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Sunday 8th |
Local Walk Joint Walk with Leicester and Rutland Walking Group The Leicestershire & Rutland Walking group will be leading a walk this Sunday in the beautiful countryside just north of Northampton. The walk is 10.5 miles long and encompasses the villages of Little Brington, Harlestone and Great Brington and we will walk along the side of the Althorp estate (home to Earl Spencer). They have invited members of the Northants 20's and 30's group who are interested in walking this Sunday. We will be meeting at the Harleston Heath Garden Centre at 10:30am on Sunday (8th). The link below should take you to the map on the garden centre website. The postcode is: NN5 6UJ. Grid Ref SP 711 636. Please park near the far end of the garden centre carpark. There are toilets at the start/ finish point (the garden centre). I plan to have a lunchtime pub stop at Great Brington. There is also a cafe at the garden centre. Maps of Walk Start Leader: Elaine Hodkin of LRWG |
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Sunday 15th |
National Walk Trumpington - Grantchester - River Cam - Cambridge Colleges and Town - Cambridge 9.5 miles This walk will be full of interest throughout. Connections with famous names, past and present abound along the way. Meet at Trumpington Park and Ride in Cambridge for a 10.30am start. From here the walk will commence at Trumpington, this will be much easier than starting in the City Centre. Those wishing to arrive by public transport can of course take a bus out to the park and ride. For car sharing meet at 9am at Sixfields in Northampton, on the raised area near Frankie and Bennies. However as Sixfields is in the wrong direction for most people there may not be many there! At Trumpington Park and Ride in Cambridge meet close to the information centre where you catch the bus, but we will not be taking the bus. There are toilets if needed at the park and ride. The aim is to arrive in the centre of Cambridge around 12.30 so a prompt start at 10.30 is needed, so people can have 45 mins to look around the centre rather than a planned lunch stop if preferred. There are plenty of cafes etc, and places to have sarnies if you bring your own once in Cambridge. Not much opportunity for picnic style lunch due to wet grass etc and being the month of November! There are a couple of grassy fields close to the river where trainers may get wet, but the majority of the walk is on good footpaths, but waterproof footwear may be best. Plenty of photographic opportunities for the architecture of the colleges if the weather is good, so remember your cameras! Walk Description: At Trumpington, you take the road for Grantchester. On the way you pass a footpath to Byron's Pool, where the poet spent leisure hours whilst at university. At Grantchester you pass the home of Jeffrey Archer - The Old Vicarage - which also has links with Rupert Brooke. Following a path through the water meadows alongside the Cam, you return to Cambridge at the sports grounds for St Catharine's and Pembroke Colleges. Then, after Sheep's Green you arrive at Queen's College on Silver Street and head for Queen's Green and on to The Backs, where you pass King's College, Clare, Trinity and St John's. You next go back to the roads to return via Magdalene College and Magdalene Bridge and complete the circuit, passing the Round Church on Bridge Street and the fronts of St John's, Trinity, Gonville and Caius, Senate House, King's, Corpus Christi, St Catharine's, Pembroke, Peterhouse and Downing Colleges. After the tall splendour of the Roman Catholic Church on the corner of Lensfield Road and Hills Road (a junction known as Hyde Park Corner) you soon pass the Scott Polar Research Institute & Royal Meteorological Society building, followed by the University Chemistry Department. Then at the junction with Trumpington Road you find a monument and explanation of Hobson's Conduit, a stream you will follow for quite some way. You walk past the Botanic Garden then back to Trumpington. Maps of Walk Start Trumpington Park and Ride Info Leader - Vicki B |
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Friday 20th to |
Shropshire Weekend Location:- Shropshire, near Ludlow - approx 2hrs 15mins from Northampton Accommodation:- 'Mandarin' lodges in the holiday park at this link Cost:- Approx £45-60 per person for all 3 nights accommodation,breakfasts, lunches and any meals we eat in (made up of £15 deposit then remainder for accommodation will be needed in September). 3 is the minimum no. of nights we can stay; you can stay for less nights but the accommodation cost will still be the same that's all. We're likely to eat out at least one evening as well on top of that. Other activities / entertainment to be confirmed but suggestions welcome! Walks:- These will be planned for the Sat and Sun Now Fully Booked Organised by Mel and Claire |
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Sunday 29th |
Local Walk Culworth, South Northants Please meet in front of the church in Culworth after parking considerately around the village, for a 10:30 am start. This start location is shown on the map below and the grid ref is SP 545 470. The morning is 5 miles taking us from Culworth North across fields and a dismantled railway to the village of Eydon, then East to Moreton Pinkney and up to to Canons Ashby, a National Trust property where we'll stop for lunch and a mooch around. At Canons Ashby there is a tea room, shop and the house and grounds can be looked around, although we may not have time to get value for money for the house but we'll see how people feel on the day. Cost is £2.80 to look round the grounds and £7.50 for the house and grounds. I can't guarantee what food the tea shop serves so will be best to bring a packed lunch. See website below for more information. After lunch we return to Culworth over a distance of 4 miles. Directions - There are several ways no doubt but my satnav took me off J16 of the M1 towards Daventry, then left through Nether Heyford, Upper Stowe, Preston Capes, Canons Ashby, and Moreton Pinkney, but equally, taking the A43 to Towcester then heading West through Abthorpe, Wappenham, Weedon Lois and Weston will be better for some. Maps Of Walk Start - Mel leader |
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Wednesday 2nd |
Pub Meet The Toby Carvery, Round Spinney, Northampton, from 8pm. Meet at the pub to find out more about the group and future walks, trips, events etc. |
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Sunday 6th |
National Walk Sorry no walk in Epping Forest now, but if you approach from M1 /M25 direction a lovely drive through the north of the forest can be seen. The start point is Toot Hill, please park carefully near to the pub (The Green Man) TL 517025 for a start of 10.30am prompt. Explorer map 183. We will set off towards Greensted and find this lovely wooden church apparently the oldest wooden church still standing in the europe, the oldest parts dating back in history to the Saxon times and the only one to have survived this era. You can buy souvenirs from inside and they still hold regular sunday services in it and there is a guest book you can leave comments in if you wish. We will then go on towards High Ongar for our lunch stop at the pub. Then return in the afternoon via Chipping Ongar cross a railway line twice and head towards Greensted Green and back to Toot Hill. Approx 10 to11 miles. Lets hope we get nice weather for this lovely countryside walk in Essex and i don't get you lost or too tired....... Maps Of Walk Start - Paul & Elaine leaders |
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Sunday 20th |
Local Walk Local Walk Compulsory Santa Hat Walk There is a rumour that Santa himself may be leading the walk in Andy's place but you will have to wait and see!! Santa hats are in any case COMPULSORY and anyone without one will be sent home!! Andy has two spare ones if anyone would like to borrow them on the day, these are a traditional flashing light hat santa hat and a cowgirl/boy xmas hat. e-mail Andy reserve either!! If anyone would like to do the walk in any sort of xmas costume this is of course encouraged!! There has been a suggestion that we may see two people in a pantomime reindeer costume!! To allow for any hangovers and because it is a relatively short walk we will start at 11am. Meet in Badby on the edge of the village green, opposite the Malsters pub - this is the same meeting point as Mark's walk in March but it is a different walk! (Grid Ref SP 560 590) As the well as Badby the walk will take in the villages of Newnham, Everdon and Fawsley. All except Fawsley have a pub, but the pub stop is planned at the Plough Inn in Everdon. There is also scope for a pub stop at the end in Badby. The walk is 6.75 miles. (It is walk 593 from the AA book of 1001 walks, but done backwards!) Maps of Walk Start Andy (or maybe Santa!) leader Andy leader |
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Saturday 26th |
Local Walk Start in Fotheringhay (north of Oundle) GR TL 058933 at 11am Park around the village Taking in the village church the site of castle that held Queen Mary then heading out by the Nene and into the grounds of Elton House stopping for a drink in the village at the black horse before heading out across the fields back to Fotheringhay. Measured this at 5.66 miles and is set at this distance so you can invite the whole family. The pub is open - phoned to check - so no walk extensions this year ! Maps of Walk Start John leader |