The best walks and hikes around Drayton Reservoir

Many walkers start from Daventry Country Park, which has ample facilities and provides direct access to trails connecting to the reservoir. Another popular option is the free car park at Borough Hill, which offers lovely views and a pleasant walk across the hill to join the main park and reservoir paths.

Yes, the area is generally very dog-friendly. The wide-open spaces of Daventry Country Park and the ancient woodland trails at Everdon Stubbs are particularly popular with dog walkers. As always, it's best to keep dogs on a lead, especially near the reservoir's edge, livestock, and in areas with nesting birds.

A simple circular walk directly around the reservoir itself is quite short. For a quick and easy outing, the Drayton Reservoir loop from Drayton Fields Industrial Estate is a 2-mile (3.2 km) route that takes about 50 minutes. Many visitors prefer to combine it with other paths for a longer walk.

Absolutely. Daventry Country Park is an excellent destination for families, featuring an adventure playground, picnic spots, and accessible paths. The Hiking loop from Daventry is a great choice; it's an easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) trail that's manageable for little legs and offers plenty to see.

Yes, many of the best walks in the area do exactly that. The footpaths connect seamlessly with the canal towpath. A great example is the Hiking loop from Middlemore, which creates a varied 5.7-mile (9.1 km) circuit exploring the reservoir, canal, and surrounding fields.

The Stop House is a historic canal-side building at Braunston Junction, where the Grand Union and Oxford Canals meet. It's a key point of interest in the area's canal heritage. You can easily walk there along the towpath on the Brays Family Memorial Plaque – The Stop House, Braunston loop, an easy and scenic 4.6-mile (7.4 km) route.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the peaceful waterside scenery, the well-maintained paths along the Grand Union Canal, and the variety of combining reservoir, canal, and parkland trails in a single outing.

The area is perfect for circular walks, with most routes designed as loops. You can find everything from short strolls to longer hikes. For a straightforward loop that takes in the reservoir and some of the surrounding area, consider the Hiking loop from Drayton Fields Industrial Estate, which covers 4.1 miles (6.6 km).

The reservoirs and canal are havens for birdlife, including various ducks, swans, and other waterfowl. Daventry Country Park has accessible bird hides for keen spotters. The surrounding meadows and woodlands, like the highly-regarded High Wood and Meadow reserve, are rich in wildflowers and insects, offering a chance to see a more traditional countryside ecosystem.

While there are no pubs directly on the reservoir path, the nearby town of Daventry and surrounding villages offer several options. A short drive from the main walking areas will give you access to traditional pubs and cafes perfect for a post-hike refreshment.

There are over 150 hiking routes to explore around Drayton Reservoir on komoot. These range from easy, short loops perfect for a quick stroll to more moderate, longer trails that combine the reservoir with the Grand Union Canal and Daventry Country Park.

For a more peaceful experience away from the main reservoir paths, consider exploring the trails within Everdon Stubbs. This beautiful ancient woodland is a local favorite for its tranquil atmosphere and is especially stunning in spring when the bluebells are in bloom.