The best walks and hikes in South Northamptonshire

Yes, the region has many options for families. For a fun day out, consider the Gruffalo Statue loop from Salcey Forest. It's an easy walk of under 5 km. Brixworth Country Park is another excellent choice, offering trails with access for all abilities, play parks, and a sensory garden.

Many trails in South Northamptonshire are dog-friendly. Places like Harlestone Firs Forest Walk are local favorites for dog walkers. However, always be mindful of local regulations. Some areas, like the Northampton Washlands, have grazing livestock, so you'll need to keep your dog on a lead. Always check signage at trailheads.

The area is great for combining a walk with a pub visit. The The Navigation, Stoke Bruerne – Blisworth Tunnel loop from Stoke Bruerne is a popular easy walk of about 6.5 km that starts and ends in the village of Stoke Bruerne, which has canal-side pubs.

Salcey Forest, a former medieval hunting forest, is the premier destination for woodland walks. For a shorter, easy route, try the Hiking: Oak in Salcey Forest – Gruffalo Statue loop from Hartwell. Another highly-regarded option is Harlestone Firs, known for its many different trails through the woods.

The Grand Union Canal offers fantastic towpath walks. A great option is The Navigation, Stoke Bruerne – Blisworth Tunnel loop from Old Brick Pit NR, a moderate 8 km route that takes you along the water, past historic locks, and through a nature reserve.

For rewarding views over the countryside, head to Honey Hill, a hiking area praised by locals for its beautiful scenery. For a route that combines views with varied terrain, the Nene Way – St Mary the Virgin Church loop from Cogenhoe offers lovely vistas as it follows the river valley and climbs gently through the landscape.

There are over 300 hiking routes to explore in South Northamptonshire on komoot. The trails are almost evenly split between easy and moderate difficulty, with a small number of challenging routes for those seeking a longer day out.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful canal towpaths, the majestic ancient trees in Salcey Forest, and the quintessential English countryside of rolling hills and river valleys.

Yes, several long-distance trails pass through South Northamptonshire. These include the Jurassic Way, which follows a limestone ridge, and the Ouse Valley Way, which traces the course of the River Great Ouse. You can hike sections of these paths, such as the Stoke Bruerne to Salcey Forest circular, which incorporates parts of these longer trails.

The hiking here is defined by its variety. You'll find serene riverside walks along the Nene and Great Ouse, historic canal towpaths with locks and tunnels, and paths through ancient woodlands like Salcey Forest. The landscape is mostly gentle, with rolling hills and broad, open valleys.

Absolutely. The canal towpaths along the Grand Union Canal are almost entirely flat and perfect for a gentle stroll. For a route with very little elevation change, consider the Upton Mill loop from Kislingbury, which is a pleasant 8 km walk through the Nene valley.

The region's landscape is shaped by its unique geology of ironstone and limestone. For a detailed understanding of the different landscape types you'll be walking through, you can consult the Northamptonshire Landscape Character Assessment.