Gayton Junction – Blisworth Tunnel loop from Milton Malsor

Hiking trails & Routes

South Northamptonshire

Gayton

Gayton Junction – Blisworth Tunnel loop from Milton Malsor

Easy

hikers

Gayton Junction – Blisworth Tunnel loop from Milton Malsor

01:40

6.46km

40m

Hiking

Easy hike. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 14, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

65 m

Horse Bridge North of Gayton Junction

Highlight • Historical Site

Beautiful bridge north of Gayton Junction, used by horse to cross the canal without releasing the tow rope on the canal boat

Tip by

495 m

Gayton Junction

Highlight • Structure

2.39 km

Blisworth Canal and Railway Viaduct

Highlight • Bridge

Just south of Northampton, Blisworth is a pleasant village on the Grand Union Canal. It has long been associated with rail travel and a station was built here for the London to Birmingham line, as well as a majestic arched bridge, designed by Robert Stephenson. The station has since gone but the West Coast Mainline passes close to the village.

As well as the canal's towpath, nearby Salcey Forest will also interest walkers. There are a range of facilities and three waymarked walking trails that explore the woodland.

Tip by

2.98 km

The Old Bench

Highlight • Rest Area

2.99 km

Trail to Blisworth Tunnel Towpath

Highlight • Natural

Great trail down to towpath, bit technical but great fun 👍

Tip by

3.13 km

Blisworth Tunnel

Highlight • Structure

Built in 1805, Blisworth Tunnel is the longest navigable canal tunnel in the country at 1.7 miles (2.8 km). This also makes it the ninth longest in the world.

There is no towpath through the tunnel, though there is enough space for two narrowboats to pass each other.

Tip by

6.46 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.14 km

2.35 km

750 m

223 m

Surfaces

3.08 km