Autumn Walks in Northamptonshire

Best autumnal walks in the Midlands

As one of the top hotels in Northamptonshire, we consider ourselves extremely lucky to be in such a beautiful county with stunning countryside, perfect for excellent autumn walks.

As autumn begins to make itself known, we thought we’d put together a little list of our favourite walking routes that will allow you to view autumnal Northants in all of its glory.

1. The Lyveden Way at Lyveden New Bield

Distance: 10 miles

The Lyveden Way provides a charming cross-section of the Northamptonshire countryside.

It begins at the Fermyn Woods Country Park, just a 15-minute drive from Rushton, and home to a wide variety of beautiful butterflies, fallow deer and even a couple of magnificent red kites.

As the route leaves the Country Park, it turns east along the perimeter of Fermyn Woods and lets out into the open countryside.

It then follows the perimeter of Lady Wood Head and turns towards Lyveden.

The route then continues into the picturesque village of Wadenhoe through Lilford Wood.

Passing through the village, it turns into pasture fields before re-entering woodland and finally rejoining the outward route after Lady Wood Head.

View the route map and further details here.

2. Round Route at Castle Ashby

Distance: 6.4 miles

This delightful walk begins and ends at the magnificent 16th century Castle Ashby Mansion, allowing you to take in the stunning 35-acre gardens before going on to explore the local area.

Amble through the delightful hamlet of Chadstone and down through Whiston Spinney before joining the picturesque waterside walk along the River Nene.

The walk will then take you up to St Mary’s Church on the hill, where you will be privy to fantastic views out across the Nene Valley before returning to Castle Ashby.

St Mary’s is an important local landmark, rising up from the hill like a lighthouse; it has remained unchanged since its completion in 1534.

View the route map and further details here.

3. Canons Ashby Walk

Distance: 5.75 miles

This circular route takes you around the charming area of Canons Ashby.

The route will take you through the delightful village of Moreton Pinkney which has early medieval origins, although most of the houses, built-in local ‘brown’ ironstone, date to the early Georgian period.  You will also catch sight of Canons Ashby Lakes.

The two lakes were installed by medieval Augustinian friars to provide food for the monastery, and remain among Northamptonshire’s top fishing spots today!

View the route map and further details here.

4. The Church Path Trail at Salcey Forest

Distance: 1.5 miles

The Church Path Trail at Salcey Forest provides a fantastic opportunity to view the forest’s autumn colours in all of their golden glory.

The shortest of our chosen walks, it is a good introductory walk or one for when you don’t have hours to spare.

The route will take you through the ancient woodland, allowing you to take in the glorious autumn colour of the oak, ash and hazel trees.

You will also be able to see the extraordinary Tree Top Way which rises 15 metres up into the canopies of Salcey Forest.

View route map and further details here.

With all of these wonderful walks just a stone’s throw from Rushton Hall, you should make our Northamptonshire hotel your autumn destination.

Book direct for our best rates, or call us on 01536 713001.