Northampton Landmarks Walk
If you’re looking for a family friendly, flat (mostly) off road walk in Northampton – I have got just the route for you! I have wanted to do this walk since doing a very similar run over a year ago (I know-time goes too quickly!) and finally had time to head out last Sunday.
This 8km route starts and finishes in Becket’s Park near the centre of Northampton and takes in some of the town’s most well known landmarks and plenty of artwork by Binty Bint to add some colour and interest. Like the vast majority of my walks, it is easy to navigate and easily accessible for all level of walkers.
For this walk I started at the top corner of Becket’s Park (W3W: season.porch.moods) and headed down to the right hand side, past the pavilion to the river. Here I carried on, under the impressive footbridge that leads to the University of Northampton, and kept walking towards South Bridge.
Becket’s Park with the University of Northampton buildings in the background
When you reach the bridge, this is the only part of the walk where you need to deal with any roads. Here, I crossed over the road and headed left over the bridge. You can carry straight on here and continue past the Carlsberg Brewery along the river. I will come back this way, but on the way out I followed the canal.
So I headed over South Bridge, past the Pomfret Arms and took the next right, Old Towcester Road. Here just past the Carlsberg Social Club and just before the first block of flats on the right, there is a path leading to the canal.
From here I simply followed the Grand Union Canal all the way to Sixfields. The path is hard standing so it’s very easy to follow, and suitable for the whole family. Also, if you look carefully, you’ll be able to spot lots of Biny Bint’s distinctive work.
I kept walking until I reached the picturesque stone bridge, where I left the canal and followed the signs to Sixfields.
Once you reach this bridge, you need to head over it and turn left to head towards Sixfields Reservoir
From here I stuck to the main path, headed over the blue bridge and walked a full lap around the reservoir, before heading back to town along the River Nene.
There are some lovely views over the reservoir, and a chance to spot another well known Northampton landmark
On the way back, once I had crossed the blue bridge, I headed immediately left to follow the river. Again, there are signposts pointing the way, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost.
The river runs past the edge of Nene Valley Retail Park, under the road and then I was heading back towards South Bridge. The path is mostly straight, apart from one bit as you reach Carlsberg again, where you need to head left and then right over the footbridge to get back to the main branch of the river.
Once, I reached South Bridge again, I crossed the road and got straight back on the path to Becket’s Park.
If you fancy watching a video of this walk, click HERE
Have you tried this walk? Or if you decide to give it a go, let me know how you get on!
Looking for more Northamptonshire walks?
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