There are seven long distance County Paths running in and through Northamptonshire. The paths vary in length and difficulty but all offer idyllic walking through some of Northamptonshire's finest countryside.
Maps showing the general routes of each of the county paths are available on the Focus Northamptonshire website (see Related Links). Alternatively, more detailed walks leaflets are available for each of the paths from the Countryside and Tourism department of the County Council. Call (01604) 237227 for more information or visit the related page below.
Below is a brief description of the County Paths of Northamptonshire
Brampton Valley Way
Brampton Valley Way is a fourteen mile linear park based on the former railway line between Northampton and Market Harborough. The route provides recreational access for cyclists and walkers and along some sections horse riders. The area is maintained by Northamptonshire County Council. The route is also part of the National Cycle Route 6.
Grafton Way
The Grafton Way, Northamptonshire's second County Path, was opened in 1975. Established on public rights of way, it stretches for 11.5 miles between Cosgrove and Greens Norton where it meets the Knightley Way. It is named after the Dukes of Grafton, who were large land-owners in the southern part of the County throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Knightley Way
Northamptonshire's first County Path, it was opened in 1972. Established on public rights of way it stretches between Badby and Greens Norton. Much of the route passes through attractive countryside formerly owned by the Knightley family of Fawsley Hall.
Jurassic Way
The Jurassic Way is a long distance, recreational walking route which travels the length of Northamptonshire and more! The termini are Banbury in Oxfordshire and Stamford in Lincolnshire, two historic market towns separated by beautiful undulating countryside lying over rocks from the Jurassic Age (145 - 195 million years old). The whole route is 88 miles in length.
Macmillan Way
The Macmillan Ways are coast to coast paths created with a single objective in mind, supporting Macmillan Cancer Relief. The Macmillan Way Association is an independent organisation supporting Macmillan Cancer Relief through sponsorship of walkers that walk the routes. Further details from the Association on 01789 740852 or visit The Macmillan Ways website (see Related Links).
Midshires Way
The Midshires Way is a long distance bridleway running from Buckinghamshire to the Peak District. It enters Northamptonshire through Salcey Forest and passes through 46 miles of Northamptonshire to Dingley, Sutton Bassett and on to Welham in Leicestershire.
Nene Way
The Nene Way is a long distance recreational route which follows the River Nene for some 70 miles as it flows through Northamptonshire. The Nene has three sources all within Northamptonshire, one of which is located a mile west of Badby where the Nene Way commences. From here the Nene flows to Northampton, where it is joined by the Brampton Arm and becomes navigable on to the sea. It then flows east and north through the County passing Thrapston, Oundle and Fotheringhay before leaving the county near Wansford, and finally reaches the sea at the Wash.
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