Northamptonshire's County Paths
These are longer routes running in and through Northamptonshire. The paths vary in length and difficulty but all offer idyllic walking through some of our finest countryside.
You can download copies of the leaflets including route maps by clicking the links below.
Brampton Valley Way
The 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 using the following link:
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.
Millennium Way
The Millennium Way is a country walk, extensively using public footpaths and attempting to avoid roads, focusing on exploring and appreciating the beauty of the English countryside at leisure. The route starts (or ends) at Middleton Cheney, and runs to Priors Marston in Northamptonshire before heading off into Warwickshire.
It was devised and is promoted by the 41 Club, the National Association of ex Round Tabler's clubs.
Nene Way
The Nene Way is a long distance recreational route which follows the River Nene for some 70 miles 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.
Lyveden Way
A walk through history. A beautiful walk from Brigstock, through Wadenhoe, incorporating the historic Lyveden New Bield.