Moreton Pinkney and the hills… 5¾ miles

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks , Northampton

Canons Ashby is a hidden treasure in the heart of rural Northamptonshire; the The Jurassic limestone Rose of the Shires. Built near the site of a 13th- century priory, the Elizabethan geology of the manor house is set in a tranquil ancient landscape. This walk encompasses Northamptonshire hills forms charming local architecture and stunning views over the local countryside. part of the spine of , running from Yorkshire to Start: Canons Ashby car park Grid ref: SP577506 Dorset.The walk features Maps: OS Landranger 152 some spectacular views of the

hilly countryside around Getting here & local facilities Canons Ashby. By foot: On the Macmillan long-distance footpath, 3 miles on country lanes from Woodford Halse By bike: National Cycle Network route 70 passes near property. See www.sustrans.org.uk By train: Banbury 10 miles The fine Victorian 'Scottish By bus: Bus routes to Woodford Halse between and Banbury baronial' style gatehouse in By car: Access from M40 J11 at Banbury; take A422 (), after 2 miles turn Moreton Pinkney features left onto B4525, after 3 miles turn left onto unclassified road signposted to Canons wonderful relief carving of a Ashby. Access from M1 J16; take A45 (Daventry), at Weedon crossroads turn left thick rope with knotted onto A5. After 3 miles south, turn right onto unclassified road through Litchborough terminals. and Adstone. Turn right on unclassified road signposted to Canons Ashby car park

Historic house, formal and landscaped gardens and a country park with WCs, picnic tables, gift shop, garden tea rooms and a second hand bookshop. A walking guide is available from the ticket office. The Church of St Mary the Virgin dates back to the late th Look out for… 12 century. Later alterations were made in t Moreton Pinkney: This charming village has early medieval origins, although most th 1846, in collaboration with of the buildings date to the early 18 century. The houses are built of the local Sir Henry Dryden of Canons 'brown' ironstone, and many feature decorative squared coursed stonework. Ashby, who also donated an t Ridge and Furrow: The ancient landscape around Canons Ashby carries antique pipe organ. There is reminders of medieval farming practices. Many fields show the distinctive ribbed a fine peal of six bells in the undulations formed by ploughing with a single-sided plough. Each strip belonged tower. to a single family, cultivated within a larger field. All images © National Trust/Laura Malpas t Canons Ashby Lakes: The two lakes were developed by the medieval Augustinian friars - the canons of Canons Ashby - to provide food for the 'A wonderful varied walk including a charming historic village, gentle monastery. Today the lakes are some of Northamptonshire's premier match rural landscape and abundant wildlife all set in an ancient landscape.' waters, with many coarse fish, including carp, taken up to 37lb. Laura Malpas, National Trust Visitor Services and Community Manager

Directions Walk distance, terrain and accessibility: Allow about 2 hours for this 5¾ mile 1. Turn right out of the car park and go down the hill until you reach a (9.25 km) walk, following farm tracks and field boundaries. Fairly easy terrain, footpath sign on the left, before the farmhouse. Follow the sign straight with one short, steep hill. Stout boots recommended as some farm tracks and over a paddock and a field. field boundaries may be muddy, although conditions underfoot are generally 2. Get onto the road through the kissing gate, then turn left to go over the good. Dogs welcome on a lead as there are livestock in surroundings fields. No old railway bridge, before turning back onto the footpath on the right. dog bins so please take dog litter home. 3. Cross the field diagonally towards a gap in the hedge and go over a pair

of stiles. Then, cross the next field diagonally left, crossing medieval © Reproduced ridge and furrow earth features to reach the stile bridge. by permission of Ordnance 4. Walk ahead and left over the field to the path into the village. Walk Survey. All rights reserved. OS through the village on the main road, stopping to admire the gatehouse, licence no. AL and next to it, the Church (set off the road). 100023974 5. Opposite the Church, take the path to Prestidge Row, admiring the 18th- century cottages around the green. Then turn left down the hill, crossing the ford over the brook. 6. Stay on the main track, bearing slightly left after a bench, until you reach the old railway bridge. Continue on this track, passing Foxhill Farm, and go through an old railway cutting until you reach a crossroads. 7. Cross the road ahead and walk through to Crockwell Farm. Just before the farmhouse, turn sharp right up a short steepish hill. Enjoy the view, then continue to follow the track to the left until you reach the next road, then turn right. 8. Continue along the road, passing Cherry Tree Farm until you reach Mitre Barn, then turn right on the byway through the farm gate. 9. Follow the path, keeping to the left of the trees, and when the path forks, turn right. 10. At the pond, follow the track to the right, then at the wood, turn right and follow the boundary which turns sharp left, where you will reach a collapsed stile. Cross over, keeping the hedge on your left. 11. Go through the gap in the hedge, keeping straight on along the field

boundary until you reach the road, pausing to admire splendid views of Contact us

Canons Ashby over the lake. Telephone 01327 861900 Email [email protected] 12. Turn left and head back towards the car park. Then visit the tea-rooms Website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/canonsashby for well deserved refreshments!

As a charity, independent of government, the National Trust relies on the generosity of its supporters to continue caring for our countryside and wildlife, so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors for generations to come. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk