RURAL
RAMBLES
Oundle and Cotterstock riverside walk
The Nene is an exquisite river, teeming with wildlife and beauty throughout this stretch. Throw in the historic town of Oundle and the delightful village of Cotterstock and you have a walk pretty close to perfection
THE ROUTE
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From the east end of Market Place, walk down St Osyth’s Lane past the Co-op (toilets) until it curves right, then go straight on into Bassett Ford Road. Where this bends left into Riverside Close go ahead to the gate at the end. There are two riverside walks indicated - make sure to go half left across the field and follow the bank downstream (not over the footbridge ahead). For the next two miles or so the route follows the bank of the Nene as it completes a giant loop. Go underneath the A605 and out by open meadows. Eventually, beyond a weir, you reach a long, high footbridge, where you could cross the river for a visit to the picturesque village of Ashton, a round trip of ¾ mile. Otherwise continue straight ahead and back under the bypass to reach the old bridge. Cross over the road and turn right. On the far side of the river turn left at the Riverside Walk sign, past the boat sheds, and strike out along the flat eastern bank of the Nene via two weirs. Cross the river via the “guillotine” lock and continue to the lane at the far end by a converted corn mill. Turn left and walk through the pretty village of Cotterstock, and after 500 yards or so turn left before a red telephone box on to a narrow path between a fence and hedge. This heads out along the left-hand side of an open field (great views), then beside a narrow plantation with the river on the far side. Continue past a small sewage works and directly down through two more fields before reaching a playing field. Half-way along the pitch turn left on to a boardwalk out to the Nene - this is a permissive route through Snipe Meadow nature reserve. Turn right and walk along the river bank until just before the bridge, then head right. Go through a field beside the buildings to reach New Road. Turn left and walk to the end, then right into Station Road/North Street to return to the town centre.
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KEY DATA
Distance: 10kms (6.25 miles) Typical time: 21⁄2 hours OS map: Landranger 141, 142 Start & finish: Market Place, Oundle (PE8 4BQ) Terrain: small gradients, muddy at times Stiles: 6
PIT STOPS
Oundle Market in the Market Place, every Thursday – great local foods Brewbabu, charming eclectic café - 6 West St, Oundle, PE8 4EF (01832 273909) Tap and Kitchen at Oundle Wharf, if you want something more substantial. Tables overlooking the river - Station Road, Oundle, PE8 4DE (01832 275069, tapandkitchen.com) Hambleton Bakery, also on the wharf, is another great place to stock up on picnic goodies - 7 Station Road, Oundle, PE8 4DE (01832 358529). Open every day except Sunday. 40
Cotterstock Green
RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING OCTOBER 2018
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19/09/2018 14:49