The Collingtree Circular Walk

Written by Dave Askew

We are so lucky in Northamptonshire to be able to have our beautiful canals to stroll along. It doesn’t matter what time of year, or even how many times, you walk on the tow path you’ll always see something different. And normally those paths are walkable in all seasons. So watch out for different birds, water voles and the otters that have been seen on this walk.

This 8 mile walk starts by walking on the public footpath along the edge of the 1st hole of Collingtree Golf Course, before turning south and heading up and across the M1. Please stick carefully to the marked path described in the instructions and respect the nearby golfers.

From here we cross the fields to lovely Milton Malsor, emerging by the church and walking through the village, where there’s an opportunity for an early refreshment stop at The Greyhound.

Now it’s time to head across another field to arrive at the canal. The Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal, which was opened in 1815 and travels 4.8 miles through 17 locks from Gayton to connect with the River Nene near Carlsberg. Look out for the plaques along it that have letters to collect.

The canal path passes under the busy M1 which is quite an experience with all the graffiti. I bet none of the motorists above travelling at 70 mph even know you’re there! Then, at the beautiful next bridge, it’s time to leave the canal and walk up through the pocket parks of West and East Hunsbury to arrive back where we started.

Although the distance says 8 miles, this is an easy walk for a family day out and ideal for a picnic beside the canal. Just watching people come through the numerous locks is great fun in itself.

Here’s the link to full details of this walk…

www.northamptonshirewalks.co.uk/about/ walk-2-a-golf-course-open-fields-villages-a-canalpocket-parks-oh-an-injury/

Over 200 walks we’ve done in Northamptonshire can be found at northamptonshirewalks.co.uk plus all the links to our social media groups etc