Northampton Washlands Walk
4.5 miles (7.2 km)This circular walk explores the Northampton Washlands on the southern outskirts of Northampton.
The area includes a series of lakes and riverside paths along the River Nene. You'll also visit the village of Little Houghton and see a variety of wildlife on the way....
The varied walk explores a vital flood defence system that has been transformed into a thriving wetland habitat along the River Nene. The route passes the charming ironstone village of Little Houghton, and visits historic sites like the village stocks and the Norman motte at Clifford Hill. The route also passes the impressive Clifford Hill Mill, a former corn mill and iron forge rebuilt in 1853, which now serves as a private residence known for its surviving tall steam engine chimney.
The path skirts the edge of Billing Aquadrome, a large leisure park developed around former gravel pits that is now a hub for holiday lodges and seasonal events like the Northampton Balloon Festival. Throughout the circuit, the area is a haven for wildlife, particularly during the winter months when the flooded meadows attract nationally important numbers of waders and wildfowl such as Golden Plover, Lapwing, Teal, and Wigeon. During the warmer seasons, you may spot kingfishers and herons darting along the riverbanks, while the surrounding reeds occasionally hide the delicate nests of harvest mice.
You can continue your walking in the area on the Northampton Canal Walk, the Northampton Heritage Trail or the Delapre Abbey Park Walk.
Ordnance Survey Map
OpenStreetMap
OS Map (Mobile GPS)
OpenStreetMap (Mobile GPS)
Interactive Map
Route Video
Nearby Routes
Northampton Canal Walk Delapre Abbey Park Northampton Heritage Trail
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