Rushton to Prologis Park, and back via Barford Meadow.

 Monday 28th November

With Norma and Maureen. A grey and misty start, with the sun making a feeble attempt to shine later.

We parked in Rushton and followed the bridleway past Holme Field Farm, with lamas on our right, then the railway line on our left. At the five bar gate we continued straight on and walked alongside, slightly above the railway to the point where it crosses Glendon Road. We crossed the road bridge and turned right to the path through Prologis Park.  Keeping right we walked the perimeter of the park, past various warehouses until we reached an exit to the big roundabout.  We followed the path and the road round to the Fox and Peony.

The cafe was displaying a closed sign, and we were about to tuck into Maureen’s scones outside, when someone arrived, tired the door and found that it was open. Quick change of plan, particularly welcome since I had forgotten my wee jar of instant coffee and hot water just doesn’t cut it.

Our return to the car was along the footpath from Glendon Road (the road with Iron Mountain on it). A short detour via Barford Meadows and through the woodland.

Then it was across the railway bridge and a field path to rejoin the track into Rushton . 5.3 miles.

Prologis Park and Kettering

 Monday 7th November

Norma collected me at 915, then Maureen. She drove out to Prologis Park, but our usual car park was full today, so we parked across the road. As the weather was damp and the ground slightly muddy we decided against the walk to Rushton and walked through the park, having to detour round where some construction work is underway, close to the railway line.

M le Président going into business?

At the bottom we followed our noses round the streets, eventually emerging near Garrard Way, and walking downhill past the hospital, and the shopping car parks. It was about coffee time so we called in at McDonalds - and used our reusable cups - coffee for 90p.

We walked on and sat down for cheese and crackers by the ‘lake’, then returned to the car along the circular path. By now the weather had improved a fair amount. The park is well frequented by dog walkers . 

Just over 5 miles in all - neither strenuous, nor fast today.

Geddington, Weekley, Weekley Glebe park, Weekley Hall Wood, Prologis park.

 Tuesday 28th June 2022

Drove to Geddington to meet Marta at 9.30.

We walked to Weekley along main road, then took the footpath on the left with view of Boughton House.

The path took us into Weekley, behind the church.

We passed the old almshouse with the motto “What thou doest, do yt with Faith”.

The old school was next.

We passed the tea room - too early - and walked a short distance along the main road, where the verges were very colourful.

At Weekley Glebe Road, we turned right and crossed the park to a narrow belt of woodland, before crossing the busy road over into Weekley Hall Wood. We followed the path to the main junction before th large roundabout,  and visited the Fox and Peony. After a coffee we walked round the Prologis Park green space, with a view over Kettering.

Then we walked back through the other side of Weekley Hall Wood and back to Geddington. 

We walked 9 miles - it felt less tiring than yesterday’s 5!

Prologis Park, Kettering to Rushton via Barford Meadow (variation)

 Friday 11th February 2022, with Marta. Almost 7 miles. Brilliant sunshine, but quite cold later.

A late start today, after early morning dental check-up and then coffee and teacake at the Fox and Peony.

Catkins a-plenty

We took the path round the edge of the park, parallel with the new A43,

The underpass to/from the houses over the A43

The view over to Kettering town centre

Slade Brook

then had a wander through the grassed area with picnic tables, before continuing uphill to the car park. Changed out of ‘town shoes’ into walking boots before taking the path towards Barford Meadows Nature Reserve. 

We walked the perimeter of the reserve more or less, with a brief glance at the A6003. 

Then into Rushton village,

and a pause for lunch - a very decent sandwich - at the Thornhill Arms. 

The view from the pub garden.

A quick look at the churchyard, then a coffee on a bench nearby, close to banks of snowdrops.

We returned to Kettering along the bridleway close to the railway line.

Prologis Park, to Rushton via Barford Meadow

 Monday 7th February 2022, with Norma, Maureen and Kate. 5.75 miles. Fine early on, then clouded over.  Cold.

We set off from the car park near Entrance 6 on the plan below.

The linear paths we walked last Thursday join up with the housing estates on the southeast of the A43 via an underpass, close to Entrance 4 on the map.

For some reason the map here is oriented with south upwards…

Returning to our start point at Entrance 6 we crossed the road and headed toward Rushton and Barford Meadow Nature reserve.

Not a lot of wildlife in evidence, though we saw a couple of red kites later.

We took the main path then turned left at the gate to walk back along the edge of the woodland.

Over the railway bridge, and along the path crossing the River Ise, which was looking muddier today

past Holmefield Health Spa, the llamas…

and the horse 

and through Rushton village 

to the church

 a short pause for a snack (thank you, Maureen!).

We returned taking the direct route.

Another llama, just because.