Saints with Heart III - The Route

Okay you 'orrible lot its only days to go so lets get down to business.

First up some ground rules. I know they might sound obvious but we have to mention them for your good and to cover our backsides.

You should only take part in Saturdays walk if you are fit and able and up to the task.
Long walkers should be experienced in walking distances and at speed.We do have a deadline to meet. Once again we must say, although it sounds harsh, but at two points along the way if you are not up to speed and straggling you will be asked to leave the walk for yours and the rest of the groups sake. We cannot let people hold us back nor can we leave them stranded. So please consider one last time if you feel confident in making the first ten miles of the walk. I cannot stress this enough but the first stage is not a simple stroll, Ajack and I have the blisters and the aches to prove it. Short walkers have a more easier walk but again, unless you are up to the task please do not put yourself at risk. The walk is about preserving peoples health not making anyone worse! We are not trying to put anyone off but please consider the others on the walk before trying to take anything on too heroic.

For the duration of both walks we are out in the wilds for virtually the whole route so please bring liquids and something to eat with you. These will NOT be supplied on route NOR will you be able to purchase them at the start at Wolverton station. Whatever you do do not drink the river or canal water. I could tell you the joys of  cryptosporidium but it might put you off your breakfast. Please come well prepared. By the same token there are no loos on route either, you have been warned!

Please ensure that you are come prepared for all eventualities weather wise. Although the route has a good surface please make sure you have the right footwear for the job and ensure you bring a waterproof jacket and a warm layer of clothing. Finally if you haven't got one, beg steal or borrow a rucksack to carry your stuff in.

Now thats the lecture out the way, lets get down to business.

THE LONG WALK

The long walk starts at 7:30am from Wolverton railway station. Ideally we want you there at 7:15. Those travelling from Northampton there is a train at 7:02 that should get you there on time. If its late please ring ahead to one of the other walkers. We will wait for this train but not any other stragglers, we set of 7:30 sharp!. If you arrive late by car you might find us gone so please allow an extra fifteen minutes to your journey. Stockers will be handing out the shirt T-shirts here so please have £5 each ready if you want one. We aint going to hang about while you ponder if the black suits your eyes.

For those driving you can find a map here
...................and   here

We will be walking the first eight to nine miles starting at Bradwell through the Ouse Valley and then the Grand Union Canal. There are two scheduled 10 minute breaks. However this time is set by the front walker, those lagging behind will have a reduced rest break or no rest at all, so again I stress the importance of keeping up. After going through Cosgrove and Yardley Wharf we head on up to Stoke Bruerne to the picnic area by the museum. *** Make sure you cross the canal at the small bridge at the first lock then back over once you are in the village*** We should be there 10:30 - 10:45 ish.

At Stoke Bruerne we meet up with the Short Walkers.

For......................

THE SHORT WALK

Again time is of the essence, we set off at 11:00 sharp! so please ensure you are there in plenty of time. Those on the boat  (see below) you are setting off at 10:45 so be there by 10:30 please. Stockers will again be opening his shirt emporium out of the boot of his car here so have your £5 ready if you want a shirt.

Some short walkers start their day with a canal boat from Stoke Bruerne through to Blisworth. Bob has arranged this to cast off at 10:45, again please allow plenty of time to get there by your various means as delay could cause problems later in the walk, or you missing the day altogether. The boat walkers, led by Bob and Rich, will travel through Blisworth Tunnel then disembark and head straight to Bridge 48 (they are numbered). All walkers wait here until the group is back together as a whole.
Please don't hang around waiting for others on any other part of the route as you, because you'll have the kids with you, will be considered the slowest walkers and we don't want the whole walk to be held back just yet because little Stephen insisted on walking with Uncle Adrian.

The rest of the short walkers not on the boat will now join the long walkers in the last part of the walk from Stoke to the Gardens.

As the next section involves some road walking we must walk this as a group so all please listen to the walk leaders and stick together.
Children under 14 will not be allowed over the hill as part of the walk is on the road.

Setting off at 11:00 shortly before tunnel entrance towpath leads to a small incline that takes us up to overhill road. All wait here.

Being a road, obviously keep in single file, be aware of traffic but also of the many horses that are walked on this stretch, always give them right of way. See and be seen. Warn others of oncoming traffic. Acknowledge drivers. Be safe!

Once over the brow of the hill keep an eye out for a painted house sign '89' cross the road through the gate then follow the path downwards to your right that leads back to the canal towpath. That man Stockers should be here to guide you.

Once back on the towpath continue heading north 9its the only option).

After a mile or so you will come to Bridge 48 (they are all numbered),   All wait here.

Once all walkers are here as one large group leave the canal for two hundred yards to rejoin the Northampton arm of the canal. (see map below) A right turn at the bridge takes you along a small village road for two hundred yards till the humpback bridge which you go under to your right again to rejoin the towpath heading into town as the  map below shows. again although only a short distance be aware it is a road, keep kids on a leash.

***It is important that all walkers take this part of the walk together. It means we arrive at the Gardens as a loose bunch rather than a drawn out rabble.***