Saints with Heart IV - Short Walk Guide

By Chris Gleadell
October 12 2005

Okay strollers, walkers n hikers heres the guide to the second half of Saturdays walk for the BHF, Stoke Bruerne to Franklins Gardens.

Instructions for SWH4 Short Walkers

PLEASE READ DIGEST PRINT AND BRING WITH YOU.
LET’S NOT HAVE PEOPLE UNSURE OF WHEN AND WHERE THEY ARE GOING THIS YEAR.

Before the off:

Firstly. Are you confident in your fitness to do this walk? The second section of the walk is less strenuous than the first and once we are over the hill part of the route the speed is a more leisurely one if you choose, however we do not want anyone taking any risks, especially given that this is a health charity.

Secondly. Ensure you are properly prepared for the walk.
Some of the walk is over uneven and possibly wet ground. Make sure you have the correct footwear for a walk of this length and something to wear should there be an unexpected shower, there’s nothing worse than walking in wet clothes, it makes the distance seem twice what it was.

Bring something to eat and drink on route. Refreshments and food will not be provided and there are no shops on the length of the walk. Beg steal or borrow a rucksack, you’ll find that Netto bag a big of a burden after three or four miles.

Thirdly: The common sense bit but we have to tell you. Don’t be tempted to wash your hands or drink the canal water, however appetising it looks after 5 miles.
There are no toilets on the length of the walk, if you do need to go wait till everyone’s past and find yourself a bush, not recommended though down the Weedon Road though.

Fourthly: Listen to what we’re telling you, it’s for your benefit and safety not ours and the last thing we need is loose cannons wandering off and doing their own thing. We need to stick to the chosen route and schedule, we do not have time for any other additions or stoppages.

THE SECOND START

Please note that children under 14 years of age should NOT be walking on the first section of the short walk, they should instead be taking the boat.

The walkers (the ones not taking the boat) leave at 11:00 on the dot from the canal side picnic area by the museum in Stoke Bruerne. We head north along the towpath leaving the canal at the mouth of Blisworth tunnel. There’s a gradual rise here and it can sometimes be slightly boggy so again take care.

If you are late. Again please don’t try and catch us up. We’re at not covered from this point should you head out in an un-marshalled group or on your own. Sadly that’s it you’ve missed out but there’s always next year.

After ten minutes or so we come to the road. All wait here till every walker is gathered so we can do the road section together. 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. Alert other walkers to traffic coming in both direstions by raising your arm and shouting.

Once over the brow of the hill its downhill all the way into town. Keep and eye out for a signpost on the right with ‘89’ on it. Simon Robinson & Dave Percy (aka Smurf & Connect) will be here to guide you. Cross the road here, through the gate then a sharp right downwards back to the canal towpath, don’t wait, continue heading north.

BOATERS

For those taking the boat from Stoke Bruerne, disembark at the north end of the tunnel then head on the towpath northwards, please don’t wait for any other walkers from those going over the hill it will only cause congestion or hold ups. We will all meet as a group in a few minutes time at Bridge 48.

ALL WALKERS

***Final muster point for ALL walkers will be at Bridge 48 (they are numbered) at Gayton Junction.*** The towpath runs out here.

PLEASE ALL WAIT HERE TILL EVERY WALKER IS GATHERED.

Please wait on the towpath not the bridge as not all traffic will see you.

Here we will all walk as a group through the village 200 yards to pick up the Northampton arm of the canal. From this point on you’re free to head on at speed if you’re one of the fit blighters or take the last few miles at a leisurely pace if you wish.

Once back on the towpath it’s on past Gayton Marina then heading on into town under the M1.

Carrying on along the route keep an eye out for Lock 15, they like the bridges are numbered, a hundred yards after this lock leave the towpath at the next (un-numbered) bridge and head left over the canal.

After a further two small flat bridges you will see a car park for the ajoining lake. Take a right into this car park. Smurf & Connect will be here to point you in the right direction.

At the far side of this car park is a small wooden bridge that leads to a back road up to Sixfields. Take this road heading for the black and white chequered Walter Tull memorial at the top just before the football ground.

TAKE NOTE!
Due to building work round by the practice pitches there is a change this year. Head past the Walter Tull memorial, then round the perimeter of Sixfields football ground, at the top follow the road to the right down past the Old Orleans bar. Just past the car park there you will see a short footpath that takes you up to the Weedon Road. Take a right, then head down towards the Gardens.

Once you get to the Gardens enter via the gates next to Franklins. We have decided the finishing post this year is the statue of the rugby players at the back at the Tetley’s Stand, or ‘Uncle Keith’s tackle’ as it is colloquially known. Consider yourself to have finished the walk when you have touched the ball on Uncle Keith’s tackle!

Remembered the BHF stall etc will be in the village area so please call round while I’m sure most walkers will also be heading for Heroes bar for some rest and refreshment.

See you all on Saturday!

Any questions, no suggestions please, to the SWH4 Message Board.