Dog owners in north Northamptonshire are always looking for new and exciting routes to take their furry friends and places to stay with them!
In this blog, we will highlight some of the best dog walks in this area, so you can discover a new trail.
Also, some dog friendly places for refreshments and sustenance, and places to stay while you're here. The countryside offers many wonderful and scenic walks, trails, and doggy walking adventures.
DOG WALKS
Fineshade Woods Forest, Corby, NN17 3BB
Enjoy a picturesque walk found between Corby and Stamford at Fineshade Wood.
The Smelters' Walk is an easy 2-mile circular walk (follow the yellow markers).
You will pass through an area where iron was once smelted in the forest. Starting at the top of the car park, The Smelters' Walk is a route is an easy walk with gently sloping surfaced paths. Archaeological evidence shows iron ore has been smelted on this site for over 3,000 years!
Mill Wood trail is a longer 3-mile circular walk on the (follow the pink markers).
The trail is a treat for the senses at any time of the year. Some parts are more enclosed, giving a cosy feel, and you can really see the trees and plants in detail. They may be muddy in wet weather, but this is where you may catch sight of shy deer or see the tracks they leave behind.
Later, you will come across wider paths cutting through the woodland, where you can see the open skies overhead and catch glimpses of red kites and buzzards as they ride the thermals. You can breathe in the air and get a real sense of the surrounding countryside. In summer, dragonflies love hunting along the verges, and the sunnier and more sheltered grassy areas are great for butterfly spotting.
Facilities:
Grounds Cafe is dog-friendly and has everything you need after your walk.
Parking is available but charged.
Fermyn Woods Country Park
Lyveden Rd., Brigstock, Kettering, NN14 3HS
Woodland Walk is an easy 1-mile circular walk (follow the purple markers).
The trail makes a steady climb up the hill from the visitor centre. A wide, well-surfaced path loops through this historic, ancient woodland, offering opportunities to sit, watch, and listen to the wildlife.
Fermyn Forest Trail is a 2-mile circular walk (follow the orange markers).
This trail takes a gentle route from the visitor centre up into the woods.
The trail follows some of the historic woodland rides that have been laid out for many centuries.
Facilities:
The Skylark Cafe is a dog-friendly restaurant with all the facilities you will need.
Parking is available but charged.
Twywell Hills and Dales
Twywell Hills and Dales, Kettering, NN14 4DZ
Twywell Hills and Dales Country Park is much loved and well used by the local community in East Northamptonshire. Its open fields and hilly landscape make the site popular amongst dog walkers looking to escape the busy towns.
There is a circular route, but it's around 4 miles, and there is plenty of picturesque space to happily walk your dog, with picnic areas, etc.
Facilities:
There is no permanent cafe, but there is a coffee truck if you time it right!
Free parking.
STAY
Corby:
New Lodge Farm Caravan and Camping Site
Bulwick
Rockingham Forest
Corby
Northamptonshire
NN17 3DU
Brightside Caravan Park
Weldon Road
Upper Benefield
Corby
Northamptonshire
PE8 5AS
Cottingham:
Rockingham The Stables
Rockingham Road
Cottingham
Leicestershire
LE16 8XS
Kettering:
Wicksteed Park Campsite
Barton Road
Kettering
Northamptonshire
NN15 6NJ
EAT & DRINK
Near Fineshade Woods:
The Cross Keys Inn, 2 West St., King's Cliffe, Peterborough, PE8 6XA
Near Fermyn Woods:
The Coach and Horses, Harborough Road, Brixworth, NN6 9BX
Near Twywell Hills and Dales:
The Old Friar, Lower Street, Kettering, Twywell, NN14 3AH
Corby:
The Knights Lodge, 8 Tower Hill Rd., Corby, NN18 0TH
A traditional country style dog friendly pub with home cooked food and a large beer garden. Parking.
Have fun exploring the area.
Take care.