The best walks and hikes around Kelmarsh

Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes. Many trails start and end in the same place, allowing you to explore the countryside without retracing your steps. A great example is the View from Haselbech Hill loop from Kelmarsh, which offers a moderately challenging circuit with rewarding views.

Many trails in the Northamptonshire countryside are dog-friendly, but it's important to be mindful of farmland. The area around Kelmarsh includes pastures with livestock, so always keep dogs on a lead where indicated. Trails through woodlands or along public footpaths are generally good options, provided your dog is kept under control.

For a shorter, engaging walk that's great for families, consider the Kelmarsh Station – Kelmarsh Tunnel loop from Kelmarsh. It's an easy and relatively short walk that includes the excitement of walking through a historic tunnel, which is often a highlight for younger hikers.

The Kelmarsh Tunnel is a popular feature on the Brampton Valley Way. It's a former railway tunnel and is very dark inside. It is strongly recommended to bring a torch or headlamp for visibility. The surface is relatively smooth, but the lack of light can be disorienting without a good light source.

While the region isn't known for large waterfalls, you can find smaller water features. The Little waterfall – View from Haselbech Hill loop from Maidwell is an easy and pleasant hike that incorporates a small, charming waterfall into the route.

There is a wide variety of options for all abilities. You can explore nearly 300 different hiking routes in the region, ranging from short, easy strolls to more demanding countryside treks.

The hiking routes around Kelmarsh are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful rural scenery, the mix of woodland and open fields, and the unique historical features like the old railway tunnels.

Yes, the Jurassic Way, a long-distance footpath stretching from Banbury to Stamford, passes through the area. You can experience a section of it on the East Farndon Moot Hill – Jurassic Way Footpath loop from Great Oxendon, which combines the famous trail with local field paths.

Kelmarsh Hall & Gardens offers specific walking routes within its grounds, including woodland and lakeside paths. These are typically accessible to visitors who have paid for entry to the gardens. For opening times and ticket information, it's best to check the official Historic Houses website.

The landscape is defined by rolling hills, so expect gentle but consistent inclines and declines. Trails run along a mix of surfaces, including grassy field edges, woodland dirt paths, and the paved or gravel surfaces of former railway lines like the Brampton Valley Way. Most paths are well-maintained, but can become muddy after rain.

Yes, you can combine a walk along both the Kelmarsh and Oxendon Tunnels. The Oxendon Tunnel – Jurassic Way Footpath loop from Great Oxendon focuses on the southern tunnel, but it can be extended north along the Brampton Valley Way to also include the Kelmarsh Tunnel for a longer day out.

For routes involving the Kelmarsh Tunnel and Brampton Valley Way, there are designated car parks available, such as the one near the Kelmarsh Station site. For other circular walks, it's common to find parking in the villages where the routes start, like Kelmarsh, Great Oxendon, or Maidwell. Always be sure to park considerately.