Brampton Valley Way
This walk and cycle trail runs from the outskirts of Northampton to Market Harborough along the trackbed of a disused railway line and National Cycle Route 6. The route passes Brixworth, Maidwell and Great Oxendon with the popular Brixworth Country Park just off the route. This is well worth a small detour as you will find the lovely Pitsford Reservoir which has a fine waterside cycling and walking trail to try. Cycles can also be hired here at the Brixworth visitor centre.
As well as the beautiful rural scenery you will also pass Northampton & Lamport Railway with its old steam railway on this pleasant trail.
Brampton Valley Way Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Brampton Valley Way Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Brampton Valley Way OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Brampton Valley Way Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Brixworth Park is located just to the east of the route at Brixworth. There's a decent cafe here serving a good range of snacks and sandwiches with some tables outside for finer days. There's good views towards the adjacent Pitsford Reservoir too.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just to the west of the route start you could try the Harlestone Firs Forest Walk. This popular woodland area contains miles of peaceful trails on Lord Spencer's Althorp Estate. Near the woods you can also visit Althorp House, the childhood home of Princess Diana. Here you can learn about 500 years of history and explore the beautiful grounds and gardens. The woods and house are located just over a mile west from the start of the trail and well worth a small detour.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Leicestershire Walks and the Northamptonshire Walks pages.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Memorial Seat on the Brampton Valley Way. A carved inscription on the seat reads 'Amit Bhattacharyya - Storyteller and Healer'. There are a number of memorial seats established on this stretch of the trail.
Entrance to the Brampton Valley Way
Bridge on the trail. This clearly shows the original use of what is now the Brampton Valley Way. The former Market Harborough to Northampton railway line looks as though it may have had four tracks at this point.
Disused Footbridge over the trail. This footbridge used to carry a footpath over the Brampton Valley railway line. Since the trackbed is now a cycle path, the footbridge is not needed and the treads have been removed.
Level crossing. This former level crossing would have previously had priority for the trains on the Market Harborough to Northampton railway line. Now the tractor is crossing and has stopped so that the driver can shut the field gate behind her. It is also a convenient point for walkers on the Way to park their cars.
Footpath/Cycleway Adjacent to the Brampton Valley Way. Leads only to Boughton Mill which is now a riding school and is also used by cars.
Bridleway looking toward the trail. Near Maidwell, Northamptonshire on a fine Sunday morning in September 2009.
Crossing the River Brampton. Past Kelmarsh tunnel the former railway line now meets south-flowing streams. Here the route crosses the almost imperceptible headwaters of the River Brampton that gives this Brampton Valley Way its name as a recreational route.
Elevation Profile
