Rotary Walk from the Wharf, Bugbrooke

Rotary Walk

Thursday 21 September 2017

Leave from the “The Wharf”

Cornhill Lane, Bugbrooke, Northampton NN7 3QB

01604 832585

I have just returned from my final walk reconnoiter and discovered that the Five Bells in Bugbrooke has closed down since I did the original plan.  I have now arranged for us to switch to the Wharf, which is by the canal in Bugbrooke. They do not open until midday so we will be unable to order before we leave but as there are only 12 of us that should not be an issue.

I have organised the walk around the Bugbrooke/Nether Heyford area.  Meet at the Wharf at 10.15 for a 10.30 start with lunch at 12.30.

David Allitt

 Walk Report

Our leader, David Allitt, had to change his plan to use the Five Bells pub as it was no longer open pending a sale of the lease.

10 walkers assembled at the Wharf for the start.  Brian & Elizabeth Phillips, Ian & Loredana Harley, David & Dorothy Harrop with friend, Erica Stevenson, John Evitt and, last but not least, Brian Dickens. DH had his dog Jack too – to pull him along.

After a briefing from David A about  the hazards likely to be expected and to beware of, he led is down to the canal side, where we set off towards Nether Heyford.  DH let Jack off his lead so he would be less likely to trip up anyone and precipitate an early bath in the brown and murky waters!  We passed many moored boats and barges and there was quite a bit of activity on the water and much of interest to observe as we strolled along.

The weather remained reasonably mild but gloomy and the threatened rain never troubled us until we left the Wharf to go home.  Well planned David!

John Evitt was in his element during the canal-side walk as he had a number of bridges to use as settings for photographs of the intrepid party!

From the canal, we walked on through the centre of Nether Heyford and headed across some fields, back towards Bugbrooke.  The paths were well marked and not too muddy as we crossed one or two recently ploughed fields.  Again, JE had some stiles and foot-bridges to use as backdrops for some more piccies en route.  Inspired, no doubt, by tales of limbo antics from the last walk one or two ladies contemplated limbo-ing under a low metal gate – but thought better of it and stooped under!  And so we proceeded over a number of stiles, all elegantly negotiated except one, where poor David H had to lift Jack up bodily and gently drop him over, assisted by Brian P, for which he was grateful!

So, back to Bugbrooke; then across the churchyard and up to The Wharf for lunch where we were joined by Leslie Allitt and Liz Middleton.  My legs told me it was about 3 1/2 to 4miles!

The meals were good although the service was a bit haphazard due to us having to give individual orders at the bar when we arrived as the pub wasn’t open when we set off.  Also the room and table setting was more generous that The Griffin at Pitsford last month, so Lesley was not tempted to show off her limbo skills this time!

Erica Stevenson passed on the walking man trophy to Elizabeth Phillips who managed the walk and all its obstacles despite suffering from a recent leg injury.

David Harrop