Stoke Bruerne and Blisworth Tunnel

This walk gives you a lovely take on the countryside around Stoke Bruerne, as well as past the Nature Reserve at the site of Brickworks Arm, which is free of charge to visit. You can also spend time checking out the seven locks at Stoke Bruerne.

The shorter walk along the canal's towpath takes in the sights of Blisworth Tunnel, the remaining track of the Blisworth Hill Tramway and the Canal Museum, which is particularly renowned for its extensive selection of canal books.

From the bus stop, walk up the road away from the canal and walk onto Mill Lane. At the end, continue along the footpath for about half a mile and when you meet the hedgeline, take a left and follow the footpath for a good mile towards Shutlanger.

When you reach the end of Shutlanger Road, turn sharp left onto this road for a short distance before cutting onto another footpath off right. Follow this footpath towards St. Mary's Church and from here take Church Lane back onto Shutlanger Road, turning right to bring you over the canal and locks and back to the bus stop.

A shorter walk of just one mile (1.5 kms) also starts at the bus stop, but comes down onto the canal's towpath and goes all the way to the entrance to Blisworth Tunnel. At this point, cross the canal and veer off into the fields following a track until you come out on Shutlanger Road. Turn left here and continue. This route meets the longer walk at the end of Church Lane.

Getting there

Parking: On-road parking is available in Stoke Bruerne. There is also parking at the Canal Museum a little way up the towpath from the bus stop.

Public transport: United Counties service number 37 runs between Northapton and Milton Keynes, stopping at Stoke Bruerne, Mondays to Saturdays. No service on Sundays. The Saunterbus operates between Easter and September on selected days. The 'Heritage' route stops at Stoke Bruerne. By road Stoke Bruerne is about 7 miles from Northampton and about 10 miles from Milton Keynes, just off the main A508.