Raunds and Stanwick Lakes

Summary

This is one of our "go to" walks when we just want some fresh air and goods views. A full loop around Stanwick Lakes will add a couple of kilometres to the walk if you fancy a bit more of an exercise.

Statistics

Start: Car park at Warth Park Country Park

Maps: OL224: Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough

Parking: Car Park

Distance: 6.6km (about 4.1 miles)

Refreshments: Stanwick Lakes Visitor Centre

The Walk

Head down the path leading from the car park. Pretty soon this splits into two; it doesn't matter which one you take as they both lead to the same track and you can take the other one on your journey back. It's all downhill on the paved path, passing the drainage run-offs from the nearby trading estate. When you get to the track (Meadow Lane) turn right and head through the underpass taking you under the A45. Straight in front of you is a gate which you go through and along the path to another gate. You are now in Stanwick Lakes and the path takes you to a fork. If you fancy a longer walk around the lakes take the left path otherwise go right. It won't be long before you reach another path, actually a disused railway track, and if you took the walk around the lakes this is where you would be walking down. Turn right and head down this track, crossing a bridge with good views of the River Nene either side. After about 1.5km you'll come to a gate. To your left is a marina and straight ahead the footpath makes its way to Thrapston and beyond. You need to and bear right, though, onto the road that leads to Ringstead and there is a footpath signed on your right after about 20 metres. 

Follow this and head up the path between the fields. Stay on this path that gradually climbs uphill and runs straight for just over a kilometre. The path then goes right diagonally across the field, descending with good views of the lakes and river in front of you. At the opposite corner of the field you go through a metal gate and bear left. The ground is uneven and there are generally a lot of sheep grazing in this field. Continue downhill, passing through another gate on the way. There are a couple of old footbridges that you may or may not need, depending on the mud and water levels in the streams that trickle down to the river. One more gate brings you onto a track that runs parallel to the A45. Turn right and head down this track and across a small bridge over a stream where we have spotted kingfishers in the past. Turn left at the track you came in on (Meadow Lane) and back through the underpass. You then need to make a left turn, either on the path you walked down or the second path, where it's about a kilometre uphill back to the car park.

Notes and musings

Stanwick Lakes Country Park opened in 2006 and covers about 3 square kilometres of former gravel pits. Archeological excavations on the site have discovered artifacts dating back to the neolithic and bronze ages as well as remnants of a Roman mosaic that is now on display in the Visitor Centre. Quarrying started in 1985 and continued until 2004 when the site was purchased by East Northamptonshire District Council.

Although its inhabitants won't thank me for saying it, Raunds is not a particularly interesting town, however it does possess a number of noteworthy facts. Firstly, the late TV presenter, Sir David Frost, once lived there. Secondly, it once held the record for the highest temperature recorded in Britain: 36.7 °C, set on 10 August 1911, which stood until 1990.  And finally, the town claims to have the shortest zebra crossing in England. Money well spent, I am sure!