Cold Ashby Rambler's Three Hills Walk
Honey Hill - Elkington - Hemplow Hills - Winwick Grange - Yelvertoft - Crack's Hill - Winwick - Honey Hill
This is a longer walk than others you will find described in detail on this site which the Rambler has created by linking sections of several of the shorter routes to be found on other pages. It uses paths, bridleways, canal towpaths and short sections of rural roads to connect three local viewpoints.
You can, of course, start or leave at any of the access points you find along the way and travel in either direction around the loop (which means you do not have to complete the Three Hills in one day unless you cannot resist the challenge!).
The previously published shorter walks can also be consulted to create further interest as you progress - see More Information and Selected Shorter Walks below the walk description.
{The Rambler strives to give accurate descriptions of the walks on this site but is aware that any text is always open to a variety of readings and possible (mis)interpretations.
He therefore strongly recommends that walkers are equipped with a relevant O.S. map (Explorer 222, 223) and decent compass which should enable them to regain the intended route should they be unintentionally misled - please do not rely only on his meagre attempts at sketch maps!
Constructive comments and/or criticisms are always welcome here.}
Starts & ends at : Stanford Road section of Jurassic Way.
Distance : About 18 - 20 miles if you include the wooded areas mentioned (but see comment above).
DIfficulty : Moderate climbs up the hills otherwise quite level on well-marked footpaths, bridleways, towpaths and lanes.
The Rambler’s description begins at the Stanford road access point for Honey Hill (see photo left) where there is limited off-road parking.
Follow the well trodden path to Honey Hill. Admire the view from the top (apart from all those wind turbines!) and follow the Jurassic Way markers to Elkington where you emerge on the Yelvertoft Road. Just before the first bridge (28) at Heygates Lodge, you will see a bridleway sign on your right. Follow this bridleway, with the canal on your left. Just after you pass beneath the intrusively noisy A14 you reach the next Bridge where the bridleway turns right (East) and shortly after sharp left which takes you to the Stanford Road adjacent to Woodside Farm. Turn right for a short distance until you see the broad Hemplow drive and take this up (North) through the wooded area of The Hemplow Hills to rejoin the Jurassic Way which leaves the drive to your left, just before Hemploe Lodge Farm.
Enjoy the woodland and your elevated position before descending to the canal again at Bridge 31 and rejoining the canal towpath section of the Jurassic Way, though now heading South towards the noisy A14 (sorry to put you through that again!).
Pass under the A14 and stay on the towpath passing through Elkington and continuing to Winwick Grange. On your way notice Yelvertoft Fieldside Covert on the opposite side of the canal, about half a mile from Elkington, which is accessed from Bridge 27 It’s well worth exploring this (and, thanks to The Woodland Trust, you can).
From Winwick Grange stay on the towpath as far as Skew Bridge West. You can now leave the canal for a while by walking into Yelvertoft on the road (do have a look at the church if you have time) until you reach a bridleway on your left close to the small Post Office.
Take this remarkably straight Bridleway due South eventually reaching The Millennium Wood, Cracks Hill and the recently planted Jubilee Wood.
Having thoroughly explored these amenities you now begin your return to Honey Hill by rejoining the canal at the Southern end of the restored Bridge 14.
Follow the attractively meandering towpath towards Yelvertoft and beyond, this time staying with the canal as far as the bridge at Winwick Grange.
Here you take the quiet lane into Winwick, a real gem of a Northamptonshire hamlet.
Continue past the Manor and church along the Main Street to join the Jurassic Way(North) and your final climb up Honey Hill via Winwick Lodge, Cold Ashby Golf Course and Honey Hill Farm - emerging on Stanford Road only a few yards from your starting point.
