permanent trails

PERMANENT TRAILS

ORGANISED BY ISE VALLEY VAGABONDS
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BEDFORD River Walk CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 11 km GRADE: 1 AALR STATUS: Exempt RESTRICTIONS: None ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9SH OS map 153 GR 072494 TRAIL FACILITIES: Bus service within 1km of the start Car parking at the start Is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs Refreshment facilities on route Goes along riverside paths Goes through urban areas Goes along minor roads DESCRIPTION OF TRAIL: A pleasant stroll visiting the village of Elstow, birthplace of Bedford's most famous son, John Bunyan. Returning along the banks of the magnificent River Ouse.
BEDFORD Country Park & Town Trail CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 10 km GRADE: 1 AALR STATUS: Exempt RESTRICTIONS: None ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: Beefeater Steak House, Priory Marina, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9DJ OS map 153 GR 072494 TRAIL FACILITIES: Bus service within 1km of the start Car parking at the start Is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs Refreshment facilities on route Goes along riverside paths Goes through urban areas Goes along minor roads DESCRIPTION OF TRAIL: This trail takes in the Priory Country Park and riverside walks not covered by the Bedford River Walk, the historic castle motte and interesting parts of the modern centre of the town, whose charter was first granted in 1166.
BEDFORD The Marston Vale Timberland Trail CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 21km GRADE: 3 (3+ in winter months due to heavy clay soil in the fields in the first 3km, which can be avoided as in the trail description instructions) ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Marston Mortaine, Bedford MK43 0PR OS map: 153 Grid Ref: TL005418 CAR PARKING: At Start Venue, from 10am to 6pm in summer and from 10am to 4pm in winter. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus from Bedford main Bus Station (or train from Bedford to Millbrook Station, from where the walk can also be started, as the Station is ½ way round the trail). TERRAIN: Undulating woodland, farmland, minor roads and parkland trails. REFRESHMENTS: At the Start Venue from 10am-6pm in summer, 3.30pm in winter. A fully waymarked trail starting from the new Forest Centre, it crosses farmland before rising to take in the undulating wooded landscape along the edge of Marston Vale. Small villages and the market town of Ampthill with its historic parkland make this an interesting and exhilarating walk. Allow plenty of time for the walk to enjoy it fully.
BEDFORD King William IV Walk Kempston CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 13km GRADE: 2 ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: King William IV Pub, 56 High Street, Kempston, Bedford MK42 7AL OS map 153 GR 024473 CAR PARKING: At start venue. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: From Bedford main Bus Station. TERRAIN: Minor roads and farmland. REFRESHMENTS: At Start Venue from 11am-11pm daily, and at a pub on the route at 5km. Departing from a 17th Century Inn, now a pub & restaurant, the walk crosses farmland, along the river Great Ouse, traverses two golf courses, passes through small villages and quiet woods with quaint village pubs along the way. The final stretch along the river traverses an avenue of lime trees.
BEDFORD Marston Vale Millennium Country Park Trail CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 10km GRADE: 1 ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Marston Mortaine, Bedford MK43 0PR OS map 153 GR 005418 CAR PARKING: At Start Venue, from 10am to 6pm Mondays to Fridays, and to 5pm Saturdays and Sundays. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus from Bedford main Bus Station (or train from Bedford to Millbrook Station, from where the walk can also be started, as the Station is ½ way round the trail). TERRAIN: Flat lakeside paths. REFRESHMENTS: At the Start Venue from 10am-6pm in summer, 3.30pm in winter. Starting at the newly established Marston Vale Forest Park, this trail is a circular route around the Country Park, set up under the 'Forests for Communities' scheme. The walk takes you around the banks of renaturalised former clay pits from the brick industry. This is a local example of environmental regeneration at work.

CHESTER Permanent Trail CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 11km GRADE: 1+ ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: The Queen Hotel, City Road, Chester CH1 3AH OS map: 117 Grid Ref: SJ413669 CAR PARKING: Car parks within 500 metres. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The nearest railway station is Chester and the Queen Hotel is close by. TERRAIN: Urban areas, roads and riverside paths. REFRESHMENTS: Available at the start and various places on route. City pavement, riverside path and a circuit of the City Wall - paved, with occasional steps. The route shows many facets of this beautiful city - busy shopping centre, delightful buildings old and modern, Roman remains, the racecourse and of course, a stroll along the River Dee.

DAVENTRY Permanent Trail CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 11km GRADE: 2 ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: The Queen of Hearts Pub, Wimborne Place, Daventry, Northants NN11 0XY OS map 152 GR 576643 CAR PARKING: At start venue. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus service within 1km of start. TERRAIN: Urban areas, minor roads and farmland. REFRESHMENTS: Available at the start and various places on route. Walk through the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, A pleasant walk starting at the Queen of Hearts pub (ample parking), then onto the disused railway line to the Town Centre. Circle the centre before passing through the out of town areas to climb onto the ancient Borough Hill, fortified and lived upon since the Iron Age, and more recently the home of The BBC World Service. There are plenty of opportunities to admire the wonderful views over the countryside. Then it’s downhill to the Daventry Country Park with its reservoir and abundance of wildfowl. Then back to the pub for well deserved refreshments.

KETTERING Permanent Trail CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 14km GRADE: 2 ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: George Hotel, Sheep Street, Kettering, Northants NN16 0AN OS map 141 GR SP867784 CAR PARKING: At start venue. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The nearest railway station is Kettering. Follow the road from the station ahead to the end. Turn left at the lights. The George Hotel is 50m ahead on your left. TERRAIN: Urban areas, roads and riverside. REFRESHMENTS: Available at the start and various places on route. The walk starts off on pavement and made-up paths, but a good deal of unmade path follows that are liable to get muddy. There are stiles and some fields to cross. Not suitable for pushchairs. The walk includes Northamptonshire’s answer to Disneyland - Wicksteed Pleasure Park and a pleasant stroll along the river Ise, also passing through two delightful small villages, Warkton and Weekley. There are limited refreshment facilities. Toilet facilities also limited.

KING’S LYNN Permanent Walk CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 12km GRADE: 1 ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: Globe Hotel, King Street, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1EZ OS map 132 GR TF617205 CAR PARKING: At start venue. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The nearest railway station to the start is King's Lynn. Follow signs to town centre and Tuesday Market Place. TERRAIN: Urban areas, roads and farmland. Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. REFRESHMENTS: Available at the start and various places on route. The route is entirely pavement and made up paths, there are no hills, which make it suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. An ancient market town and port, King's Lynn has many buildings from medieval to Georgian times. The Tuesday Market dates from the 12th century. The route passes many of the delightful old buildings, the riverside and some of the more recent developments. There are several shops and pubs en-route for refreshments and toilets. Public toilet facilities are limited.

LONDON (HAMPSTEAD) Permanent Walk CONTACT : Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 12km GRADE: 1+ ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: Hampstead Underground Station (Northern Line) OS map: 176 Grid Ref: TQ264858 CAR PARKING: Within 500m of start PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The nearest tube station to the start is Hampstead. TERRAIN: Urban areas, minor roads and heath land. Suitable for pushchairs. REFRESHMENTS: Available various places on route. Enjoy panoramic views of London and pass the residences of famous citizens past and present.
LONDON (HOGARTH) Permanent Walk CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 18km GRADE: 1 ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: The Shaftesbury Hotel, Hogarth Road, London SW5 0BQ OS map: 176 Grid Ref: TQ256787 CAR PARKING: At start venue. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The nearest tube station to the start is Earl's Court. Leave by the Earl's Court Road exit. Hogarth Road is almost directly opposite. The hotel is about 300m along the road, on the left-hand side. TERRAIN: Urban areas, major and minor roads, and riverside paths. Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. REFRESHMENTS: Available at the start and various places on route. The route passes stately squares, royal palaces, trendy shops, antique dealers, concert halls, museums and the riverside.

OXFORD Permanent Trail CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 13km GRADE: 1 AALR STATUS: Exempt RESTRICTIONS: None ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: Bathing Place Car Park, Wolvercote, Oxford OS map 164 GR 488094 TRAIL FACILITIES: Bus service within 1km of the start Car parking at the start Refreshment facilities on route Goes through urban areas Goes along major roads Goes along minor roads Goes along riverside paths DESCRIPTION OF TRAIL: The route follows the Oxford Canal into the city centre then gives a taste of some of the main tourist attractions. The return is made along the Thames Path.

RUGBY The Lawrence Sheriff Trail CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 10km GRADE: 2 ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: Railway Terrace Long Stay Car Park, Rugby. OS map 140 GR SP506753 CAR PARKING: At start venue PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus & Train service within 0.5km of start. TERRAIN: Road and hard track. REFRESHMENTS: Available at various places on route. This pleasant walk takes you round the town of Rugby, with its local history and places to visit like Rugby School Museum and Gilberts Rugby Football Museum. It also takes you along a canal following the towpath to Newbold passing one or two pubs.

STRATFORD UPON AVON Shakespeare Stroll CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 10km GRADE: 1 ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: Stratford Leisure & Visitor Centre, Bridgeway, Stratford upon Avon, Warks CV37 6YY OS map 151 GR SP206553 CAR PARKING: There is a large car park adjacent to the Leisure & Visitor Centre, which is on the main road from Warwick, just as you enter Stratford upon Avon. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The nearest railway station to the start is Stratford upon Avon TERRAIN: Urban areas, roads, canal towpaths and riverside paths. Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. REFRESHMENTS: Available at the start and various places on route. The walk is on pavements and made up paths, there are no hills, which make it suitable for pushchairs wheelchairs. An old market town, birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford has many faces to show the tourist - beautiful houses, a modern new theatre, the river Avon, and of course many attractions linked with the Immortal Bard. The walk includes canal and riverside, the town, and passes Anne Hathaway's cottage. There are many refreshment facilities including inexpensive meals at the Leisure Centre. Toilet facilities are limited.

STAMFORD Permanent Trail CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 10km GRADE: 1 ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: The Golden Fleece, 18 Sheep Market, Stamford, Lincs PE9 2RB OS map 141 GR TF028069 CAR PARKING: There are several pay and display car parks in and around the town centre. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The nearest railway station to the start is Stamford. Turn left on leaving the station, ahead across the Lammas Bridge and over the river. Go straight on towards the Golden Fleece. TERRAIN: Urban areas, minor roads and farmland. Suitable for pushchairs. REFRESHMENTS: Available at the start and various places on route. The route is largely pavement and made up paths. There is one short section of unmade path, but no steep hills making it suitable for pushchairs. A beautiful town built largely of local stone. The town dates from Roman times and has been developed, in turn, by Saxons, Danes and Normans. Once the capital of the Fens, it was renowned for its woollen cloth as well as being a seat of learning. The walk also enters the grounds of Burghley House (a stately home well worth a visit) and visits the nearby village of Wothorpe, providing excellent views over Stamford itself. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and pubs in the town. There are two public toilets.

WARWICK Permanent Trail CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 12km GRADE: 2 ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) AWARD: Cloth Badge at £2.00 each CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: St Marys Lands Pay & Display Car Park, adjacent to Warwick racecourse, Hampton Street, Warwick CV34 6HN OS map 151 GR SP274648 CAR PARKING: At the start venue. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus and train service within 1km of start. TERRAIN: Urban areas, roads and field paths. REFRESHMENTS: Available at various pubs and restaurants on the route. The walk passes through many interesting parts of this historic town and incorporates a pleasant riverside walk.

WELLINGBOROUGH Permanent Trail CONTACT: Carol Jones, 138 Rushden Road, Wymington, Rushden, Northants NN10 9LE Tel: 01933 314134 E-mail: caroljones138@btinternet.com DISTANCE: 11km GRADE: 1 ENTRY FEE: £1.00 per walker (Cheques payable to Ise Valley Vagabonds) CONTROL SYSTEM: Questions ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal & Internet START VENUE: Hind Hotel, 38 Sheep Street, Wellingborough NN8 1BY OS map: 152 Grid Ref: SP891678 CAR PARKING: Several car parks in the town centre, most of which are free. PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The nearest railway station is Wellingborough. Follow the road from the station, Midland Road, to the end. Turn left into the pedestrian area. The Hind Hotel faces you, about 150m ahead. TERRAIN: Urban areas and minor roads. Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. REFRESHMENTS: Available at the start and various places along the route. The route utilizes parts of the newly-constructed cycleway network and incorporates some familiar landmarks including the Embankment and the ‘IVV Tree’.

TRAIL GRADING

These have been introduced to enable walkers to decide which trails are suitable for them

Grade 1
An easy walk on pavement or well-maintained paths with minimal stiles or hills.
May be suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Grade 2
A moderate walk in any setting with some difficult terrain, one or two substantial hills, steps or stiles.
Pushchairs and wheelchairs questionable.

Grade 3
A more difficult walk. All on poorly maintained paths or tracks, rough fields or woods.
Steep climbs, rough, uneven terrain or frequent stiles.
Not likely to be suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Participants with health problems should take caution.

Where a Trail falls between 2 categories then a plus has been added to the lower grade.

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