We last did this walk in March 2018. Our abiding memories are endless mud and painfully cold hands. But it’s a nice walk, with a couple of climbs (for Warwickshire) and good views over Warwickshire and Northamptonshire, so we tried again and walked it in pleasant, warm, spring weather. Napton proved to be a friendly place, with ‘good morning’ from lots of the residents.
This was the start in March 2018. Little did we know that this was one of the better bits of towpath.
This time it was rather easier going.
Though there were still obstacles to overcome.
The first ducklings I’ve seen this year. We were walking beside the bit of canal which is both the Oxford and Grand Union.
At the top of the climb up to Napton, looking north-ish over Warwickshire.
St Lawrence Church, the stones for which were transported by fairies to the summit of the hill according to legend.
A bit lower down from the church, there’s a bench with a view south-ish.
A house in the village, adorned with buddleia.
Leaving Napton, with Shuckburgh Hills just visible on the horizon to the left.
Zooming in on Shuckburgh Hills.
Crossing fields, part of the Millennium Way.
Last year, this uphill bit had been hard going because of the mud in the tracks made by farm vehicles. This time the ruts and ground in between were useful because we were able to use them as seats for lunch.
Not far now to Shuckburgh Hills.
Looking back at Napton from the climb up Shuckburgh Hills.
Bluebells on Shuckburgh Hills.
Nearly back at the car… The somehow-out-of-proportion Church of St. John the Baptist at Lower Shuckburgh.
