10 lovely walks to enjoy with your dog in and around Towcester this January

Despite the cold and often rainy weather, January can be a great time to go outside and walk your dog.

In fact, January is officially Walk Your Dog Month, providing another reason to explore some of the beautiful countryside in and around the local area.

Read on to discover some beautiful outdoor spaces where your family and your four-legged friend can enjoy a refreshing walk in the new year.

1. Boddington Reservoir

Roughly a 30-minute drive from Towcester is the beautiful Boddington Reservoir. Set within miles of open countryside, there are plenty of trails for you to explore with your dog.

The reservoir is also a great spot for fishing, so if you’re a keen angler, it could be the perfect place to spend the day.

Boddington is close to several small villages, each home to charming cafés and pubs where you can grab a bite to eat and warm up after your walk around the reservoir.

2. Salcey Forest

Salcey Forest features ancient oaks and some rare and beautiful habitats for lots of different types of wildlife, making it a nature-lover’s paradise.

As well as a range of walking trails and cycle paths, for those who have a head for heights, the forest also boasts a treetop walkway.

With so much to see and do, Salcey Forest is a great day out for the whole family, including your four-legged friend.

3. Hazelborough Wood

Beautiful at any time of year, Hazelborough Wood has countless footpaths to explore, meaning that no matter how frequently you visit, you’ll always discover something new.

The wood is famously home to stunning bluebell displays in the spring, so make sure to pop it in your calendar for a return visit as the weather warms up.

4. Upton Country Park

Upton Country Park is a great day out for the whole family. As well as plenty of walking trails, you’ll also find a children’s play area and playing fields for football games.

If you enjoy jogging, you can also take part in the parkrun here on Saturday mornings. Dogs are welcome to join in but must be kept on lead.

5. Delapre Park

Delapre Park is located just outside Northampton city centre and comprises 500 acres of open countryside and woodland, as well as a stunning lake.

The park surrounds the Elizabethan walled garden in the grounds of Delapre Abbey. The property is steeped in history, having been here for 900 years.

6. Bucknell Wood

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Towcester, you’ll find Bucknell Wood, a quiet, little-known country park that may be right up your street if you prefer to escape the crowds.

You can enjoy Bucknell Wood on its own merit, or for a slightly longer walk, park in the nearby village of Silverstone and follow the public footpaths to the edge of the forest. The benefit of this is that you can stop at a local pub at the start and end of the walk and warm up with a refreshing drink.

7. Evenley Wood Garden

Visit Evenley Wood and marvel at the beautiful gardens, which feature a vast array of different plants and flowers. You can also enjoy a delicious hot drink and snack at the café and wander along the stream with your dog.

In addition to the beautiful setting, the garden is host to a number of lovely events throughout the year, from plant sales to Easter egg hunts for children.

8. Stowe Gardens

Make sure you have plenty of time on your hands if you decide to pay Stowe Gardens a visit. The National Trust conservation area offers picturesque views for miles around and seemingly endless trails, woodland, and lakeside walks to explore with your dog.

It’s an area that has attracted visitors, hikers, and nature lovers for more than 300 years, and it’s easy to see why. Discover the Grecian Valley, South Vista, and more on your walk.

9. Woodland Walk, Stoke Bruerne

Located close to the canal path in Stoke Bruerne, the woodland walk is a wonderful place to take in the sound of birds singing and enjoy some fresh air.

Look out for the delightful animal sculptures along the route, and enjoy a tea, coffee, or meal in one of the cafés on the canal path.

10. Bancroft Park

Bancroft Park is something of a hidden gem. It’s home to the ruins of a Roman villa, some concrete cows, and of course, lots of open space for your dog to run about and explore.

Learn about the history of the area on the information boards while the kids enjoy the play area. The paths can take you across to Bradwell, but be mindful of the road if your dog is off-lead.

Get in touch

As well as going outside for some fresh air with your dog, January can be a great time to review your financial plan for the year ahead. If you’d like some help creating a plan that helps you to reach your long-term financial goals, our friendly team in Towcester can help.

Email theteam@fortitudefp.co.uk or call us on 01327 354321.