Distance 3.75 miles

Description Anticlockwise

 Starting from the Towcester road bridge over the Grand Union Canal, take the path on the right hand side of the canal, in a due south/east direction.  This path follows the edge of the canal cutting, when the canal enters the Blisworth canal tunnel, you can trace the canal underground by the ventilation chimneys to your left.  The path continues on a grass track, by the side of a delightful brook for a distance, and then slowly rises to a farm gate adjacent to Nun Wood.   Turn right at the top gate and then left to walk along the perimeter of Nun Wood and Showsley belt of trees to emerge by farm buildings on the Shutlanger to Showsley road.

Turn left down the small road into Shutlanger.   Turn left down High Street  and  then right  at the Reading Room into Baker Lane.  Continue through the village until you reach the cross roads, cross over into Water Lane and then left onto the footpath behind the building called the  ‘Monastery’.  Walk due east crossing over a brook and then a small track to follow path, with the hedgerow on your left, to arrive at the top edge of Stoke Bruerne sports field.

Continue straight ahead to arrive at the St Mary’s Church gate.  The path turns left and follows the perimeter wall of the church to emerge the other side in Church Lane.  It is possible to walk through the churchyard, in which case you may be able to solve the puzzle of initials and dates engraved in the west gate stone pillar.

Continue down Church Lane and turn right onto the Shutlanger Road, down to The Green and road bridge over the Grand Union Canal.

Stoke Bruerne is a busy canal centre with working barges and a museum.      Time should be allowed to explore the canal paths and village.   The village has two Public Houses, restaurants and accommodation.