The Best Guide for the NN12 Area

Long distance footpath in South Northants becomes a reality

Long distance footpath in South Northants becomes a reality

A new map has been published by Brackley based Global Mapping, designed by top map creator Mary Spence MBE.

The South Northants Heritage Trail has been designed to allow the walker to get the most from this beautiful and interesting part of England.  South Northamptonshire contains some of the country’s most quintessentially English landscapes interspersed with attractive, largely unspoilt villages characterised by picturesque stone cottages.  This rural and sparsely populated landscape has remained largely unchanged for centuries with a rich history.

1,800 listed buildings, many built from the distinctive local limestone and ironstone; over 50 conservation villages; dozens of ancient churches; the Grand Union and Oxford canals; and miles of dismantled railways-many of which are part of the trail.  Dig deeper and historical links with the past are everywhere.  Disused canals, WWII airfields, English Civil War battlefield, Henry VIII’s hunting woods and going back even further, planning the Magna Carta, one of only 5 sites in England where jousting was allowed, abandoned medieval villages and iron age camps.

The Heritage Trail winds around South Northamptonshire in three linked circuits radiating out of Brackley and Towcester for a total of 158 miles taking in many of the historic sights and sites that abound across the region.

South Northants Heritage Trail will allow the visitor to discover these secrets and enjoy beautiful views, locally produced food and drink and friendly hospitality.

Global Mapping MD, Alan Smith, commented “This map has taken 5 years to come to fruition and I have to say I am delighted, without doubt my favourite that we have ever published!  Having walked every mile of the route (with wildlife expert Tim Pridmore) to check the accuracy I suppose I would say that!”  Alan continued “The original idea came from Adrian Colwell at South Northants Council to build on the series of award-winning walking guides we had published.  It would be great if the South Northants Heritage Trail became as well known as The Pennine Way!”

The first of a number of videos, created to promote the delights of the Trail has just been published and is gaining enormous interest and can be viewed here .

The map has gone on sale in local outlets, including Towcester Library -located in the Forum- at just £8.99 and already is receiving favourable comments.  Local resident Michael Barnes commented “I acquired my copy from the Old Hall Book Shop today and I have to say that you have managed to conjure up an entirely fresh perspective on an area with which I thought I was pretty familiar. I’m very looking forward to putting it to use.  More power to your cartographer’s pen - or whatever the digital equivalent is!”

The map is also available to buy online via www.southnorthantsheritagetrail.co.uk  where there is information about the trail, videos and FREE walking guides to download.

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