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THE BRAMPTON VALLEY WAY - Part one
This is a dedicated 15 mile footpath and cycleway
along the track bed of the old Northampton to Market
Harborough Railway. One can join the path at various places
where there are car parking facilities. I joined at the southern end
where the railway used to cross the A5199 main road. I remember
quite well getting held up at this point some years ago when the
crossing gates were closed to let a train pass. After passing a
riding school I saw the first signs of the Lamport and Chapel
Brampton Railway. Here we have a dedicated group of people
working together to recreate as much of the original railway as
possible. You will see lots of rolling stock including diesel and
steam locomotives, a lovely signal box with original working signals
and the original station .As you proceed northward you will pass
Merry Tom Crossing. This is as far as the railway track goes at
the moment. Continuing onwards you cross small viaducts and rivers
surrounded by arable farmland and an original wrought iron
footbridge. Take a break at Draughton Crossing to visit the
village of Maidwell. You will find ‘The Stags Head’ the
local hostelry and a school with a steam train in the playground.
There are two tunnels to
pass through in order to reach Market Harborough and you are advised
to take a good torch with you. It is a spooky experience with the
dampness and the echo. On this occasion I went as far as Kelmarsh
Tunnel and do keep a watch for part two of this
cycle/walk when with my pal Ernie, we cycle through the tunnels and
on to Market Harborough where we enjoyed a Fish’n’Chip lunch sitting
on a wall in the main street.
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