Kettering to Wellingborough: 8.5 miles (23/05/23)

Attendees; D Lucas, D Chambers, D McDonnell

Met up at Kettering station at 12h40. Sunny warm afternoon. The first mile or so was through the delightful residential streets of Kettering before reaching the world famous Wicksteed Park, maybe not quite what it was but, in its time, it was the Alton Towers of the day. We walked around the lake alongside the narrow train tracks and across the pontoon on the lake to head along the bank on the river Ise to reach an old railway embankment. We all struggled the very steep climb to reach to old railway track bed, but no sooner up, we could climb down the steps on the other side. Once again by the riverbank we passed under the infamous A14 and approached the Weetabix factory. Here the path was overgrown, and nettles were abundant. I guess it is not such a beautiful park of the walk alongside the factory. Once passed the factory we again followed the river, now into open meadows full of butter cups and stopped for a few minutes on park seats next to the weir. Following the river and Midland Mainline railway we reached a road, and for about half a mile, we walk through Fine Industry estate to return to open fields again.

The finale 1.2 miles was through Wellingborough industrial estate and new housing developments to reach the station with the welcome site of the micro pub next to the platform.

Almost exactly 8 miles in three and half hours including the stop.