Meeting at the North Porch, ready for a 10am start, we will head down the Northern Cross Valley Way until we reach the new fritillary sculpture at the edge of the Windrush Path. Following the river through to Hardwick village is approximately 3.3 km (2 miles), which is where will rest in the shade of the trees near Mill House. We then have the option of continuing along the river path, which takes us to the B4449 and the east of Hardwick, to rejoin the point at which we rested, and retrace our footsteps back along the river – this loop is just another 1.3km (0.8 miles). The total distance would therefore measure 7.9km (4.9 miles) but, without the loop, it’s just 6.4km (3.9m) – so, we have options!
The ground is a little undulating and, although the path is mown, the grass is longer in places but certainly walkable. It’s therefore suitable for dogs and cross-country buggies. My 5 year old granddaughter did the recce with me, and she loved it…especially saying hello to the cows along the way.