Getting There
Leave the M1 at Junction 15 to take the A508 Stony Stratford, Northbound 1st exit Southbound 3rd exit at the 1st roundabout, and then 2nd exit at the 2nd roundabout.
Enter Roade and immediately turn left onto Northampton Road. Pass a school on the left and turn left, signed Hartwell.
Enter Hartwell and drive though the village and past a sign marking the start of Salcey Forest.
At the crossroads at the end of the village turn left signed Quinton, Northampton. The car park is on the right hand side.
Return to M1 Junction 15
Turn left out of the car park and then turn right, signed Hartwell. Continue through Hartwell village to enter Roade.
At the T-junction turn right, signed Northampton.
At the next T-junction turn right signed M1 (A508) to return to the M1.
Salcey Forest
Walk 1
Salcey Forest is immensely popular and crowded on sunny days during the school holidays and weekends. We've given two walks here, as dogs may prefer the leafy solitude of the second walk at busy periods.
There are three marked trails through the woods on well maintained paths.
The first trail (15-20minutes) is 0.75 mile and according to the information given is suitable for wheelchair users.
The second trail is 1.5 miles, and the third trail is 6 miles.
Salcey Forest is a small survivor of a former royal hunting forest, and contains ancient oak trees known as ‘druids' that are said to be over 500 years old. With a keen eye, ancient wood banks and the remains of buildings can still be seen.
There is plenty for all the family to do here, although the Treetop walk is strictly for humans!
Walk 2
At the crossroads after Hartwell village go straight on, signed Stoke Goldington, Hackleton. Ignore the apparent first car park – this is private.
Continue to the next car park on the right hand side. There are no facilities here except the free car park.
There are great paths here through Forestry Commission land. One route is waymarked with white arrows, and leads through woodland. This walk is ideal for dogs, and is popular with local dog walkers. Paths are shared with cyclists, and some cooperation is required with them.
Facilities
P&D car park £2.00 per day. Gated and closes at 1900 in summer. Café, WC, children's play area.
This is MY favourite walk
Izzy