A Gentle Seven‑Miler Around Clipston and Sibbertoft

Gill spent many happy hours recce’ing walks around Clipston before she became too ill to venture out. She never had the chance to lead this one for the Fleckney Walking Club, but you can walk it in her memory — enjoying the countryside she loved and sharing the stories she would have delighted in.

This is a shade over seven miles: a gentle ramble through rolling Northamptonshire uplands, with easy tarmac options, a few stiles, and just enough undulation to feel pleasantly accomplished.

The Route

The walk begins at The Red Lion, Sibbertoft (///coder.increased.flop), with permission to use the car park.

Turn left out of the car park, head down Welland Rise, then turn right at the triangle onto Church Street. Continue to the next triangle and take Sibbertoft Road to the left.

This narrow two‑mile lane is usually quiet (famous last words) and offers lovely views across the Northamptonshire uplands — a landscape Gill always enjoyed.

The original field route into Clipston proved overgrown and ankle‑twisting thanks to heavy cattle, so this version keeps things simple with more tarmac and fewer surprises.

Your first option is the footpath on the right, directly opposite the track signposted Marston Trussell Gated Road. It wasn’t pleasant on the initial recce, but paths do change.

The alternative — and the more inviting option — is to continue along Sibbertoft Road to the next triangle, marked by the floral Clipston village sign. Turn right onto Chapel Lane and enjoy a leisurely amble into the village.

Your target is Naseby Road, reached by continuing to the end of Gold Street. However, if blackberries are in season, a sweeter route is via the jitty off Nobold Court, where Chapel Lane meets Gold Street.

Once on Naseby Road, continue to the large tree‑covered triangle and take the left fork, Harborough Road. This leads back towards Sibbertoft Road and passes The Bull’s Head, giving you the chance to see whether it has reopened.

As the road curves right by an unimpressive triangle, take Sibbertoft Road off to the left and follow it past the florally decorated junction. After about 220 metres (240 yards in old money), look for a footbridge‑and‑stile arrangement on the right. This leads to a footpath over open fields. If you prefer to stay mud‑free, simply continue along Sibbertoft Road to the junction with the unnamed gated road to Marston Trussell — the one you spotted earlier.

Where the footpath and road meet, you’ll see the ROC Viewpoint for the Battle of Naseby. Sadly, the monument is currently closed, and access requires both a fee and a group of about twenty bodies — so unless you’ve brought reinforcements, rely on binoculars and imagination.

(Historical note: The Battle of Naseby, fought in June 1645, was the decisive turning point of the English Civil War. King Charles I’s army was effectively destroyed here. The fields around Clipston, Sibbertoft and Naseby still hold the contours of the battle — hedgelines, ridges and hollows that shaped the fighting.)

A little further on, just past the driveway to Newbold Farm, a gate (usually open) leads to a footpath signed Marston Trussell 2 miles. Follow this northerly path, passing Twantry Farm, until you meet the Jurassic Way — a long‑distance route running from Banbury to Stamford along the ancient limestone ridge of a warm Jurassic sea.

Don’t worry: you’re not marching to Lincolnshire. Follow the Way southwest for about one and three‑quarter miles towards Sibbertoft. Off to the east, tucked in Sibbertoft Wood, lies the earthwork of a small motte‑and‑bailey castle — a Norman outpost from the 11th or 12th century. It’s visitable, but it’s an out‑and‑back detour adding about a mile… plus the temptation to roll down the hill.

Be aware that a couple of footbridges and stiles were overgrown during the recce, so secateurs may need to make a cameo appearance.

The Jurassic Way leads you back into the charming village of Sibbertoft. Turn left and head to St Helen’s Church, a peaceful lunch stop. Continue along the Way to the western edge of the village and join Westhorpe. At the bottom, turn left onto Welford Road, then shortly afterwards left again onto Welland Rise, returning to The Red Lion — your designated pub stop and the end of the walk.

There are around six stiles and some gentle undulation, but nothing too taxing.

A Walk for Gill

This route holds memories of Gill’s humour, determination, warmth, and delight in a good view (or a good pub). If you choose to walk it, keep her in mind and give her the walk she never got to lead.