Nene Way
The Nene Way is a waymarked long-distance footpath running for 110 miles following the valley of the River Nene from its source to the sea. On its way the path runs the length of Northamptonshire and in its final stages through Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, with a diversion of a few hundred yards in Huntingdonshire.
The route
The River Nene rises on the slopes of Arbury Hill, Northamptonshire's county top, in the western bounds of the shire and runs eastwards through the length of the county. The Nene Way follows the river: it starts in Badby, a very pretty village to the east of Arbury Hill. From here it follows east through Newnham, Weedon Bec and Flore and on to the county town, Northampton, running along the north bank of the river all through the town centre.
Below Northampton the river and the path run north-eastwards past Wellingborough, Higham Ferrers and Thrapston and to Oundle. Past Oundle the path departs from the river for a while, exploring some of the sights of the valley including Fotheringhay.
The Nene Way reaches the eastern border of Northamptonshire at Nassington, where the river, split into two main streams, marks the boundary with Huntingdonshire. The path crosses the river's two streams on footbridges and enters Huntingdonshire, then a few hundred yards downstream crosses back, to go to Yarwell back in Northamptonshire. From here it consistently follows the north bank of the Nene into the Soke of Peterborough to the City of Peterborough itself.
Below Peterborough thee Nene is a fenland river, diverted into cuts and drains, and the path follows the Counter Drain into Cambridgeshire, to Whittlesey and down to Guyhirn and up the Nene’s modern course to Wisbech. North of Wisbech at Tydd Gote it enters its final shire – Lincolnshire. It runs straight north to Sutton Bridge and to the sea in the Wash.
Attractions
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The route permits walkers to explore bluebell woods in season, wildlife havens and follow in the footsteps of Mary, Queen of Scots, whose final lodging and place of execution was on the route at Fotheringay, and the poet HE Bates, the Rushden poet and author of such works as include Love for Lydia and The Darling Buds of May.
