ノーザンプトンのおすすめツーリングルート

God is not only a theme in theological books; many other authors also repeatedly address him in secular literature. Giovanni Guareschi, with his "invention" of Don Camillo, who converses with the crucified Christ at the high altar, is a very prominent example of this. Even in many crime novels, monks or priests are woven into the plots and naturally bring a spiritual perspective on God and humanity. This is also the case several times in the crime series about the "Healer of Canterbury," published under the pseudonym Celia L. Grace, which the author has set in 15th-century England. In one of these stories, titled "The Poisoners' Feast," Father Clement (the local priest of a village plagued by a series of murders) speaks generally about his parishioners: "May the Lord have mercy on us all. They are good people, they are generous, they attend Mass, they try to live good lives, it's just..." he peered into the darkness. "It's as if things go wrong because they go wrong, Mistress. That's what Augustine said, wasn't it? We want God, we pursue what is good, but we are never in balance with ourselves, not with our neighbors, not with the world, and not with God." (Celia L. Grace, "The Poisoners' Feast") Perhaps a brief rest before this small sacred monument offers those lingering here the opportunity to regain a little more balance with themselves, with their neighbors and the rest of the world, but above all with God—the Lord of heaven and earth.

I stopped at Windmill Farm just past the Oxendon tunnel. Cafe serves full breakfast, cakes and snacks.

The Brampton Valley Way is a 14-mile (22 km) traffic-free trail between Northampton and Market Harborough, following a disused railway line. It’s popular with cyclists, walkers, and horse riders thanks to its mostly flat, scenic route through countryside and woodland. Two long, unlit tunnels at Kelmarsh and Oxendon add an adventurous twist – lights are essential. The surface is a mix of gravel and dirt, best suited to hybrid or mountain bikes.

The Nene Whitewater Centre is the UK’s first pumped, artificial whitewater course, offering activities for all skill levels – from families to seasoned kayakers. Located alongside the River Nene, the recently updated centre also features a fantastic café with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for walkers and cyclists stopping by for hot or cold refreshments.

2 hours

long dark wet tunnel. Great fun.

This picturesque stretch of gravel trail runs along the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal, offering charming views of canal boats and historic bridges to admire along the way.

The Bampton Valley Way is a 14-mile (22.5km) disused railway trail between Northampton and Market Harborough. It's a well surfaced multi-user trail, perfect for easy rides, families or as part of a commute. The trail follows a section of the old Northampton–Market Harborough railway line. It opened in 1859 and closed in 1981.