Badby Woods and Fawsley
Northamptonshire
This is Northamptonshire at its most hilly, and also at its most beautiful. The 12.9 km circuit from the stone-and-thatch village of Badby climbs through the Knightley Way arch into ancient beech and oak woodland before dropping to the Fawsley Estate — an isolated church, quiet lakes, and long views back towards Daventry across privately managed parkland. The return climbs through open fields to the village, making this a proper physical commitment by the county's gentle standards.
Badby Wood is one of the finest bluebell sites in the county, spectacular in late April and early May when the ground turns violet-blue and the woodland air carries something close to overwhelming floral scent. Dogs can be off-lead across most of the woodland and parkland sections. The terrain mixes woodland earth paths, grass fields, and genuinely steep grassy climbs — expect mud in the lower sections through winter. The Maltsters pub in Badby welcomes dogs and is the natural start and finish.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 12.9 km (8.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 4 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Historic, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Dog-friendly pub in Badby village
- Parking
- On-street in Badby village near The Maltsters pub, NN11 3AF
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Badby Woods and Fawsley dog friendly?
Yes, this is a great choice for dogs. The route passes through ancient woodland and open parkland where dogs are well catered for, and The Maltsters pub in Badby village , the natural start and finish point , welcomes dogs too.
Can dogs be off lead at Badby Woods and Fawsley?
Dogs can be off lead across most of the woodland and parkland sections of the route, which makes up a good portion of this 12.9 km circuit. It's always worth keeping an eye on your surroundings as the walk does pass through privately managed estate land and open fields.
What should I know before visiting Badby Woods and Fawsley with my dog?
This is a proper commitment of a walk , 12.9 km with genuinely steep grassy climbs and some muddy stretches in the lower woodland sections during winter, so sturdy footwear is a good idea for you and confident paws for your dog. The bluebell season in late April and early May is spectacular but can draw visitors, so early morning starts are worth considering. Parking is on-street in Badby village near The Maltsters pub, postcode NN11 3AF.
What’s Nearby?
Walk7 mi awayNapton Hill and Oxford Canal Walk
Warwickshire
A rolling canal and windmill circular in south Warwickshire with an on lead policy throughout.
Walk11.3 mi awayBurton Dassett Hills Country Park
Warwickshire
A Warwickshire hilltop walk with an unusual beacon tower and wide views across the Edge Hill escarpment.
Walk12.2 mi awayUfton Fields Nature Reserve Circular
Warwickshire
A short shaded nature reserve loop near Leamington Spa, flat underfoot and easy for older dogs.
Walk12.4 mi awayStowe Landscape Garden and Silverstone Estate Paths
Buckinghamshire
A walk through the National Trust's grand 18th-century landscape garden at Stowe, with temples and lakes throughout.
Walk15.8 mi awayRyton Pools Country Park and Ryton Wood Circuit
Warwickshire
A Warwickshire country park and woodland walk around the pools with good bird life and easy trails.
Walk20.5 mi awayStanford Hall Estate and River Avon Walk
Leicestershire
A riverside and estate walk following the Avon through the Stanford Hall parkland near the Leicestershire border.
