Fermyn Woods Country Park Perimeter Walk
Northamptonshire
Fermyn Woods Country Park lies just outside Brigstock in north Northamptonshire, run by North Northamptonshire Council as a mix of meadow, marsh, woodland and ponds that is known for its wildlife and its fishing, and for setting aside areas where a dog can run off the lead. Three waymarked paths start from the car park and Skylark Cafe: a 0.8km hard surfaced loop around the park itself, a 1.7km path through a section of the woods, and this longer 3.5km perimeter path around the woods, part hard standing and part grass. The ground is gentle throughout, with only small rises, so the walk takes about an hour, and the hard paths suit buggies, though the grass sections can be soft after rain. The woodland makes it a sheltered choice on windy days.
This is a dog friendly country park, and the council goes further than most by setting aside areas where dogs are allowed off the lead, as long as they are under control. There is no livestock, which leaves a dog free to explore the woodland edges and meadows. Dogs are not allowed in the play area, and the ponds and lakes are used by anglers, so keep your dog clear of fishing pegs and lines and away from the water. The trees give reliable shade. Parking is pay and display, by coin, card or phone, and the cafe, which has indoor and outdoor seating, and toilets are beside the car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Skylark Cafe (indoor and outdoor seating) and toilets by the car park; play area; fishing.
- Parking
- Fermyn Woods Country Park car park, North Northamptonshire Council, pay and display (coin, card or PayByPhone).
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
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All dog friendly stays in NorthamptonshireDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
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All dog friendly hotels in North NorthamptonshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Fermyn Woods Country Park Perimeter Walk dog friendly?
Fermyn Woods Country Park is a genuinely dog-welcoming place, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog friendly rating. Run by North Northamptonshire Council, the park actively sets aside areas for dogs rather than simply tolerating them, and the mix of woodland, meadow and open ground gives dogs plenty to explore. The only areas to avoid are the play area and the fishing spots around the ponds and lakes.
Can dogs be off lead at Fermyn Woods Country Park Perimeter Walk?
Yes — the council designates specific areas where dogs are permitted off the lead, as long as they remain under control, which is a step further than many country parks go. There is no livestock on the route, so dogs have real freedom to explore the woodland edges and meadows without that concern. Just keep them well clear of the fishing pegs, lines and water around the ponds, which are actively used by anglers.
What should I know before visiting Fermyn Woods Country Park Perimeter Walk with my dog?
The perimeter path is 3.5km with gentle, mostly flat ground and takes around an hour to complete — a comfortable outing for most dogs. Part of the route is hard standing and part grass, so muddy paws are possible after rain, and the woodland provides good shade and shelter on hot or windy days. Parking is pay and display (coin, card or PayByPhone), and the Skylark Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating is right beside the car park if you fancy a stop at the end.
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Fermyn Woods Country Park car park, Lyveden Road, Brigstock, Kettering NN14 3HS
52.4546, -0.5990
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