Stoke Bruerne and Shutlanger
Northamptonshire
Stoke Bruerne is the kind of canal village that makes it easy to linger — a working flight of locks, a canal museum, and two pubs overlooking the water. The 8 km circuit earns its return to the Navigation Inn by taking in considerably more than just the towpath: north to the mouth of the Blisworth Tunnel, then across farmland and through the edge of Nun Wood before dropping into the quiet village of Shutlanger and looping back past the Old Brick Pit nature reserve.
The scent changes usefully through the sections: diesel and old timber on the canalside, leaf mould and bark in Nun Wood, the sweeter grassy smell of the open fields on the return. Off-lead through woodland and field sections with leads needed on the busy towpath and in livestock fields. The canal itself is easily accessible for dogs that want a swim on warm days. One stile on the route.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Canal, Woodland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Two pubs, canal museum and toilets in Stoke Bruerne
- Parking
- Pay and display at the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SE; some on-street parking
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Stoke Bruerne and Shutlanger, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in NorthamptonshireDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
The closest dog friendly hotels to Stoke Bruerne and Shutlanger. Every dog fact comes from the hotel's own website.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
All dog friendly hotels in West NorthamptonshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Stoke Bruerne and Shutlanger dog friendly?
Stoke Bruerne is a lovely choice for a dog walk , the 8 km circuit takes in canal towpath, woodland, and open farmland, and the canal itself is easily accessible for dogs that fancy a swim on warmer days. There are two pubs in Stoke Bruerne overlooking the water, so you can round off the walk in style.
Can dogs be off lead at Stoke Bruerne and Shutlanger?
Dogs can be off lead through the woodland and field sections of the route, which makes up a good portion of the circuit. Leads are needed on the busy canal towpath and in any livestock fields, so it's worth keeping one to hand throughout.
What should I know before visiting Stoke Bruerne and Shutlanger with my dog?
There is one stile on the route, so it's worth considering whether your dog can manage that before you set off. Parking is available at the Canal Museum pay and display car park (NN12 7SE) or in some on-street spots in the village, and there are public toilets at the canal museum.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk3.3 mi awaySalcey Forest
Northamptonshire
An ancient royal hunting forest with 500-year-old oaks, a 9.7 km waymarked trail, and generous off-lead woodland freedom — muddy in winter but magnificent in every season.
Walk5 mi awayDelapre Abbey Park, Northampton
Northamptonshire
Historic abbey parkland on the southern edge of Northampton with river meadows, veteran trees, and a Nene floodplain loop — free parking and a café at the start.
Walk8.1 mi awayHarlestone Firs Woodland Walk
Northamptonshire
Around 300 acres of sandy pine woodland, one of the best places near Northampton to let a dog run, with a dog friendly cafe close by.
Walk8.9 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.
Walk10.5 mi awaySywell Country Park Reservoir Circuit
Northamptonshire
A 4km loop around a disused Edwardian reservoir with areas where a dog can run off lead, plus meadows, a small arboretum and the Pump House Cafe.
Walk11.2 mi awayBadby Woods and Fawsley
Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire's finest longer walk — ancient woodland, a Capability Brown estate, and serious bluebell displays in late April, with real hills and a dog-friendly pub at the finish.