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
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Frequently 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.
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