Twywell Hills and Dales
Northamptonshire
Ironstone quarrying carved this landscape into something the surrounding farmland simply cannot match — ridges, gullies, steep-banked hollows, and open limestone grassland sculpted by heavy machinery and then handed back to nature. The SSSI reserve near Kettering now supports over thirty butterfly species and a scent profile entirely its own: warm limestone dust in dry weather, sharp damp gullet woodland after rain, and the mineral-rich smell of ironstone spoil where wildflowers push through thin soil.
The 4.5 km circular route takes in the open Whitestones grassland, the dramatic wooded gullet at the centre of the site, and the upper fields with views towards the surrounding villages. Dogs are welcome off-lead across most of the reserve, with leads required in cattle-grazed sections marked by red signage. No toilets on site, but the Barista Bus operates most days on the car park and the Old Friar pub is a short walk through the site.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- No toilets on site; Barista Bus on site most days; Old Friar pub in Twywell village
- Parking
- Free car park at the reserve entrance, Twywell, NN14 3AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Twywell Hills and Dales dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are very welcome at Twywell Hills and Dales. The 4.5 km circular route winds through open limestone grassland, a dramatic wooded gullet, and upper fields with views towards the surrounding villages , plenty of interesting terrain for a dog to explore.
Can dogs be off lead at Twywell Hills and Dales?
Dogs can be off lead across most of the reserve, which makes it a great choice for a free-roaming walk. The exception is in cattle-grazed sections, where leads are required , these areas are marked with red signage on site.
What should I know before visiting Twywell Hills and Dales with my dog?
There are no toilets on site, so it's worth planning ahead before you arrive. On the plus side, the Barista Bus operates in the car park most days, and the Old Friar pub in Twywell village is a short walk through the site if you're after something more substantial. Parking is free at the reserve entrance off NN14 3AL.
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