Russha two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Russha here.

Walked from Rushden to Sharnbrook. A very enjoyable route. The GPX plotting is a bit wayward in places, but this doesn't create any ambiguity so I'm prepared to accept it.

The meeting point at Rushden is badly situated on the south side of a junction - the north side would be a better choice as it has a wider pavement with a bench. We follow roads to the entrance to Hall Park, which we cross on a wide surfaced track. Note that the park may be locked at night. More residential streets take us to the edge of Rushden, and a low hurdle gives access from Redding Close to the field track beyond. We turn left and pass the allotments, then cross Rushden Road and continue to the edge of a large field. From here the path goes right along the field edge to reach Wymington.

We head south down South Grove and continue across the field to the railway. Our path is less used than the one that crosses the bridge, and follows the left side of the railway along a field edge then between fences. Eventually a bridge takes us over the quieter half of the railway that uses Sharnbrook Tunnel, and we go straight on until a clear path emerges to the left. This is a Network Rail concessionary path and is not shown on the OS 1:25000 map. It is never difficult to follow, but has a couple of steeper sections where it crosses streams, and a lot of little twists and turns. The path starts between the two halves of the railway then moves further left over the tunnel, passing several ventilation shafts.

Eventually we reach a track where there is no straight on option, and head left across fields into Souldrop. Here we turn right down Back Lane, which crosses the railway on a high bridge and continues past farm buildings to a narrow band of woodland, where we turn left on what starts as a good track but becomes quite a muddy path. It is deservedly popular, especially in spring, because there are bluebells everywhere. Eventually we emerge in a field, cross the brook and reach the edge of Sharnbrook, where the meeting point is a short pavement walk away. Having started the day in Wellingborough, my pint in the Swan With Two Nicks felt well deserved. The village is served by an hourly bus service to both Bedford and Kettering (though the Kettering bus takes a very indirect route).

A very enjoyable route. No facilities en route, so carry what you need.

Beautiful route with gates but no stiles.
The woods from Sharnbrook to Souldrop are full of bluebells at the end of April. The route follows the railway using farm tracks and field paths. Hall Park in Rushden is beautiful.

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