Harlestone Firs Forest Walk — Attraction in Harlestone

Lots of walks through the forest - it’s a dog walkers paradise and great for kids to explore as eventually you work out it’s in quadrants (so not as difficult to find the kids as you might think). There is a fully paved avenue for the less adventurous, wide earthen walkways for those who want to see into the woods with no risk of ever getting lost; and then lots of well worn minor trails for the more adventurous. You get the occasional jogger and horse rider but mainly it’s walkers and it’s lovely and peaceful. When you’re finished there’s an excellent coffee wagon at the exit (or entrance depending on which way you’re going). They do as full a range of drinks as any coffee shop and even cookies and cake. They’ve put 3 or 4 garden bistro sets on the grass so the weary can rest their legs while they enjoy their coffee; and they always leave water bowls down for the dogs. It’s also opposite a garden centre with a restaurant, so if you’re really hungry you can pop into this dog friendly centre and get a meal. Parking is roadside unless you’re using the garden centre which has its own car park but I’ve never had any parking problems in all the years I’ve been going. It makes a lovely change from walking round parks and you can still get a...

A nice sized forest than can take just over an hour to walk around if you walk to the furthest points. There is no car park, you have to park opposite the entrance along the road..this can get quite busy at peak times and has the danger of crossing the road. Be careful with children and animals.. Dogs are allowed in the woods, and off the lead too. There are sometimes vans around selling hot drinks and ice creams..although they're not there all of the time.. There are no toilets. There are some in the garden centre across the road though. There are paths most of the way around. These arnt flat at all points and wouldn't be great for a buggie. Also I'd advise wearing wellies or boots all year round for 2 reasons... in the winter it gets quite muddy, and in the summer there are a breed of ants that live in this forest and they're big, massive, and they're not just at one off points, they're everywhere !! To the point that if I'm stood still I keep my legs marching!! I have no fear of ants I'd like to add, but these are very big ants !! Check them out for yourself (...

This is by far my most favourite place to be in Northampton. It's a tranquil and scenic space to explore and destress.

In a world where being ultra busy is accepted as the norm. Please take some time to recerge and explore this beautiful landscape.

The walk can be as long as you want it to be. I've committed to a short 20 minutes to exceeding 2 hours exploring the vast perimeter of the woodland.

Parking is okay but should be on the other side of the road. Please do not let this detract you from making a visit, though.

You might even spot the occasional muntjac wandering around the depths of the...