Muddy (and doggy pal) visits a real hidden gem within our lovely Northants countryside

What better than an impromptu Sunday morning trip into the glorious Northamptonshire countryside alongside Mr Muddy and Muddy Paws…instead of putting away the groceries and sorting out the laundry (yes, Mudsters I occasionally eat at home, and sleep in my own bed).

Last Sunday started like any other, load up the car with the bags, pack up the pooch, and head down to the local Supermarket to buy the basics.

But this Sunday was different. We rolled past the Grocery behemoth and ten minutes later found ourselves rolling into one of Northants finest and best kept parks – Fermyn Woods Country Park. Situated in the heart of the Rockingham Forest, 10 minutes from Corby, 15 from Kettering, and on the doorstep of many of the counties most pretty villages – Oundle, Brigstock and the Midsummer Murder look like Wadenhoe.

Note – if we’d have arrived an hour later then Mr Muddy may have bypassed what turned out to be a truly lovely walk, in favour of one of his favourite food and drink haunts, The Kings Head. Review to come soon.

As it was, we parked up at 10am (Our £3 park fee all going toward the upkeep of the park itself – so make sure you have change with you), and already other families were starting to turn up, picnics packed, kids in tow, ready to take advantage of the really imaginative and well kept play areas that Fermyn Country Park has to offer their younger customers. Expect Giant climbing frames, wooden castles to explore, sand pits with lots and lots of well kept grassland with loads of picnic benches to set up camp on.

Just before we left the entrance to the park for our impromptu amble into the woods themselves, we spotted the very dog friendly Skylark cafe – so if it’s just a quick trip to a nearby beauty spot for a brew, or to give the kids a run out, then your journey could easily end here.

Ours didn’t. We opted to opted to undertake the easier of the walks on offer at Fermyn. The leads were taken off so Mr Muddy and Pooch were free to roam around fantastic woodlands, meadows, thickets, marshes and ponds with no fear of offending other walkers, with their continuous good spirits, panting and lolling tongues.

Even during our short walk (a mile perhaps), we came across a butterfly meadow, magical woods, open fields, and notably the view was amazing. The county really unfolded in front of our eyes, and that’s another unique and brilliant aspect of this park. From certain points the Nene Valley opens up, and the view is breathtaking. We looked back on ourselves and could spot all of the outlying villages back toward Wellingborough, but on the other side of the woods themselves, Lyvedon new build is only a short distance away – and that’s impressive in it’s own right. I felt rather proud to live in Northants at that moment – not something I would have experienced in the detergent aisle at the supermarket that day methinks

Although this was short visit we’ll be back with the whole family soon, and we’ll tackle one of the more strenuous walks.

Determined not to head home too soon, Mr Muddy made it his mission to find a new watering hole in the nearby area, and we managed to find a very friendly welcome at the dog friendly Three Cocks in Brigstock before heading home full of energy, but with empty shopping bags. Time much better spent though.

Fermyn Country Park is open all day every day. By car – Follow brown and white signs off A6116 – Brigstock bypass.

Entrance is free although the car park costs £3.

The Skylark Cafe is open from 10am until 4.45pm during summer, and serves a range of food and drink.

If you are taking a picnic, bring a a few empty carrier bags with you as there are no litter bins at Fermyn Woods country park and visitors are encouraged to take their rubbish home with them.

Fermyn Woods Country Park, Lyveden Road, Brigstock, Kettering NN14 3HS

*First published August 2016 – Updated July 2017

Butterfly Quiz at Fermyn Woods Country Park until Fri 21 July

I just love Fermyn Park and have had many an adventure there – See the Muddy review here. One thing I really love are the Butterfly meadows. The team at Fermyn have set up a butterfly quiz and you don’t need to be an expert to take part.  So howabout packing up a picnic and heading over? Pick up your quiz sheet from the Skylark Cafe. £2 per person including a prize.

10am to 4pm. It costs a £2 per person

Fermyn Woods Country Park, Lyveden Road, Brigstock, Kettering NN14 3HS