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A Guide To The
THE BRAMPTON VALLEY WAY
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Leisure in the Countryside
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HOMEPAGE
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SITE PAGES:
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Welcome! You are visitor number
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This independent, non-commercial web site is not connected to any local or county council or countryside organisation and is therefore not officially endorsed by them.
It has been constructed, funded and hosted solely by a volunteer worker on the BRAMPTON VALLEY WAY, for the pleasure, enjoyment and information of those who have, or wish to take an interest in it. Please enjoy the site.
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Comments and suggestions are most welcome via email.
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The 'Way' is popular with horse-riders
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A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BRAMPTON VALLEY WAY
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The Brampton Valley Way is a 14 mile linear park, using the original track-bed of the former London & North Western Railway that ran between Northampton and Market Harborough. The railway, designed by George Bidder and George R. Stephenson (nephew of Robert Stephenson), was officially opened to traffic in 1859.
After mixed fortunes the line was finally closed to all traffic by British Rail on the 16th. August 1981. Consigning yet another working railway to the annals of history. But the line would not be forgotten.
In 1987 the strip of land, winding through a beautiful and scenic part of the Northamptonshire countryside, was purchased by Northamptonshire County Council with the help of a grant from the Countryside Commission, whereupon work began to develop the entire length of the old line, transforming it into natural haven for birds, wildlife and wildflowers.
The Brampton Valley Way, from Boughton Crossing in Northampton, (where the original crossing-keeper's cottage still stands), to Little Bowden Crossing in Market Harborough, was opened in 1993 providing recreational access for walkers, cyclists,horse-riders and countryside lovers in general.
The 'Way' is part of Route 6 of the National Cycle Route and provides a direct cycling link between Marlet Harborough and Northampton. It has been constructed by the County Coucil, the engineering charity Sustrans and other partners with support from National Lottery funding. From the Brampton Valley Way the cycle route continues south into Northampton itself.
Close to Boughton Crossing a scultured milepost has been erected to commemorate the Millenium, with further mileposts added over time.
The work to keep the 'Way' fully accessible is a continuous task. Throughout the year work has to be done in all weathers, such as strimming verges and seating areas, erecting and repairing picnic areas, fencing, mowing, pruning and cutting back of overhanging branches, litter collection and many other tasks to numerous to mention.
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The location of this picture is where Lamport Station once stood. The building in the distance is the old stationmaster's house, the only building on the entire stretch of the former Northampton to Market Harborough railway line that is still intact. Although the lower half of the building has been completely modernised, the upper half is still mostly as it was when in use. The platform to catch the train for Northampton stood directly against the side of the house. It is also the exact spot where the Royal Train was parked overnight. (Below the signpost arm for Maidwell Village).
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