Village Walks
Cosgrove’s public footpaths and the canal towpath enable you to enjoy local nature and wildlife, explore places of interest and savour the offerings from our village pubs.
Use our Village walks pages find a route and take a look at photographs of places of interest Cosgrove Village Facebook
Interactive Maps
View West Northamtonshire Council interactivemap to select the area of interest and zoom for details
View here our easy access map to find a route.
Canal Towpath
Join the towpath running along the Grand Union Canal at the:
- bridge
- the horse tunnel in the centre of the village
- Lock Lane
When walking past moored boats, please respect owners who may by sitting at the canal side.
Dog Walkers
Pick up after your dog and use one of the village litter bins to dispose of your dog's mess wherever you walk, including in the open countryside.
- Respect others - other people may step in it, which is unpleasant and unhygienic.
- Disease - dog mess can spread harmful illness, particularly affecting children and expectant mothers.
- Cattle and livestock - risk contracting diseases such as neosporosis.
Report
Contact the Parish Path Warden to raise a problem with the Rights of Way Officer. Share your positive experiences as well.
General Walking Information:
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Protect from Injury - Good quality walking boots with ankle support can reduce the risk of an injury on the firm, uneven surfaces.
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General safety – Our Rights of Way can lead to remote areas, sometimes out of the parish. Always let someone know where you are and take a charged mobile phone with you. Our footpaths are safe and problems are extremely rare, so go out and enjoy them.
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Follow the Signs and the country code - keep dogs under control, especially near farm animals and leave gates as you find them. Remember Bridleways are shared by cyclists and horses. Yellow arrows on white discs indicate public footpaths. Blue arrows on a white disc ndicate the route of bridleways. Black arrow in a white disc - the type of path will be described on the disc. Circular walk waymarks displayed on routes that are featured in the leaflet, attached below.
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Apps – Several apps will measure the distance you have walked and share with others. They can also highlight places of interest. These include Map my Walk and Strava. If you venture into an adjacent parish where the path isn’t clear or marked, you can check your location on this map. Use the GPS signal on your phone to check your location and zoom in on the map.
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Safety with People and Cattle - Be aware that cattle are curious and they may be grazing in meadows where footpaths pass. Deviate around cattle whenever possible and if safe. If you're unsure, avoid them all together and go back to where you feel safe. The guidance states: If cattle follow you try to stay calm and walk quickly and quietly round the herd. Don't get between cows and their calves. Walk round the herd and re-join the path when safe. If you have a dog, keep it on a short lead around cows and sheep, but release if threatened by cattle so you can both get to safety separately.
- Dog Poo - Dog walkers you are responsible for picking up after your dog. Use the red dog poo bins located throughout the village and allow others to enjoy the footpaths and fields without having to watch out for dog mess. Dog excrement puts grazing cattle and sheep at risk of disease please pick up after your dogs.
- Safety with Dogs and Cattle - Please keep to the footpaths when crossing fields and keep your dogs under control, especially when near grazing cattle and sheep. If cattle are attracted to dog walkers, the NFU advise to release the dog and allow it to escape to safety. Cattle are less likely to crowd humans, when the dog is set free, but always be aware of their curiosity and behaviour.
- Health and Social - Exercise and walking in the countryside bring health benefits. Meeting people while out and about provides many opportunities to enjoy exploring more of our network of bridleways and footpaths.
- Eating and Drinking – Some excellent circular walks pass by local eateries and pubs like the Barley Mow, the Navigation or the Cosgrove Park café.
- Parking in Cosgrove - this is limited so please consider residents and do not block driveways, footpaths or field gate
Walking Ideas – View our easy access map to reveal bridleways and public footpaths view here.
Access to the countryside has improved for everyone over the past few years - kissing gates have replaced some stiles making it easier for those with reduced mobility. Take a stroll around the village or walk further afield to enjoy one of the best forms of exercise for your general health.
