The best walks and hikes around Canons Ashby
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Hikes around Canons Ashby explore a landscape of rolling hills, historic parkland, and quiet country lanes in the Northamptonshire countryside. The area is characterized by its well-preserved medieval features, including visible remnants of a former village and distinctive ridge and furrow fields. The terrain consists mainly of grass tracks and undulating fields, with trails passing restored medieval ponds that now serve as wildlife habitats.
Best hiking trails around Canons Ashby
- The most popular hiking route is St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby β Orchard Gardens loop from Canons Ashby, a 5.8 mile (9.4 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to complete. This moderate route passes key historic sites including St Mary's Church and the estate's gardens.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby β Canons Ashby Gardens loop from Maidford, a moderate 6.7 mile (10.8 km) path. The trail combines quiet lanes with pasture fields, offering views over the estate.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Canons Ashby Gardens β Orchard Gardens loop from Canons Ashby, a 3.0 mile (4.9 km) trail leading through the historic parkland, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking around Canons Ashby is defined by its historic parkland, quiet country lanes, and undulating fields. The network of public footpaths near Canons Ashby provides options for both shorter, easier walks and more substantial moderate hikes.
- The routes in Canons Ashby are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from almost 200 reviews. More than 1,100 hikers have used komoot to explore Canons Ashby's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
4.9
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
22
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Great to walk around looks very impressive
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Nice church good for a wonder to grave yard was closed due to downed trees
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Beautiful place to walk around look out for the musket holes
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"A tranquil Tudor manor house set in rare terraced gardens, with the 'antient' Dryden family at its heart Built by the Drydens using the remains of a medieval priory, the house and gardens have survived largely unaltered since 1710 and are presented as they were during the Victorian era. The warm, welcoming house features grand rooms, stunning tapestries and Jacobean plasterwork, contrasting with the domestic detail of the servants' quarters. Stroll in the historic parkland and catch glimpses of early medieval landscapes, while a wander through the priory church reveals the story of the canons of Canons Ashby." Cit. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/canons-ashby#Overview
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Beautifully ornate gated entrance to the Canons Ashby gardens can be seen from just past the main car park entrance.
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Canons Ashby Priory was an Augustinian priory at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire, England. History The Priory was founded by Stephen la Leye on a site to the south of the present church between 1147 and 1151 in the reign of Henry II. In 1253 the Augustinians were granted a licence to dig the Norwell, which still exists north of the present church, to supply water to the priory. In 1537 after the Dissolution of the Monasteries the Crown granted the priory and its estates to Sir Francis Bryan,[1] a close ally of Henry VIII. Bryan held the estate for only about a year before selling it in 1538 to Sir John Cope,[1] a wealthy Banbury lawyer. Sir John's daughter Elizabeth inherited what is thought to have been the priory farmhouse [wrong β Wilkyns farm was part of John Dryden's inheritance. Copes Ashbie β across the road β was inherited by Elizabeth's brother, who died early leaving his sons as Wards of the Dryden family]. In 1551 she married John Dryden, who extended the building to form the earliest parts of Canons Ashby House. Part of the building survives: the Church of England parish church of St Mary dates from about 1250 and this, together with Canons Ashby House, is now owned by the National Trust. Its power and size can be judged by its outlying buildings which cover a large area of the surrounding countryside. The remains of the priory's hospitalium survive as the monastic building centred on the parish church of Maidford, about 5 miles (8 km) away. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canons_Ashby_Priory
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks around Canons Ashby?
Yes, the area is well-suited for families. A great option is the Canons Ashby Gardens β Orchard Gardens loop from Canons Ashby. It's a gentle 3-mile (4.9 km) walk through the historic parkland, making it manageable for shorter legs.
Can I bring my dog on the walks near Canons Ashby?
Dogs are welcome in the wider parkland and on public footpaths around Canons Ashby, but they must be kept on a lead, especially around livestock. Please note that only assistance dogs are permitted in the formal gardens, the church, and the house.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The estate is a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species like tufted ducks and little grebes around the restored medieval ponds. The area is also home to several bat species, and you might spot badgers. The gardens are managed to attract pollinators, so expect to see plenty of bees and butterflies.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes in the area?
For a more substantial hike, consider the St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby β Canons Ashby Gardens loop from Canons Ashby. This moderate route covers about 10.5 miles (16.9 km) and takes you through a mix of arable fields and quiet country lanes, offering a fuller exploration of the surrounding landscape.
What historical features can I see on the trails?
The trails are steeped in history. You can see the distinct ribbed patterns of medieval 'ridge and furrow' farming in the fields. Many walks also offer views of the visible lumps and bumps of a deserted medieval village and pass by the historic stew ponds, once used by Augustinian canons to farm fish.
Where can I park for a walk at Canons Ashby?
The main car park is at the National Trust property. Parking is free for National Trust members, but there is a charge for non-members. This car park provides the most direct access to the trails that start on the estate.
Are there any circular walks that start from a nearby village?
Yes, you can start a lovely circular walk from the village of Woodford cum Membris. The St Mary's Church, Canons Ashby β Canons Ashby Gardens loop from Woodford cum Membris is a moderate 5.4-mile (8.7 km) hike that combines country lanes and footpaths, leading you to the Canons Ashby estate and back.
Is there a cafΓ© or tea room for refreshments after a hike?
Yes, there is a popular tea room located at the National Trust - Canons Ashby property. It's a great spot to relax with a drink and a bite to eat after exploring the parkland and trails.
How many hiking trails are available around Canons Ashby?
There are over a dozen marked trails and public footpaths to explore around Canons Ashby. The routes range from easy short walks within the historic parkland to more moderate hikes that venture further into the Northamptonshire countryside.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails at Canons Ashby?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with over 1,100 hikers having explored the trails. Reviewers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the well-preserved historical landscape with its medieval features, and the beautiful views across the rolling countryside.
What is the terrain like on the walking routes?
The terrain around Canons Ashby is generally gentle, consisting of grass tracks, public footpaths across undulating fields, and sections along quiet country lanes. Most routes are considered easy or moderate, with minimal steep climbs.
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