EAST MIDLANDS
04. Northamptonshire Lyveden New Bield
Distance: 1.5/2.4km | Time: 1 hour | Grade: Easy | Total ascent: 22m | Accessible
Set on a hillslope with views over Northamptonshire, Lyveden New Bield is an intriguing, incomplete Elizabethan lodge and pleasure garden.
Construction on the property began in the late 1500s but ceased after the premature death of owner Sir Thomas Tresham in 1605. The Grade I-listed garden boasts viewing terraces, a moat, orchard, labyrinth, plus butterflyrich wildflower meadows, which reach their colourful best in spring and summer. Walk in contemplation through one of England’s oldest garden landscapes.
1. START
Take the gravel path south from the Manor House, passing between trees before turning right on to a grassy path. Go through the gate and follow the path through the hedge opening. Cross Outer Meadow in a south-south-easterly direction to converge with the hedge on your left-hand side (at a gate).
The meadow here was restored with bedstraw, buttercup, knapweed, clover, oxeye daisy and trefoil. Go through the gate to divert to the mount and raised terrace by the moat.
2. 0.2 MILES
Back on the main path, turn left down the hedge-flanked path to another gate. Through the gate, follow the path to enter the labyrinth meadow. Take an immediate left, walking beside the moat until the labyrinth entrance.
3. 0.5 MILES
Exit the labyrinth and travel back on the same moat-side path. At the pathway junction, head left across the grassland towards West Spiral Mount. After about 50m, bear right and follow the moat-side path between the tall trees, leading into the restored Hay Meadow.
4. 0.7 MILES
Take an immediate left and follow the track for 100m, before stepping off to walk clockwise round the moat to reach the East Spiral Mount via the footbridge. Ascend and descend and return across the footbridge, travelling anti-clockwise beside the moat until just shy of the stone cottage; turn right towards Garden Lodge. This ornate cruciform stone lodge is imposing and starkly incomplete.
5. 0.9 MILES
Skirt the lodge anticlockwise before exiting by the cottage and turning left on to the lane, with Parterre Meadow on your right. Continue until you reach a gate set back from the nearside verge. Go through the gate and climb East Pyramidal Mount. Descend and tread the path between the raised terrace and the orchard, planted with more than 300 heritage fruit trees.
Take the central mown path through the orchard. Beyond the trees, keep on the same line through the hedge opening. Go straight on, downslope, for about 150m to the Manor House. Round off the journey here with a drink and a treat.
USEFUL INFO
Starting point
Lyveden New Bield, near Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 5AT. Parking is free; there are disabled spaces. Admission fees apply to non-National Trust members. There are accessible toilets. Dogs (on leads) are welcome.
Terrain
The route takes in a gentle hill slope on unsurfaced grassy paths; it is not waymarked and the ground is uneven in places. There are no stiles. The route is suitable for all-terrain pushchairs. A mobility vehicle and a manual wheelchair are available (book in advance).
Map
OS Explorer 224
Eat/drink
Light meals, cakes and drinks served in the café. Or bring a picnic to have in the garden.
Stay
The Shuckburgh Arms in Stoke Doyle (PE8 5TG) is a clean and comfortable B&B. shuckburgh-arms.co.uk