Along the Nene Way at Woodford

 

Another dry day and pleasantly warm we took the opportunity to walk along the Nene Way at Woodford.  Following the constant wet weather and snow melt over the winter, the paths are very muddy and impassable in some places without a pair of waders!  The Nene Valley is still very wet as the river struggles to discharge its floodwaters.  On the plus side these floodplains are providing a rich environment for waterfowl.

 

 

The River Nene at Woodford spills into its Floodplain

Woodford is a large village near the River Nene which has been inhabited since Saxon times. The Church of St Mary the Virgin with its tall spire is visible for miles around.

 

The Nene Way at Woodford with The Church of St Mary the Virgin in the background

A mummified human heart was found in the church in the 1800s and is believed to be the heart of Sir Walter Trailly, the lord of the Manor who died on Crusade in 1290, although there is no concrete evidence for this.  The Church is also apparently haunted by the ghost of a knight but he hasn't been seen since 1964. Another interesting feature of Woodford is the Three Hills Barrow which may date to the Neolithic or Bronze Age.  We didn't get chance to go the Barrow this time so will have to pop back for another visit.  Apparently if you stand on the vantage point of the old post mill to the north of the village, ten church spires can be seen across Northamptonshire.  I've yet to try this but will have a look next time.