M1 Junction 15 Forest dog walks, Northamptonshire
Photo © Driving with Dogs 
Photo © Driving with Dogs 
Photo © Driving with Dogs 
Photo © Driving with Dogs 
Photo © Driving with Dogs
Description
Dogs can run freely in this small survivor of a former royal hunting forest, where the ancient oak trees are known as 'druids'. In the school holidays there's plenty for kids to do, and a separate car park for the busier part of the forest.
Details
GPS coords for car park: 52.1581, -0.8422 P&D gated car park, closes at 1900 in summer. Cafe, WC, children's play area.
Walk
Walk 1
Salcey Forest is immensely popular and crowded on sunny days during the school holidays and weekends. We've given two walks here, as dogs may prefer the leafy solitude of the second walk at busy periods. There are three marked trails through the woods on well maintained paths. The first trail (15-20minutes) is 0.75 mile and according to the information given is suitable for wheelchair users. The second trail is 1.5 miles, and the third trail is 6 miles. Salcey Forest is a small survivor of a former royal hunting forest, and contains ancient oak trees known as 'druids' that are said to be over 500 years old. With a keen eye, ancient wood banks and the remains of buildings can still be seen. There is plenty for all the family to do here, although the Treetop walk is strictly for humans!
Walk 2 At the crossroads after Hartwell village go straight on, signed Stoke Goldington, Hackleton. Ignore the apparent first car park – this is private. Continue to the next car park on the right hand side. There are no facilities here except the free car park. There are great paths here through Forestry Commission land. One route is waymarked with white arrows, and leads through woodland. This walk is ideal for dogs, and is popular with local dog walkers. Paths are shared with cyclists, and some cooperation is required with them.
JLIMPITLAW
Green 139 Points
Musketeer
Green 35 PointsNice walk
This walk was slightly further from the M1 than would have liked, but was good place to stop with our puppy. We parked in the overflow car park and did the short wooded walk to the cafe/centre. Cafe sells dog treats as well as toasties for humans. We sat outside (good place if you also have young children as play area next to seating area).
Laura190
Green 40 PointsGreat for walks and a light lunch
We did the short Elephant walk (0.75 miles) for the old dog. This took about 25 mins and was a great little loop. We then did the longer Woodpecker walk (6 miles) with the young dog which took about 2.5 hours. In early January it was very muddy, so definitely need a change of shoes and probably trousers as well! Afterwards we had a light lunch at the cafe and tried a few from their large selection of tasty cakes.
micheleclement3
Pink 163 PointsA great place for a walk and a meal just off the M1
We love stopping in Salcey Forest as we drive north on the M1. The cafe serves delicious breakfasts and cakes.
The 5 mile walk through the forest sets you and your four legged friend up for the rest of the journey.
It can be very busy at weekends and in holidays.
Edited: 12th February 2024. The details of this listing may have changed, and though the Driving with Dogs team do our best to confirm the accuracy of every listing, we cannot guarantee that the details are fully up to date and accurate. If you know that any aspect of this listing is incorrect, please suggest an edit to let us know.
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A lovely place for a good walk with the dogs!
A lovely place for a good walk with the dogs! There is a sign-posted 5 mile loop, that crosses the main road in two places or a number of other shorter loops through the woods. The cafe is lovely - somewhere we frequently stop for coffee and cake. It does get very busy on sunny days at the weekend.