Whilton Locks, near Daventry in Northamptonshire, is the name of a seven-lock system which forms part of the Grand Union Canal – the main waterway from London to the Midlands (Wikipedia).
Back in 2013, I took a trip out there to take a gentle stroll along the canal. If you get the day and time right, you won’t see another soul which means you can really appreciate the sounds and peacefulness of the countryside for yourself!
A boat passed me by, I watched as it created gentle waves in the water. Once it had gone, the water was so still, creating mirror-like reflections of the trees.
It’s a lovely place to go for a walk and it’s high time I went back!
Lavender is another favourite flower of mine, so I was really excited when I found Hitchin Lavender – a family-run farm specialising in the cultivation of this beautiful flower.
I visited in July last year and while there was lots of lavender, if you visit later in the year, there will be even more! The main flowering season is between mid-June and late August.
You are free to wander across the fields, up and down the rows, taking in the intoxicating smell! You can pick your own lavender or buy lavender products in the shop. You can even take a picnic and sit and enjoy the views.
It’s not just lavender that is grown here – there is a wild flower meadow, and fields of sunflowers which flower from the middle of August.
Delapre Abbey is a lovely place to visit if you are ever in Northampton. With a history spanning over 900 years, the abbey itself sure has an interesting story or two to tell. If you want to read more about this, go to Delapre Abbey‘s official website.
The surrounding park is a popular place for walkers and it’s great for photographers any time of the year. You’ll find yourself walking through woods, around a lake and across grasslands as you make your way around the abbey.
Let’s start exploring!
Walk through the woods leading towards the lake.
There are seats around the lake to take in the views.
Follow the path to the left of the lake. It doesn’t matter which way you go around the lake, but I always go left.
This fellow wanted to have his photograph taken and I couldn’t say no!
Glimpses of the lake through the trees never fail to make me feel excited about seeing more.
The overhanging trees make for some lovely reflections in the shimmering water.
The trees stand majestically in the woodland.
The lake is beautiful – very still, the water gently lapping onto the shore. It’s very peaceful.
Unless the water is disturbed by people enjoying themselves on speed boats.
These geese were on a family outing.
While this mother swan and her cygnets were doing some exploring of their own. I stood still and watched while they came ever closer.
Walking through the grasslands, you might see horses grazing – and geese doing the same!
There are more woods to wander through as you walk towards the abbey again. This tree looks like it’s taking part in a strange praying ritual!
And into the gardens for a final couple of photographs.
I hope you enjoyed the walk around Delapre Park in the Summer. Next time, we’ll visit in the winter.
I’d like to share some July’s ‘photos of the day’ from morrisophotography.
Little Billing in Northampton is rather lovely.
I loved the colours and reflections on a Sunday morning walk.
This beautiful daisy caught my eye.
The Washlands in Northampton is always good for photo opportunities.
Another Sunday morning walk around the racecourse.
A view of the marina on the way home from the Washlands.
I took a stroll around Abington Park.
Another day, the clouds created some cool formations.
I also published my ‘Out in the Countryside’ Calendar – an 18 month calendar (July 22 – Dec 23) featuring images from Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Getting out in the countryside is a great way to get some fresh air, to feel healthy, and to feel alive.
Finally, I’d like to share a round-up of July’s posts from morrisophotography.
The Changing Seasons is a monthly project where bloggers around the world share their thoughts and feelings about the month just gone. We all approach this slightly differently — though generally with an emphasis on the photos we’ve taken during the month.
For many of us, looking back over these photos provides the structure and narrative of our post, so each month is different. Some focus on documenting the changes in a particular project — such as a garden, an art or craft project, or a photographic diary of a familiar landscape.
But in the end, it is your changing season, and you should approach it however works for you.
There are no fixed rules around post length or photo number — just a request that you respect your readers’ time and engagement.
Tag your photos with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them.
I love experiencing nature up close. It’s not always easy to photograph birds and squirrels because they don’t sit still much, but I managed to capture these images of our furry and feathery friends as they busied themselves foraging, eating, chilling and preening!
Due to the park’s location, it’s easily accessible to most people.
The park is split into 2 halves with Park Avenue South running between the east and west sides. But, whatever side you wander around, it’s a peaceful and calming place to hang out. Photos taken Sept-Oct 2019 by Gill Morris.
The Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is beautiful.
The band stand sees regular events with local bands playing during the summer months.
At certain times of the year, the gardens are full of fabulous flowers…
