Leave Fiveways via Back Lane and turn right into Blisworth Road, the route of the Midshires Way. Continue as far as the crossroads, then turn left following the road that runs parallel with the A43, down the hill. Where the road swings right passing under the A43, carry straight on to the railway bridge. Take the footpath on your left, indicated by a fingerpost, on the brow of the bridge. Until recently you were faced with a tricky scramble down a steep slope here, but new steps have been installed, thanks to a "Project carried out by the RAMBLERS working with NCC, improving access to the countryside," so the descent is now quite easy. Follow the path, staying close to the galvanised post and rail fence, cross a stream and a stile and arrive at the gate on Milton Road by "The Limes".

Turn right, and after about 200 yards take the footpath to the right, heading diagonally across the field towards Gayton Arm. At the corner of the field, stone steps lead up through a gap in the hedge and onto the canal footpath. Turn left and walk towards the Milton Road bridge, where you cross to the opposite bank, continuing along the towpath to the next bridge. Cross the canal over this bridge, then cross the railway bridge and continue diagonally half right, up the hill, across the grassy field towards Gayton. Cross the stile, set in the hedge, and into the next field. The route of the footpath is diagonally across the field to another stile leading into a paddock. However it is easier to skirt the grassy edge of the field, up to the stile. Pass over the stile into a small paddock, entering Wrights Lane by the gate and from there back to Fiveways.

Barry Steer