Macmillan Way

The journey begins in the historic market town of Boston, notable for its medieval St Botolph’s Church (the Boston Stump). Heading southwest, the trail traverses the flat and open landscapes of Lincolnshire’s Fens, following rural footpaths and quiet tracks through farmland towards the small village of Swineshead. The terrain is level and navigation is relatively easy, although sections can be exposed and windy. Swineshead offers accommodation and basic amenities for walkers.

Continuing across farmland and fen, the route leads from Swineshead through a patchwork of arable fields and drainage channels typical of this region. Progressing south, the trail crosses rural hamlets and country lanes, with wide-open skies and big horizons. The day concludes in the village of Billingborough, a rural community with limited facilities.

From Billingborough, the Macmillan Way follows footpaths southwest, transitioning gradually from fenland to gentle wooded countryside. The trail meanders through rural South Lincolnshire, passing through villages such as Folkingham and Castle Bytham. The final approach to Stamford reveals stone cottages and historic architecture, marking the entrance to one of England’s most attractive market towns.

Leaving Stamford, the route heads west through the lush countryside of Rutland, passing alongside the edge of Rutland Water, one of Europe’s largest artificial lakes. The trail leads through hamlets such as Empingham, then skirts tranquil farmland before arriving in the historic county town of Oakham. Well-maintained trails and scenic views are highlights.

Setting off from Oakham, walkers traverse rolling countryside and open fields characteristic of Leicestershire’s rural landscape. The journey features gentle climbs and descents, passing through villages like Braunston-in-Rutland and Burrough on the Hill. The day ends in Tilton on the Hill, a quiet rural community.

This section brings walkers through undulating countryside and more secluded stretches of path. After departing Tilton on the Hill, the trail meanders past farms, through hedgerows, and along village lanes, leading to the picturesque village of Hallaton, known for its historical traditions and annual bottle-kicking event.

Leaving Hallaton, the route traces the Welland Valley, passing through Medbourne and onwards into Northamptonshire. The landscape becomes gently hilly, with tranquil river scenes and pleasant woodlands. The impressive Rockingham Castle can be glimpsed nearby as the trail approaches the small village of Rockingham.

From Rockingham, the trail quickly joins countryside tracks, passing through Gretton and following field paths into the heart of rural Northamptonshire. The walk ends in Brigstock, a village with Saxon origins, after a day of gently undulating walking through open spaces, farms, and occasional pockets of woodland.

Starting from Brigstock, the route tracks south through well-kept farmland, before passing through the riverside market town of Thrapston. Continuing towards Oundle, the path follows rivers, meanders through meadows, and showcases traditional stone villages typical of the area.

Departing Oundle, the route continues west, passing Kings Cliffe with its distinctive timbered houses and market square. The trail crosses rural, slightly hillier ground with fields and woods before arriving in Easton on the Hill. Walkers will appreciate a mix of quiet countryside and glimpses of historic architecture.

From Easton on the Hill, the Macmillan Way skirts the southern edges of Lincolnshire, tracking through rolling countryside and scattered woodlands. The path winds through small villages and tracks before arriving at Corby Glen, an attractive village with a medieval church and friendly community.

Leaving Corby Glen, the route travels through Buckminster and open agricultural landscapes. The terrain includes low ridges and patchwork fields as the trail approaches the village of Stathern, situated in the Vale of Belvoir. The scenery offers expansive rural views and peaceful walking.

This stage continues through Nottinghamshire, beginning at Stathern and heading through Harby before arriving at Colston Bassett. Walkers travel along scenic valley paths, with gentle hills and characteristic English rural scenery, including farmland, hedgerows, and small woodlands.

From Colston Bassett, the trail picks up the Grantham Canal towpath, heading through Hickling and along quiet waters fringed by reeds and meadows. This gentle stage to Kinoulton is characterized by tranquil waterside walking and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Following quiet lanes and field paths, this section leaves the canal behind and crosses stretches of gently rising countryside. Passing through rural farmland with open views, the route arrives at the bustling village of East Leake. Basic services are available at the end of this stage.

From East Leake, walkers cross into Leicestershire, heading via the hamlet of Zouch and along the River Soar. The route features tranquil riverside sections and open farmland before reaching Barrow upon Soar, a lively riverside village with refreshment options.

The route south from Barrow upon Soar passes through Charnwood Forest’s granite outcrops and ancient woodland, with a rewarding climb to Beacon Hill before heading through Woodhouse Eaves. The day finishes in the leafy village of Swithland, offering peaceful surroundings and forest paths.

Heading out of Swithland, the trail skirts attractive woodland and rolling farmland before passing through Ratby, a village with Roman origins. The route concludes for the day at Desford, with its historic church and attractive old cottages.

Departing Desford, hikers follow a varied path toward the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre at Sutton Cheney, noted for its links to the Wars of the Roses. The day ends at Market Bosworth, a thriving small town with shops, cafes, and historical connections.

Continuing southwest, the trail navigates through North Warwickshire's patchwork of fields, canals, and historic market towns. After passing near Atherstone, the trail meanders toward Polesworth, a village with a notable medieval abbey.

From Polesworth, the Macmillan Way enters more rural territory, passing through Austrey and Warton before pushing on through open country and woods towards Combe Fields. The environment is peaceful, with a mix of scenic countryside and small agricultural villages.

This section showcases classic Warwickshire and Oxfordshire landscapes, moving through Marton and several river valleys. Field paths and village lanes form much of this stretch, with Shipston-on-Stour providing a busy market town atmosphere at the end.

Heading southwest, the route enters the Cotswolds. Rolling hills and characteristic honey-stone villages line the way as the path threads toward the bustling market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, a highlight of the Cotswold region.

The path leads onward across classic Cotswold scenery, connecting a number of small villages and scenic valleys en route to Cirencester, often called the 'Capital of the Cotswolds.' Expect undulating countryside and opportunities to enjoy local heritage along the way.

Departing Cirencester, the Macmillan Way tracks through lush Gloucestershire countryside, passing the source of the River Thames near Kemble before entering the historic wool town of Tetbury. This is classic walking through fields, woods, and along quiet lanes.

From Tetbury, the trail heads southwest, entering Wiltshire and following rural paths to Sherston, a charming village. Continuing, the route makes its way through open fields and woodland to the ancient abbey town of Malmesbury, renowned for its cathedral and medieval buildings.

This stage leads through scenic Wiltshire countryside, crossing river valleys and wooded hollows. The trail eventually meets the Kennet and Avon Canal, following it for a spell before entering the quaint riverside town of Bradford-on-Avon, with its old stone bridges and historic mills.

Departing Bradford-on-Avon, the walk moves south into Somerset, passing through Frome and undulating country. Farm tracks, wooded valleys, and rural lanes dominate the landscape, ending at Castle Cary, which is well-connected by rail and offers additional amenities.

From Castle Cary, the route navigates the open fields and grasslands of Somerset, gradually approaching the low-lying moors. After crossing the Somerset Levels, notable for their wetlands and wildlife, the trail arrives at Westonzoyland, historically important for the Battle of Sedgemoor.

Leaving the moors behind, this section heads west, gradually ascending from flatlands into the greener and more undulating terrain of Somerset and then Devon, arriving at Bampton. The scenic diversity increases, with more wooded hills and quaint villages.

From Bampton, the Macmillan Way continues southwest through the heart of Mid Devon, following a network of green lanes, hedged tracks, and rural fields. The route passes through tranquil countryside before reaching Witheridge, a friendly village with accommodation options.

The final stage sets off from Witheridge and winds through the undulating, picturesque countryside of North Devon. The route gradually descends, passing farms and woodlands, before entering the ancient port town of Barnstaple on the River Taw, marking the western end of the Macmillan Way.