A gorgeous and simple circular walk incorporating the old Tarrant Rushton Airfield – and it starts and finishes at the Langtom Arms, perfect for a pint to finish!
Parking is easy at the Langton Arms – the landlady is happy for the odd walker to tuck themselves away in their overflow car park, but we suggest you say thank you by buying a pint on your return.
Most of this route was new to us, though the area is one we’ve walked frequently. We also taught our kids to ride their bikes on the old airfield runway!
It’s such a lovely route, with far-reaching views from much of it. The airfield is a little monotonous underfoot, but a welcome flat relief after the stiff hill to get to it, and is saved by the plentiful nature spotting. Harvesting was going on around us, and the wildlife was busy – we saw kite, hare, deer, skylarks aplenty and more butterflies than we could identify. The airfield also has a few benches around it in shady spots – much appreciated on a hot day.
Pathfinding was easy – if typically overgrown with nettles and brambles across a few stiles – and it was just a really lovely afternoon. This one is going to swiftly be added to our regular routes.
Just a quick note about walking in the heat: we walked this during the July heatwave, and we did not take enough water with us for 30º temperatures. We carried a litre each, but we had to ration ourselves for the last few miles, and the swiftly-ordered pint of icy cold orange juice and lemonade back at the Langton Arms was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. Also one of the fastest drunk, I’m not going to lie!
