Brampton Valley Way

Oxendon Tunnel closed for essential improvements

Due to essential improvement works Oxendon Tunnel will be closed from 13 July to 21 August.

During this period, the tunnel, a short section of the Brampton Valley Way and the small parking area will be closed to all users. All other sections and the Kelmarsh Tunnel will remain open.

The work in the tunnel includes removal of the existing surfacing, the installation of a new sub-base and construction of a new durable surface to ensure it remains safe and accessible for future use. The new surface will be suitable for pedestrians, cyclists, people who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters and pushchairs.

Bats are known to occupy Oxendon Tunnel. The closure dates and timing of the resurfacing work have been set by the Bat Earned Recognition scheme licence, issued by Natural England.

A clearly signed, pedestrian only diversion route will be in place from the small parking area at W3W ///risks.starfish.pass to a large brick bridge at W3W ///inflation.market.dubbing.

The diversion route has uneven surfaces, sloping ground, steps, four stiles to climb over and follows a footway alongside the A508. It is not suitable for cycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters or pushchairs.

A traffic-free, safe alternative route for cyclists and wheelchair or mobility scooter users is not available. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Cyclists are advised to decide on the safest route between Market Harborough and the small parking area at W3W ///risks.starfish.pass  

Please find a map of the Oxendon Tunnel closure route and alternative routes below.

The Brampton Valley Way spans over 14 miles between Northampton and Market Harborough, what was once a disused railway is now a wildlife corridor with a hard surface track suitable for most pedestrians, bicycle riders and horse-riders.

Motor vehicles are not permitted on the track under any circumstances unless agreed in advance with the parks’ Rangers.

Opening times

Brampton Valley Way is open all day, every day with free admission. There are no toilets along the route.

Location

Brampton Way
Brixworth
Northampton
NN6 9BD

Directions

By car

Brampton Valley Way can be easily reached from the A508 (this is the Northampton to Market Harborough road). There are a number of access points and car parks along this route.

• Boughton Lane, NN6 8AA
• Brampton Hall, NN6 8BA
• Merry Tom Lane, NN6 8AQ
• Spratton Road, NN6 9DT
• Brixworth Station, NN6 9BP
• Hanging Houghton, NN6 9HA
• Draughton Crossing, NN6 9HA
• Kelmarsh Station, NN6 9NB
• Oxendon Station, LE16 8NL

By bus

There is a regular bus service that operates between Market Harborough and Northampton with stopping points along the A508.

Find bus timetables.

By bicycle

Brampton Valley way is part of Sustrans National cycle route 6. There is a bridleway link from Brixworth Country Park that runs along Merry Tom Lane (cycling is permitted along all bridleways). Off road or hybrid bicycles are recommended.

Parking

Parking is free of charge in the Brampton Valley Way car parks at Boughton crossing, Brampton Halt, Spratton, Draughton crossing and Kelmarsh station.

Brixworth Country Park is nearby which provides further facilities including a cafe, parking and toilets.

There are picnic sites in the car parks of Brixworth, Maidwell and Kelmarsh.

Dog walking

We provide a pleasant dog-friendly environment with areas where your dog is allowed off a lead (under control).

We provide dog bins in several places that are easily accessible.

Contact the Rangers

The Ranger’s Office is located at Brixworth Country Park via the Info Booth, usually open 7 days a week, between 10am and 4pm.

Telephone: 0300 126 5932
Email: [email protected] 

Last updated 03 August 2026