Arbury Hill

Arbury Hill is the highest point in Northamptonshire, a broad Iron Age hill fort of around 225 metres near Badby and Charwelton in the quiet south-west of the county. It is unspectacular by upland standards but offers genuine open countryside, a distinctive ramparted summit and long views over the rolling watershed country where several rivers rise. Access is on foot via public footpaths and permissive routes across farmland, and it is important to be honest that CRoW open access, where it applies, is not in itself a right to take off and land; the land is working farmland, so be considerate, avoid livestock and crops, and take off and land from the footpath or genuinely public ground. It is a quiet spot with few visitors, which is part of its appeal. There is no airport flight restriction zone here; Borough Hill near Daventry lies about 6km to the north-east and is a separate location. Parking is limited to verges near Badby or Charwelton, so arrive early and park considerately without blocking farm access. Fly on a calm, clear day for wide, uncluttered views across the Northamptonshire uplands, keep clear of any grazing animals, and leave gates and fields exactly as you found them.