Priors Hall Park, Corby, Northamptonshire

Corby Old Quarry ‘Gullet’ (The Gulley)

Mixed-habitat reserve

Place photograph

6.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WetlandLakesideHillsWalkersWildlife loversPhotographersFamilies

Why it's Wildland

6.8

A former ironstone and limestone quarry now forms a wildlife reserve running through the centre of Priors Hall Park. Its steep quarry face, pools, wet grassland and reedbeds preserve traces of its industrial past within a living landscape.

The Gullet earns its place for the contrast between its quarry cliffs and a surprisingly varied reserve of wet grassland, reedbeds, scrub and lake. Wildlife Site status and reported rare habitats give this more substance than a simple park stroll, though it is a developed-edge nature walk rather than a remote escape.

Peaceful · Secluded · Wild

Find your way

Open map

Priors Hall Park, Corby, Northamptonshire

Opening map…

Explore around here Get directions

The experience

Walk part of the reserve’s pathway through grassland, reedbeds and scrub, then continue towards the lake in the southern Gulley. Watch for wildlife from the path and respect fenced habitat areas.

Things to do

Walk the Gulley pathway

Follow the reserve path through grassland, reedbeds and hawthorn scrub. The sources describe almost 2 km of pathway; confirm the current route and conditions on arrival.

About 1 hour or more; estimate

Look for wildlife from the path

The site owner highlights grizzled skipper butterflies, emerald damselflies and red kites. Keep to the path and leave wildlife undisturbed.

Notice the quarry landscape

Look for the steep cliff face and pools that reveal the area’s former ironstone and limestone quarry use.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1 hour; estimate

A short Gulley wander

01
Enter from one of the published access points, such as the path behind Eagle Close or the central causeway.
02
Follow the reserve path through the grassland and scrub, turning back when you have time to spare.
03
Pause to look for birds and other wildlife, staying on the path.

Half day · Around 1–2 hours; estimate

Follow the Gulley to the lake

01
Start at a published reserve entrance.
02
Walk the pathway through the grassland, reedbeds and hawthorn scrub towards the lake in the southern Gulley.
03
Look for the quarry’s steep face and pools, and watch for wildlife from the path.
04
Return by the same route or use another published entrance only if you have arranged a suitable return.

Verified history

The Gulley runs through Priors Hall Park along the site of the former Corby Old Quarry. The area was used for ironstone and limestone quarrying; the steep face and pools remain visible signs of that use. The reserve was reported open to walk through in August 2022 and has Wildlife Site status.

Hidden details

The industrial cut in the landscape — The steep cliff face and pools are visible reminders of the quarry’s former ironstone and limestone workings.

Rare habitat in a townside reserve — The site was awarded Wildlife Site status for its biodiversity and rare habitat types. Great Crested Newts have been translocated to the area under licence; respect any fenced receptor areas.

When to go

April · May · June · July · August · September · A calm, clear part of the day may make wildlife easier to notice; no specific time is verified.

The sources identify butterflies, damselflies and birds among the reserve’s wildlife, but do not specify reliable peak months. Spring and summer are a reasonable general choice, not a guaranteed wildlife timetable.

Check conditions before visiting. The source row reports uneven terrain and steep paths; take care in wet or icy conditions.

What to look for

Look for the steep quarry face and pools left by former quarrying, then scan the reserve’s grassland, reedbeds and hawthorn scrub for wildlife. The site source names grizzled skipper butterflies, emerald damselflies and red kites.

The story

Industry

Best time to go

Spring to early autumn for wildlife and greener paths; the reserve can be visited year-round, but conditions may vary.

Choose a calm, clear visit in spring or summer for a chance to notice active wildlife; no specific peak dates are verified.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families

Practical information

Opening & access

The Gulley is a nature reserve with a pathway through it. The published access points are behind Eagle Close, between Lake Drive and Harrier Close, from the central causeway, and off Levatts Way by Quarry View play area. Follow the path, keep dogs on a lead and take litter home. Check current access before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

The source row reports nearby parking but gives no verified car park location or capacity. Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs must be kept on a lead; take litter home.

Accessibility

The source row describes uneven terrain and steep paths and reports that the site is not wheelchair accessible. Check current path conditions before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Lake, pools, wet grassland and reedbeds