Arnesby, Peatling Magna, Shearsby by John Broadhead
As usual, we’ll gather at the village car park (///loses.always.huts) by 9.30 a.m., ready to embark on another adventure—boots laced, snacks packed, and enthusiasm somewhere between “raring to go” and “still half asleep.”
From the car park, we’ll make our way to Kilby Road and take the footpath through the field, which leads to the well-trodden bridleway favoured by the Weekday Walkers. Shortly after the track bears left to join Arnesby Road, a footpath heads directly towards Arnesby. This is our footpath of choice—bold, direct, and hopefully not too muddy. However, a more scenic (or possibly less boot-swallowing) route skirts around the field. At the last field before Arnesby, the footpath is supposed to go diagonally across, though any visible evidence of this may be purely theoretical. Instead, the well-used track carries on past the farm entrance, and many walkers (both two-legged and four-pawed) opt for this instead.
Once we reach Arnesby Road—by whatever means necessary—we’ll perform the delicate art of crossing the always-busy A5199 without losing any members of the group. Then, it’s a quick hop over a stile and onward towards the heart of Arnesby, where we take a right, then a left, to seek out the infamous windmill. Built in 1815, it is a Grade II listed building. It was extensively restored around 1976 and stands as a prominent landmark in the village.
We’ll follow the footpath past the playing fields before tackling two stiles to cross the entrance to the mill. From here, our path takes us all the way to Peatling Magna. There are a few more stiles along the way—because, let’s face it, no walk is complete without an obstacle course. Curiously, the route seems to take a scenic detour to The Cock Inn before looping back past All Saints Church. A navigational anomaly, or a subtle hint that a strategic lunch/coffee/beer stop might be in order? We’ll let democracy decide.
In 1265, the villagers of Peatling Magna found themselves in a medieval showdown worthy of a Monty Python sketch. After the Battle of Evesham, they boldly refused to cooperate with the victorious royal forces, accusing them of acting “against the welfare of the community of the realm.” This act of defiance led to a legal fracas, with the village representatives summoned to court. It’s a classic tale of the little guy standing up to authority—pitchforks and all!
After this brief (?) stop, we pick up the footpath heading southeast to Shearsby. The little red flags on the map suggest we have another three stiles to conquer before reaching our next destination. Consider it a warm-up for any future Olympic hurdling ambitions.
Upon reaching Shearsby, we have the option to finish the rest of our lunch in the park near The Chandler’s Arms. Given the distance covered, it would be downright rude not to pop into the local hostelry. The Chandler’s Arms is a lively little pub serving a fine selection of local ales. While primarily a “drinker’s pub,” it also keeps itself busy serving up some good food—so we may have to exercise some willpower to continue the walk instead of settling in for the afternoon.
The Shearsby windmill has its own dramatic history. In December 1836, miller John Wylde met an untimely end when a sudden gust slammed a door into him, causing fatal injuries. The mill seems to have been a magnet for mishaps, as earlier, in 1782, young Thomas Weston was tragically “catched up in the mill.” It’s a reminder that even picturesque windmills have their dark tales.
The final stretch of our walk follows the Leicestershire Round, leading us past Rowley Fields Farm and onward to Fleckney Road. Stalwarts will carry on along the Round before looping back via the footpath to the west of the village, while the more comfort-inclined walkers will take the direct route along Arnesby Road and Main Street—arriving at The Golden Shield that little bit sooner.
The walk flirts with the 10-mile mark but is a relatively easy-going affair—nothing too gruelling, just a few gentle undulations to keep things interesting and a generous helping of stiles to keep us on our toes (or at least test our flexibility). Thankfully, the chosen route steers us clear of the worst of the countryside’s current mud-bath offerings, so with any luck, we won’t need snorkels or rescue teams to retrieve lost boots along the way.
General information:
The Fleckney Walking Club offers a range of walks for anyone who enjoys fresh air, good company, and the occasional debate about whose turn it is to get lost.
All walks start from Fleckney Village car park (What3Words: ///loses.always.huts).
Weekday Morning Walks
We head out every weekday at 8:30 a.m. for a 3–4 mile leg‑stretcher. These are friendly, local, and an excellent excuse to pretend we’re “morning people”.
Sunday Walks
Every other Sunday we meet at 9:30 a.m.
The Sunday programme alternates each time:
- One week: a short walk (4–5 miles) with a coffee stop
- The next: a long walk (6–9 miles) with a pub stop
And so the cycle continues, like a well‑oiled machine… or at least a machine that’s had a coffee or a pint.
Good boots and weatherproof layers are strongly advised, especially for those who attract rainclouds. Bring refreshments too — a coffee or picnic stop is usually part of the ritual.
If we’re travelling outside Fleckney, car sharers are asked to contribute 20p per mile (one way).
Example: 10 miles = £2, plus whatever emotional support the driver requires.
Thursday Evening Walks (Summer)
In summer we also run Thursday evening walks of 4–5 miles, starting at 7 p.m. from the village car park.
If the programme creeps into September, we shuffle the start to 6:15 p.m. in a brave attempt to outrun the sunset.
Most Thursday walks this year are local, so no transport or complicated logistics — just turn up and look enthusiastic.
Leading a Walk
If you fancy leading a walk, we have plenty of route ideas here. You bring the charm; the rest of us will bring the heckling.
Cancellations
If a walk is cancelled (usually weather, occasionally common sense), the leader will notify everyone via email and WhatsApp, and will also appear at the meeting point to console any optimists who turned up anyway.
Membership
Annual membership remains a bargain at £5, which is less than the price of a pint on most of our pub‑stop routes.
Stay Updated
All the latest walk details, updates, and last‑minute dramas appear on our WhatsApp group:
https://bit.ly/4t1lj5V
The annual cost to join the Fleckney Walking Club is £5.
You can find The Fleckney Walking Club Group on Facebook. This is a private group but you are welcome to apply to join us.
We encourage you to join the Fleckney Walking Club WhatsApp Group.
Please do so by scanning the QR code, following the link below, or contacting Phil.
https://bit.ly/4t1lj5V
If you would like to join this walk then please fill out the form below and press the Submit button.
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