Marmite was assigned the noble duty of leading this delightfully effortless stroll—a task that will no doubt be performed with great enthusiasm.

We kick off with a firm favourite among the Weekday Walkers, making our way to Crane’s Lock. This first leg is a doddle, guiding us over ridge and furrow fields to the canal, through a gate, and left along the towpath. Normally, a Weekday Walk would see us turning back towards Fleckney at this point, but today, adventure calls us onwards.

Following the towpath, we saunter along until we reach the Glen Aqueduct, where the Grand Union Canal boldly strides over the River Sence. Here, we take our leave of the canal, descending the steps and crossing the river via a footbridge. The path meanders close to the river’s edge, passing through a handful of fields before sneaking off through the undergrowth to deposit us rather unceremoniously at the edge of the very busy A6. Eyes sharp and nerves steady, we navigate this crossing carefully, aided by a strategically placed gap in the central barrier.

Once safely across, we rejoin the footpath, weaving through what is usually a well-maintained stretch (excellent for a spot of impromptu blackberry picking), before hopping over a stile and emerging onto Great Glen’s London Road—well, at least the pavement part of it. A quick right turn takes us past Bob’s car lot and onward to the Italian Greyhound (or simply ‘The Greyhound’ for the more seasoned among us). Here, a well-earned pause is in order, be it inside with a pint or outside basking in the fresh air.

When we eventually muster the will to continue, we slip down the side of the pub, following a footpath past Glen Farm and the recently built crematorium. The path takes us over the A6 once again, this time via a bridge—perhaps just as well if our previous stop included refreshments.

A few more fields lie ahead, where the designated footpath inexplicably abandons a perfectly good track in favour of a meandering route through open fields. Depending on recent rainfall, this section may provide some seasonal mud-wrestling opportunities. For practicality’s sake, we generally stick to the track, following it around and under the railway. A brief warning: this underpass has a well-earned reputation for being a bit boggy—consider yourselves duly cautioned! Emerging from the next field, we find ourselves back at Crane’s Lock.

From here, we cross the canal bridge and proceed through two fields before arriving at Wistow Road. As ever, care is needed when crossing, as the road can be surprisingly busy.

Once across, the footpath heads diagonally through the first of seven fields. Depending on the state of the crops, we might exercise some artistic license and follow the field edge instead. The next stretch is usually more cooperative, with a well-defined path leading us to a footbridge over a ditch and through a final kissing gate.

The home stretch is upon us! The final leg of the walk is a flat and well-trodden footpath leading us back into Fleckney, emerging onto London Road near the allotments. A brief jaunt along High Street brings us full circle to the car park—or, for those seeking a fitting finale, to one of the local watering holes.

In total, this easy-going circuit covers roughly 7 miles, with barely a hill in sight and only a handful of stiles. A splendid way to stretch the legs, share some banter, and, of course, justify a drink at the end!