Laughton by Road Map

This is an easy, mainly road-based walk of just over 7 miles from Fleckney to Laughton and back. There are no stiles, some minor undulation, and only one muddy patch.

From Fleckney we carefully walk along the pavement, if you can call it that, in single file to Saddington. We head past The Queens Head and on down the hill and stay on Mowsley Road passing the turning to Saddington Reservoir on the way.

Just after Brook Farm is a permissive path that takes us down to the muddy patch. This mud is unavoidable during the winter months due to the landscape and the weather but it is passable with care.

Once through, round, or over the muddy patch we continue along the permissive path through three gates until we reach the track (still permissive) leading into Laughton. The views looking back to Saddington from here are well worth trudging through the muddy patch.

Just before entering Laughton proper there is a footpath to the right that leads to St. Luke’s Church where we may be able to stop for a coffee. Alternatively, there is a bench a little further into Laughton for those who would like a rest.

The plan then is to head along Main Street (we normally go the other way) and meander around the village to join Gumley Road.

This road is barely more than a lane but is well used and so care must be taken. The road provides lovely views of the surrounding countryside and Saddington Reservoir.

After we arrive at the second cattle grid, we turn left at the crossroads and head down the nameless road and past the reservoir itself. At the end of said road we turn right onto Mowsley Road and up the incline to Saddington and The Queens Head for sustenance. If the weather allows, we could sit outside and admire the view, or otherwise squeeze inside where there may be a fire to get warm by.

The last leg of the journey is again carefully along the roadside back to Fleckney and maybe The Golden Shield as they always have room!