The weather was unkind to us most of the week but this Thursday evening turned out to be a cracker. Yes, the fields were wet and there was a lot of mud in places but the five of us that braved it had a fantastic walk.
The Staff of Life car park in Mowsley is not very big but, if you’re lucky, you can squeeze in. From the pub, turn left on the main road and head north to the corner just after the church. On the corner is a footpath, on the left-hand side, that will take you down to a hidden stream. This area can get flooded after a good downpour so some deviation from the path may be necessary.
Climb up the bank after the stream and head to the right of the metal gate. Keep the hedge on your left as you continue along the footpath through two fields. There are stiles in the corner of each.
As you descend through yet another field you will see an inverted ‘V’ in the hedge in front of you. This is where the next stile is – but, Dave being Dave, that is not where you need to go! Diagonally to your right you will see a gate and some old buildings (Lodge Farm). Head for the gate – keeping an eye out for bulls and foxes! Tread carefully past these old buildings, as they don’t appear to very safe, and continue along the track until you reach Saddington Road.
Turn left onto the road and continue past Valley View Farm, round the corner, and turn onto the bridle path on your right opposite Brook Farm. This path takes you south all the into Laughton, a small but pretty village – watch out for cats!
Turn right onto Main Street, just after triangle of grass in the centre of the road. Continue along Main Street until you spot a red telephone box on the left then take the “No Through Road” to the right. This road terminates just after St. Luke’s Church where you will see signs to footpaths left and right. Turn left and head through the small wooden gate to the right of the house and continue westwards until you get back into Mowsley – keep an eye out where the track appears to go off to the right but the footpath you want is more or less straight in front. Once back in Mowsley, enjoy some refreshments at the Staff of Life.