The Great Glen Figure-of-Eight – Part Deux
Leader: Phil
All Sunday walks start with a gathering at Fleckney village car park (///loses.always.huts) at 9:30 a.m.
🥾 Phil’s Favourite Loop: From Locks to Greyhounds and Back Again
This is one of Phil’s top-tier local rambles—an easy-going, stile-light loop of around 7.5 miles, perfect for stretching the legs without breaking a sweat. It’s the reverse of the January walk, which means you’ll see familiar sights from a fresh angle. Think of it as the director’s cut. Don’t tell him I said that!
🚶♂️ Part 1: To Crane’s Lock (But Not As You Know It)
We kick off with a classic Weekday Walkers favourite: the gentle stroll to Crane’s Lock. Head out along High Street to Leicester Road, past the allotments (wave to the cabbages), and over a few fields until you reach the bridge by the canal. This is where the infamous Crane’s Lock lurks—infamous not for any dramatic tales, but simply because it’s the point where walkers usually turn back. Not today!
Instead of the usual towpath shuffle, we rebel and veer slightly left, taking the footpath that leads toward the railway bridge in the distance. A word of warning: if it’s rained recently, this stretch can resemble a mud-wrestling arena. Bring boots, not ballet slippers.
🚜 Part 2: Tracks, Crematoriums, and Greyhounds
The path cuts diagonally across a field and joins a farm track. Technically, the “official” footpath continues over more fields, but unless you fancy a hedge-hopping adventure, the track is your friend. It leads us over the roaring A6 via a bridge (pause to marvel at the traffic chaos below), past the new crematorium—quiet neighbours, thankfully—and Glen Farm.
Soon, you’ll find yourself beside the Italian Greyhound, affectionately known as just “the Greyhound.” Whether you fancy a pint, a packet of crisps, or a sit-down in the sun, this is your halfway haven. If the pub’s not calling your name, there are peaceful benches in the nearby cemetery—ideal for a contemplative snack and a nod to history.
🌿 Part 3: Bob’s Lot and Blackberry Bliss
Once revived, head to the public footpath beside Bob’s car lot. The path leads over a stile with a handy movable top bar (a rare nod to ergonomics in the countryside) and through a charming wild patch that’s usually brimming with blackberries. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a free snack and a few scratches—nature’s way of saying hello.
The path emerges at the ever-busy A6 once again. This time, you’ll need to channel your inner frog and cross carefully. There’s a gap in the barrier halfway across—use it wisely and don’t dawdle.
🌾 Part 4: Field-Hopping to the Canal
Once you’ve braved the A6 crossing (with all the grace of a startled deer), the walk gets delightfully rural again. Ahead lie five—and a bit—fields to traverse. Yes, it’s a bit of a patchwork, but each field has its own charm: some flat and friendly, others with a hint of undulation to keep your calves awake.
The path meanders through this agricultural mosaic, occasionally flirting with hedgerows and offering glimpses of the River Sence nearby. Depending on the season, you might spot hares darting across the furrows or buzzards circling overhead, wondering if you’re edible.
Eventually, you’ll reach a set of steps that lead up to the canal. It’s a bit of a climb, but nothing too dramatic—more “gentle ascent” than “Sherpa challenge.” At the top, you’re rewarded with a tranquil stretch of towpath and the soothing sight of narrowboats bobbing gently in the water.
Turn left and follow the canal all the way back to Fleckney. It’s a peaceful finale, with ducks for company and the occasional dog walker nodding in solidarity. As you near the road crossing by the teepees (yes, they’re still there), take care—traffic can be lively.
🏡 Part 5: Ridge, Furrow, and Final Choices
Leave the canal via a gate into two ridge-and-furrow fields—medieval farming patterns still etched into the land like nature’s fingerprint. From here, it’s a short stroll back into Fleckney.
Now comes the final decision: do you head home, or detour to the Shield or the Crown for a celebratory drink? Either way, you’ve earned it.
A.I. assisted description
The minutes of the 2025 A.G.M
and the Agenda for the 2026 A.G.M.
(7 p.m. at the Golden Shield on 22nd January)
can be found HERE
General information:
The Fleckney Walking Club meet every other Sunday for a walk of about 6 to 9 miles with a pub stop somewhere along the route.
What3Words is used to pinpoint start and other relevant locations for the walks.
We leave Fleckney village car park at 9:30 a.m. (///loses.always.huts).
For these walks you are advised to wear good quality walking boots and carry weatherproof clothing.
We suggest you also bring refreshments as a coffee stop and/or a picnic stop is also usually on the cards.
For those who are car sharing to walks outside of Fleckney, passengers are requested to subsidise their driver by the amount of 20p per mile (one way). For example, if the start of the walk was 10 miles from Fleckney the fee would be 10 x 20p = £2.
If you fancy leading a walk, there are plenty of ideas for walks here.
During the summer months we also have Thursday evening walks of about 4 to 5 miles in length.
This year the majority of the walks will be local ones, no transport required.
We meet at the village car park, by 7 p.m. (///loses.always.huts).
In the event of a walk being cancelled for any reason (usually weather) the walk leader will communicate the cancellation to club members by email and be at the start meeting point to advise anyone who turned up regardless.
The annual cost to join the Fleckney Walking Club is £10 for the Sunday Walks, or £5 to be a Social Member. Thursday Evening Walks are completely FREE.
You can find The Fleckney Walking Club Group on Facebook. This is a private group but you are welcome to apply to join us.
If you would like to join this walk then please fill out the form below and press the Submit button.
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