Saddington, Mowsley, Laughton, Gumley

Leader: John Broadhead

As usual, we met at Fleckney village car park (///loses.always.huts) by 9.30 a.m. for this local walk.

We embarked on a delightful adventure, starting from the car park and meandering towards the quaint village of Saddington. We began our journey by traversing the Persimmon estate, picking up The Leicestershire Round as it wove its way through enchanting fields. Fair warning had been given—the path, though charmingly dry at times, transformed into a muddy escapade at the slightest hint of rain!

As we exited the field onto Kibworth Road, we turned right and walked along the pavement to the road junction, crossing carefully to the other side. There, a stile and footpath led us around Saddington and towards Mowsley Road. After the next stile, we turned right and followed the field down to the gate, a notorious mud collector, before trailing the hedgerow to another stile on the right. This particular stile, often obscured by leafy bushes, could easily be missed—we kept an eye out!

We crossed the field diagonally, keeping to the right of the following field. A stile at the end led to a path running past a wooded area on the right. We had to be cautious here, as it often became overgrown with brambles ready to trip the unsuspecting wanderer.

After the stile at the end of the wood, we turned right and followed the field’s edge until we reached a gate, often tied up with twine. There was no stile here, so we untied and re-tied the twine once we were all through. The next gate was easier to manage.

We then faced a steady climb to another stile. Previously in disrepair, it had been fixed, but the steep descent on the other side required a helping hand. The path continued over the field to a gate with a peculiar wonky stile. We headed downhill briefly, over a stile on the left, then turned right and descended to the field’s bottom. Some gates here were open, easing our navigation.

We encountered a double stile and footbridge on the right, marking the end of the awkward stiles—though a few more awaited. A gentle climb, another stile, a level field, and repeat, until we reached a pond on the left. A short, steep descent followed by a climb led us to another stile, then a steep ascent towards Mowsley—just two more stiles to go!

Emerging onto Main Street, we turned right and passed St. Nicholas’ Church, turning left onto Church Lane. We passed the quirky Crook House and entered a field, with the observant among us spotting a castle to the left. Crossing Dag Lane, we followed a track past chicken coops, through a gate, along the field’s edge, over a footbridge and into another field. The path, running parallel to the hedgerow, dipped and rose again towards Laughton. It was an uphill journey, but not too steep.

In Laughton, we turned right by the church, with its charming thatched wall surrounding much of the graveyard, and headed to the seat by the telephone kiosk—still functional and a perfect spot for a rest and a coffee.

After our break, we had two return options. The shorter route, marked by a red dashed line, would lead along a track, through a gate, and uphill. The view as you head back towards Saddington is quite wonderful. Taking the second gate off the track, you would take a permissive way (occasionally muddy), exiting onto Mowsley Road, turn right, and just past ‘The Grange,’ take a left path. Follow the field’s left edge to the bottom corner, turn right alongside a brook, cross a stile, and continue to a footbridge. There was a fallen tree here but some brave souls have since removed it! Cross the bridge, climb the bank into a field, follow the hedge across two fields to the road, and navigate a muddy section caused by horses. Finally, cross the road, head through the stables, turn right, then right again into The Queen’s Head—the designated pub stop!

The longer route took us along Laughton Lane and Main Street, through a gate into a field. The path ran diagonally, through a gate, across an unnamed road, and over a stile. Four fields and three stiles later, we entered a long field past Gumley Lodge. The path turned into a bridleway, leading to a gate, over a track, and through another gate.

This challenging section climbed a steep slope before levelling and descending into Gumley, opposite an old telephone kiosk now serving as the village library. The Bell awaited those needing a boost after the climb.

Continuing up the road from Gumley past St. Helen’s Church, we rejoined The Leicestershire Round, crossing Debdale Lane into a field via gates. The views there were, as always, spectacular.

We descended a hill, climbed to Smeeton Gorse (where a bench offered a resting spot), and followed the path through three fields, descending to the canal feeder. Crossing the feeder and stream, we navigated gates back to Saddington Main Street. A left turn took us to The Queen’s Head, our pub stop, where we could have reunited with the shorter-route walkers, but there were none.

After refreshments, we embarked on the well-trodden mile-long trek along The Leicestershire Round from Saddington to Fleckney.

This walk spans about 9.5 miles (7 for the short walk), with a few undulations and several stiles. Walking poles are highly recommended!

Now, now, Julie!
Hay there!
A little uphill section
The top at last!
View from the top
Heading towards a sunset
Heading towards a sunset
A lovely view even in the mist
A spot of downhilling
A view of the reservoir
Get your feet out of your dinner!
Having a well-deserved beverage