As we step into another grand walking adventure, we set our sights on a roughly 7.5-mile (or a neat 8 miles if you take the Shield detour) circular saunter from Fleckney to Smeeton and beyond. Expect an easy-going trek with one short but cheeky climb, plenty of flats, minimal stiles, and—perhaps most importantly—some rather civilised terrain that spares us from the dreaded mud pits of doom.

We begin our journey from Fleckney village car park, marching purposefully towards the undulating ridge and furrow fields—a relic of medieval agriculture that now serves as our prelude to adventure. Soon, we reach the bridge over the Grand Union Canal, a vital 18th-century trade route and, in its day, the equivalent of a motorway. We then amble into the peaceful embrace of Millennium Wood, where woodpeckers provide the drumroll for our grand expedition.

A gentle climb through woodland and fields brings us to Kibworth Road, where a daring game of human Frogger awaits (please cross with caution, as extra lives are in short supply). Once safely across, we take Mill Lane, the former site of an ill-fated post mill that met its demise in a dramatic storm of 1847, taking the unfortunate miller, Thomas Innocent, on an unexpected and rather turbulent ride.

Onward we go into Smeeton Westerby, where we shall sigh wistfully at The King’s Head pub—closed upon arrival, naturally, but still noted for a future visit. Pressing on, we zigzag onto Debdale Lane and follow it until we meet the canal towpath at Debdale Wharf. Here, we turn right, heading towards Bridge 68—a narrow, metal footbridge that once vanished into the abyss before re-emerging like some lost relic of the past.

A tricky stile, a gate, and a field ascent later, we pass Debdale Grange (also known as the White House, though somewhat lacking in US political drama). Another stile and a short road stint take us through what must be Leicestershire’s most underwhelming footpath—a brief jaunt through a triangular wood before popping out onto Gumley Road.

Dodging badger holes and navigating a mildly uneven track, we reach the rolling fields of Smeeton Gorse—an excellent place to pause, admire the views, and pretend to be more exhausted than we actually are. We continue on, tracing the reservoir before bracing for the exhilarating (read: knee-wobbling) descent of Saddington Hill. We cross the canal feeder, a worryingly rickety footbridge over Saddington Brook, and traverse a few equine-occupied fields before emerging triumphantly onto Main Street. Here, The Queen’s Head awaits, offering a welcome dose of sustenance, a well-earned beverage, and a chance to swap exaggerated walking tales.

Revitalised, we double back through Bakehouse Lane, rejoining The Leicestershire Round and pausing to admire a cottage sporting a fresh thatched roof—how terribly quaint. A second crossing of Kibworth Road (again, check for rampaging vehicles) leads us back through picturesque fields, which will either be delightfully dry or a scene from a swamp survival documentary, depending on recent rainfall. A final winding stretch takes us through the Persimmon estate before we reach Fleckney once more—perhaps with an optional pit stop at The Golden Shield for one last toast to our walking triumph.

A glorious blend of history, scenery, and just enough physical exertion to justify the pub breaks—what more could one ask for? Let the hilarity and hiking begin!