QH Walk 1

Turn right out of the Queens Head onto Main Street and follow it to Bakehouse Lane. Turn left up the lane and stay on the Leicestershire Round as it passes the old bakery and along the jitty to the gate leading into a grassy farmyard. Continue through the yard and out through another gateway onto Kibworth Road. Carefully cross the road and go through the metal gate opposite — it has been known to put up a bit of a fight.

The path across the first field is usually well marked, so keep following the Leicestershire Round to the double gate into the next field. This second field is classic ridge‑and‑furrow, and it’s wise to stroll along one of the ridges; the furrows can hold water after wet weather. Either or both fields may contain cattle, but they’re generally docile and tend to ignore passing walkers.

Aim for the slightly misplaced kissing gate leading into the Persimmon housing estate and continue straight ahead until you reach Lodge Farm — that’s the name of the road. Cross it with a slight leftward drift and pick up the (hopefully tarmacked) footpath running alongside.

This path leads into Lodge Road Recreational Park, a favourite haunt of dog‑walkers, so mind where you put your feet. Keep going in the same direction, staying close to the hedge on your right, until you reach another tarmacked section. This footpath exits onto Gladstone Street. Cross over and continue along the next section, passing a play area and going through a couple of gates to reach Main Street.

Turn right on Main Street, then almost immediately left through a gate into a field. After the next gate, head through the gap into the field on the right — the gate here is rarely closed. Follow the footpath as it climbs, keeping parallel with the hedgerow on your left, until you reach yet another gate.

The bridleway becomes a farm track of decent width, changing from grass to hardcore as you progress. Follow it until you reach a junction, then turn left and continue all the way down to Fleckney Lane (marked as Fleckney Road on Google Maps).

Turn left onto the road and take care — it can be busier than it looks. Continue to the junction with Arnesby Road. Directly ahead is a gateway into a field. Go through and close the gate behind you: a family of goats lives here, and they’re not shy about greeting visitors (or checking pockets for snacks). They’re harmless, just enthusiastic.

You’re back on the Leicestershire Round here, and the path may or may not be a little overgrown. Let anyone with a walking stick lead the way. The path is narrow for a couple of fields before opening out again. There may be cattle, and they can be a touch more inquisitive than earlier ones — nothing dramatic, just curious.

The Round leads back into the Persimmon estate and, with luck, you can walk straight through to Fleckney Road. If a diversion is still in place, simply follow the temporary signs until you rejoin the wide tarmacked track leading to the main road.

You’ll emerge at a bus stop where Saddington Road meets Fleckney Road. Turn right and follow the pavement carefully back towards Saddington. The footway is narrow and the traffic can be fast, so single file is the sensible option.

Summary

A gentle, stile‑free, sub‑five‑mile wander through fields, ridge‑and‑furrow landscapes, quiet lanes, and a brief encounter with some friendly goats. A relaxed loop with good views and a welcoming pub waiting at the end — ideal for stretching the legs and clearing the head.