QH Walk 5

Turn left out of the Queens Head onto Main Street and follow the road to where it bends left. Just before the bend is a stile and footpath on the right. Cross the stile and join the footpath, which heads in roughly the same direction as the road you’ve just left.

The route through the first field is clear enough. The way into the second field can be missed — look for a wooden gate and stile on the right. The path through the third field isn’t always obvious, as it heads diagonally across almost to the far corner. By the time you reach the stile into the fourth field, you’ll be well‑trained in spotting them.

Turn hard left after this stile near Saddington Lodge Farm, following the track towards a wooded area — via another stile, naturally. Keep an eye out for curious porcine quadrupeds; the pigs may wander over to see who’s visiting, but they’re harmless. Another stile leads you out of their territory.

The footpath now runs parallel with the hedgerow for two fields before beginning its ascent, almost diagonally, across the next one. The stile at the top is awkwardly placed on a slope, and once over it there are a few steep steps before you reach level ground. Long‑armed assistance is recommended.

If you’re lucky, you can dip into the fields on the left instead of negotiating the next two stiles. One is a gate‑and‑stile combination that can be a bit tricky; long arms may come in handy again. The next is a double stile with a footbridge, usually overgrown, so have sticks at the ready. Once over that hurdle, the path climbs steadily, levels out after another stile‑and‑footbridge pairing, and drops gently after yet another stile.

If there’s been recent rain, the track you’re now on can get muddy. Take care as you pass the pond, and don’t be tempted to walk across the grass on your left — it can be boggy. With luck, you’ll have glorious sunshine and a track dry enough to crack. The next stile sends you upward rather steeply, and ahead is a jitty guarded by stiles at both ends. Once over the final stile, you step into Mowsley. Breathe a sigh of relief: no more stiles — for a while, at least.

To keep the route short, turn left on Main Street. If you have time and inclination, feel free to explore the village. Main Street bears left and becomes Saddington Road. A little over half a mile later it kinks right, and there’s a footpath on the left accessed by a large metal gate that is sometimes loosely tied shut. If it’s tied, untie it, pass through, and re‑tie it once everyone is safely across.

This footpath continues in the same general direction — until the next field, where you bear left and follow the path as it dips steeply to the bottom of the valley. Follow the path as it hugs the contour of Mowsley Brook for four fields. Then the stile‑fest resumes: a cluster of stiles leads you towards Saddington Brook. A double stile and footbridge combination takes you through a wooded area and up to the penultimate stile of the day. Once over this, cross the field and exit onto Mowsley Road. If you’re lucky, the gate will open; if not, the stile awaits.

Cross the road and head through the gate opposite, following the path to the riding stables. This is the easiest stretch of the walk after all those stiles. Emerge onto Main Street, turn right, and Matt and Michelle will welcome you back to the Queens Head.