QH Walk 6

Turn right out of the Queens Head onto Main Street and follow the road, ignoring the left fork to stay on Main Street. Where the road zigs left, take the footpath on the right down the jittyway between the buildings. Depending on the time of year, this path can be a little overgrown.

Follow the path down into the horsey field and through the kissing gate into the sheepy field. Take your time descending to the bottom — it’s a little steep. At the bottom are three more kissing gates leading to a short footbridge. A little further on is a longer footbridge, and Smeeton Hill looms ahead. Fear not: you’re not climbing it yet — you’ll be coming down it later.

Turn left and follow the almost invisible track through one field and a gate, then a second field and a gate. After this gate, follow the farm track until it veers left. You need to turn right, leaving the track to cross the grassy field. A small brook lies ahead, but someone has kindly placed a footbridge to help you across. Head for the “tunnel” — actually the Smeeton Aqueduct. There’s a choice of stile or gate at both ends; take whichever suits.

Once through the tunnel, turn sharp left and head up the mound in front of you. Clamber over the stile (no gate here) and take care — a slip could land you in the canal.

Turn left onto the towpath and follow it for a little over three‑quarters of a mile. If you reach Bridge 69, you’ve gone too far. Just before the bridge is a lay‑by off Gumley Road. Leave the canal here and walk along the road in the same direction, crossing over Bridge 69 rather than under it.

After another three‑quarters of a mile, look for a triangular T‑junction warning sign on the left. On the right is your next footpath. It’s nice and wide at first — ideal for regrouping after the road stretch. The farm track ends at a large metal gate, but slightly before that is a smaller gate on the right leading to a regular footpath. “Regular” might be generous: nocturnal diggers have created a number of craters along this stretch, so watch your footing.

There is at least one stile along here, though some have already been replaced with gates. At the bottom of the hill the footpath meets the Leicestershire Round, and you join it to climb Smeeton Hill up to Smeeton Gorse. There’s a gate at the top and, just beyond it, a seat where the weary can catch their breath. It’s a lovely spot to pause and enjoy the panoramic views.

With most of the climbing done, continue along the Round overlooking Saddington Reservoir, through a couple of small gates, and gently downwards to a large metal gate with a hidden stile to its right. The gate is always openable, so head through and admire the view from on high one last time.

Make your way slowly and steadily down the steep hill to the canal feeder at the bottom. Cross it using the bars and bridge provided, and you’re back at the point where you turned off earlier.

Cross the long footbridge, then the short footbridge, and go through the awkward kissing gate. You’re now retracing your steps through the goat field, the sheepy field, and the horsey field. A sigh of relief is perfectly acceptable as you pass through the final gate and walk up the jittyway to Main Street.

Pause here to gather the rest of the crew, then turn left and head to the Queens Head.

Summary

A scenic and varied loop taking in fields, footbridges, the Smeeton Aqueduct, a peaceful stretch of canal, and the rewarding climb up Smeeton Hill. Excellent views, gentle undulation, and a satisfying descent back to Saddington make this a cracking mid‑length walk.