Sadly, the designated meet leader Paul, still recovering from his recent Covid booster jab, was unable to lead this walk, so 7 of us gathered at 10am in Laughton-en-le-Morthen for this un-recced walk in unfamiliar territory, with the understanding that deviations/getting lost were a distinct possibility. But with the help of the book description [from Walking in South Yorkshire by Rob Haslam], 2 maps, a phone GPS map, a compass and the sun, we somehow managed to find our way successfully round the described route. An initial footpath through giant cabbages and several fields led us to King’s wood and the stepping stones by Roche Abbey. As recommended in the book, we took the footpath encircling the abbey ruins, [looking particularly photogenic bathed in sunlight] and stopped for a coffee break, entertained by some nearby drone antics. Leaving by the gatehouse, we entered the wooded valley of Maltby Dike, before later emerging into open grassland towards the guiding church spire of Maltby. After a brief visit here, we crossed the footbridge and ascended steps towards Hooton Levitt, with a stop for lunch in bright sunshine. Leaving the houses behind, there were unexpected and dramatic views to the north, before more fields to join Tunwell Lane. Here lies ‘what must be the most redundant Trig. point in Britain, standing forlorn and forgotten in the middle of the hedge, at the dizzying height of 150m above sea level and on flat ground’! This provided a photo opportunity for a gymnastic Ali and helper Leon [see the walkers WhatsApp]. With Laughton church now visible, the remainder of the walk was very easy, passing along quiet lanes through Brookhouse and back to the start, with another brief diversion to the church yard to complete the day [and all before 2.30pm!] Thank you all for your much-appreciated assistance with map reading and signpost/footpath spotting – it made the whole day very enjoyable and much less stressful than it might have been.
Vanda Boyd
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