Lyddington - Uppingham circular via Stoke Dry hill

Mon, 2015 Jun 1 9:40 AM BST

With Marta. Dry but with chilly wind. (Rain in afternoon!) Coffee in Uppingham, lunch in Lyddington. Between 6 and 7 miles.

Same route as on Mon 27 April

Lyddington

We walked through Lyddington past the bend in the road and the old Waggon Wash where the brook crosses the road. Shortly after this there is a clear footpath sign on the right hand side. Opposite this is our footpath, beginning at a stile in the gap in the hedge on the left hand side of the road.

The path from Lyddington took us through this magnificent buttercup meadow

The path climbs through four fields, clearly marked on the ground at this time of year, and comes out on the road between Lyddington and Uppingham Community College. It continues on the other side of the road, though one field, than a hedge and across the school's playing fields.  There is a marker on the other side, and the path then goes through another hedge and downhill along a shaded path, then up past the animal sheds - unoccupied today. 

Just after these sheds is a track to the left. Walk along this for a short way, looking out for a footpath going off to the right, just before the track is hard surfaced. The path goes through trees, then downhill alongside a field.

Approaching Uppingham

 You can see Uppingham's houses and the church clearly now. The path crosses another field and comes out on South View, opposite a grass area with a bench. Go up the steps and follow the path to the left and through some houses to emerge on the market place. Several handy cafes here if you need a coffee.

We dropped into Beans. 

After a break we walked along High Street West, past school buildings and Uppingham theatre, along Stockerston Road. Soon after the houses end the path goes to the right at the point where the road bends slightly left.  The path from here is part of the Rutland Round, and there are some signs to guide you. The path heads almost south west for some distance, crossing two or three fields, and then between fences - plenty of stiles too.

More masses of campion

After another field of crops, at a stile there are signs to the left. Follow the field boundary here, keeping the farm buildings on the right and come out on to the B664 (Stockerston Road.  Turn left and walk along the road for a couple of hundred metres, then take the bridleway to the right.  This again is clearly visible and the path skirts Stoke Dry Wood.

A corner of a field growing masses of flowers - possibly as a shelter for guinea fowl?

Eyebrook and Stoke Dry

After this you come out into open countryside with a great view of Eyebrook reservoir down on the right, and the village and church of Stoke Dry.

Keep to the high ground and follow the path round to come out by Manor Farm. Turn left and walk to the A6003. Cross this and take the footpath from the corner on the left hand side of the road to Lyddington.

Lyddington nestled in the valley

The path is easily followed downhill towards the village, coming out at the bottom of the road. Just a short walk to the village Green, or in our case The White Hart for lunch.


Map and details