This is a circular walk of 4.5 miles and is very easy, there being only one short steep climb up on to the ridge and two styles to cross. The walk starts and finishes in the small car park at the Abbey (53° 24' 09" N 1° 11' 00" W). There is no cafe at the site, but one can buy coffee/tea and cold drinks at the entrance. And there are toilet facilities. The abbey is managed by English Heritage so go here for prices (for non-EH members) and opening times.
Roche Abbey was founded in 1147 by Cistercian monks, so called "White Monks" from the colour of thier robes. The abbey was dissolved by Henry the VIII in 1538.
The Route
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Roche Abbey
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Follow the path on the left hand side of the fence, outside of the abbey grounds.
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Go through the Kissing Gate.
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Down to the gate into the woods.
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Follow the woodland path for about half a mile, then turn left up to the top of a ridge.
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From the path
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From the path.
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Turn left here, up to the ridge.
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Turn right and follow the ridge path all the way to Laughton en le Morthen.
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View from the ridge.
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Laughton church steeple.
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Come to the end of the track and head to the village.
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A break for lunch in the village.
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Follow to the next Way Marker sign on the right and follow.
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The path is not well defined from here and it easy to drift off it. Look for the style in the far left corner near the sewerage plant.
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If, like us, you find yourself in the wrong field, look for this gap in the hedge and go through it. You'll now be able to see the style.
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Cross and follw the path to the road.
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The style on to the road. Take care.
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Turn right over the style and follow all the way to the railway bridge.
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Turn right at the sign post.
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At the next way marker, turn left and follow to the next one.
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turn right and follow the path across the field to the next way marker.
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Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium).
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Follow this path all the way to the bridge across the stream in the woods.
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You are now on the track all the way back to the Abbey.
