Roche Abbey - Firbeck - Laughton-en-le-Morthen

Sam Roebuck

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The ruins of the 12th Century Roche Abbey lie deep in a secluded valley beside a magnesium limestone cliff. This lovely setting, beside Maltby Beck, gets our walk off to a fine start as we pass beside the abbey ruins and then along the valley, crossing meadowland, as far as the small village of Stone.

From Stone, a good farm track takes us over to the pretty village of Firbeck (once home to the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum), where you can enjoy an early stop at The Black Lion. The next village en route is the larger one of Laughton-en-le-Morthen and another opportunity for a refreshment break at the St Leger Inn. Some good hilltop and woodland walking now takes us back to the abbey.

This walk is, on the whole, dog-friendly.

England - North England - Yorkshire - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Castle, Church, Gift Shop, Lake/Loch, Pub, Public Transport, Toilets, Woodland

9/23/2018 - Alun Windle

Completed this walk today and its a great walk - seen all manner of creatures including Alpaca and Peacocks ..... However walking it on a Sunday with dogs is not a great idea on the road sections very busy and no path or bank to walk along .. rated 5 for a walk and 2.5 for dog friendly. will try continuing on the bridalway at section 9 next time to see if continues to Firbeck Village ...... the car park is there at the entrance of Roche Abbey although it look like a bit of scrub land. and the prices have increased for non-members to the Abbey at £5 an adult.

4/24/2014 - Michael Lee

There is no longer a bus route that serves Roche Abbey. The nearest public transport stop is in Maltby and this is followed by an additional 1.5 mile walk to Roche Abbey through woodland. However, the benefit of public transport means that you do not nee to complete the full circular route with the additional distance from Maltby. You can catch a bus back to Rotherham from Laughton or Firbeck. Lovely walk!

3/16/2010 - Shane Stone

Really nice walk on a sunny spring morning, blew the cobwebs off! Went early Sunday, so didn't get chance to sample the pubs. A nice spot for a picnic/flask break is on the ridge between Laughton-en-le-Morthern & Kings Wood; there are a couple of benches, with stunning views over the valley. Whilst sat here, I got a close view of a sparrowhawk hovering on the wind for ages, before swooping and devouring it's prey.

9/23/2009 - Peter Maddison-Sharpe

This is a really good walk that is much better done in the opposite direction,if only to arrive at the Black Lion Inn 2/3rds of the way round at 12 o'clock in time for the Sunday carvery.