Welcome to the 2012 annual walking festival in the lovely county of Suffolk 19th May - 10th June
This year’s festival is bigger and better than ever before and has been extended to cover the west of the county, including Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds as well as going further east, to include the county town of Ipswich.
There is a huge variety of guided walks to suit all tastes and capabilities there is even a five day “challenge” walk that stretches from Constable Country, through the Stour Valley to Mildenhall. You can do as many days of this walk as you like. Why not reward yourself as you go with a stay in the heart of Constable Country in the outstanding natural beauty of the Dedham Vale? This year the Suffolk Walking Festival has teamed up with the long-established and Suffolk-based walking tour operator, Walking Breaks, to offer a special package including the daily walks, accommodation and transfers to the start and from the finish of the different route sections. Enjoy a break with real peace of mind - find out more on page 14. Learn about landscape photography from the professionals; take a stroll around Victorian Ipswich and Medieval Lavenham; or take the children on an adventure trail in search of trolls and wee beasties. Relax and enjoy what Suffolk does best: gentle landscapes, warm hospitality and a fascinating history. We look forward to seeing you! Dogs Where dogs are permitted on the walks, please keep them on a lead at all times. Page 1
Children Children are welcome on all walks but those under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Parking There is parking available at, or close to, the meeting points for all walks. Vehicles are parked at their owners risk
Transport Any bus fares, car parking or entrance fees will need to be paid for on the day, unless otherwise stated. For further information on public transport:-
National Rail Information: Stations at; Diss, Stowmarket, Elmswell, Thurston, Needham Market, Ipswich, Manningtree and Sudbury. Tel. 0871 2002233 www.nationalrail.co.uk Local rail, coach and bus information: Suffolk Traveline Tel. 0871 2002233 www.traveline.org.uk
National Coach Information: Set down points; Stowmarket, Bury St. Edmunds, Mildenhall and Ipswich. National Express Tel. 08705 808080 www.nationalexpress.com
Partners This is the 5th Suffolk Walking Festival. It has been developed over the years by Mid Suffolk and Babergh District Councils and was formerly the South and Heart of Suffolk Walking Festival. For 2012 the Festival incorporates new partners, St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Borough Councils and Forest Heath District Council. Our thanks go especially to Suffolk County Council's Discover Suffolk Project for all their support, to Walking Breaks as a commercial partner for offering accommodation packages and the many walk leaders who make this festival so enjoyable.
Equipment and Clothing Please ensure that you are properly equipped for all walks. Always bring warm and waterproof clothing just in case! Walking boots are recommended, but otherwise please wear suitable and comfortable footwear. Make sure that you also bring a packed lunch, if necessary, and plenty to drink. Cancellation and Refund Policy A leader will be at the start of the walk regardless of the weather, but if the walk has to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, we will endeavour to contact you beforehand. Please leave a mobile number if appropriate, when you book. Refunds will not be given unless a walk is cancelled by the organisers or their agents.
Page 2
The Suffolk Walking Festival Bookings and Walk Fees Please note that it is essential to book and pay for your place on all our walks, unless indicated within this brochure, to enable us to manage the group size. To book any of the walks or for any further information, please contact any of the Tourist Information Centres listed below. We would be grateful to hear from you if you cannot join a walk you have booked, so that we can give your place to someone else. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the walk so that the leader can check numbers, etc. Please note: To book the Flatford to the Fens walk package, which includes accommodation, please refer to the details on page 14. Bury St Edmunds Tel. 01284 764667 6 Angel Hill Bury St Edmunds IP33 1UZ
Ipswich Tel. 01473 258070 St. Stephen’s Church St. Stephens Lane, Ipswich IP1 1DP Lavenham Tel. 01787 248207 Lady Street Lavenham CO10 9RA
Mildenhall Tel. 01638 581091 Mildenhall Bus Station King Street, Mildenhall IP28 7EX Newmarket Tel. 01638 581091 63 The Guineas Newmarket CB8 8HT Page 3
Key to symbols Easy
suitable for most levels of fitness
Moderate
a moderate level of fitness is required
Energetic
a good level of fitness is required
bring a packed lunch accessible for wheelchair users
accessible for pushchair users WC
toilet facilities are available at the start/end of the walk
dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times
TIC 0
Tourist Information Centre
Please see individual walks for precise location
Stowmarket Tel. 01449 676800 Museum of East Anglian Life Stowmarket IP14 1DL Sudbury Tel. 01787 881320 The Library Market Hill Sudbury C010 2EN
19 May - 10 June 2012
Brandon 16
28
31
34 38
W aveney
24 Hoxne
Botesdale
18Mildenhall
Wo rtham
Yaxley
30 3 Thurston
36 39 1 2
Brockdish
21
12
Drinkstone
Occold
Elmswell
37
25
26
Creeting St Mary
5
Ringshall 7
4 11 14 32
22
23
Shrublands
6
Gt Blakenham Somersham
Boxford 15 Polstead 20
10
Bures
9
29 19 35 17 27 13 33
8
Disclaimer
Whilst we endeavour to make all our walks as safe and as enjoyable as possible, any event attended is done so at your own risk. Due care has been exercised by Mid Suffolk, Babergh and Forest Heath District Councils and St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Borough Councils in organising the WALKING FESTIVAL, however the COUNCILS and sponsors accept no liability for loss, accident or injury caused to any person following the routes. You are advised to check your own personal accident cover before taking part. You need to choose walks within your capabilities; the walk leaders are experienced but must take your word that you are sufficiently fit for the grade of walk you have chosen. In the event of any unforeseen circumstances, the Suffolk Walking Festival partners reserve the right to change or cancel a walk without prior notice.
Further Information For more information on places to visit & things to see in Suffolk go to www.discoversuffolk.org.uk Page 4
Festival Launch Saturday 19th May olk ǀĂů Suff The Ő &ĞƐƟ2012 ŬŝŶ
tĂů
Ickworth House Ickworth Nr Bury St Edmunds IP29 5QE
Come and join us to launch the 5th Suffolk Walking Festival (formerly the South and Heart of Suffolk Walking Festival) at Ickworth House, nr Bury St Edmunds. Choose from two walks listed below. The Parkland Walk or the Vineyard and Canal Walk. Refreshments will be available to purchase from 10am and the licensed restaurant will be open for lunches after the walkers return. 1
The Parkland Walk Saturday 19th May, 11am
Location: Ickworth Duration: 2hrs Distance: 4 miles Start & End Ref: Ickworth House, Ickworth IP29 5QE A circular parkland walk from the West Wing passing the family church, walled garden, canal lake, fairy lake and Lady Hervey’s wood and back to the West Wing. Refreshments along route: available at restaurant at start and end of walk Cost: £4 includes entrance to park 2
WC
The Vineyard and Canal Walk Saturday 19th May, 11am
Location: Ickworth Duration: 1hr Distance: 1.8 miles Start & End Ref: Ickworth House, Ickworth IP29 5QE A circular walk taking you to the Ickworth vineyard, canal lake, which is a haven for wildlife, walled garden, Italianate garden and Victorian Stumpery. The view from the far side of the canal is one of the best at Ickworth, looking over the vineyard, sneaking a peek at the church and the Rotunda. Refreshments along route: available at restaurant at start and end of walk Cost: £4 includes entrance to park
Page 5
WC
3
19 May - 10 June 2012
Round & About in Ixworth and Pakenham Saturday 19th May, 10.30am
Location: Ixworth and Pakenham Duration: 2hrs Distance: 5 miles Start & End Ref: Ixworth Village Hall TL932704 A lovely walk on bridleways, footpaths and minor roads, with views of the Augustinian Priory. Start at Ixworth Village Hall, finish at the Pykerell Inn for lunch. Refreshments along route: Pykerell Inn at end of walk Cost: £4
WC
5
Historic Helmingham Hall Sunday 20th May, 10:00am
Location: Helmingham Hall, Helmingham Duration: 2.5 hrs Distance: 7 miles Start & End Ref: Helmingham Hall, Coach House Tea Room, IP14 6EF Helmingham Hall would like to invite visitors to have the chance to enjoy a fully guided walk around the estate. The tour leader has a vast depth of knowledge regarding the historic and ancient trees on the estate as well as the deer and other wildlife. Lunch will be offered in the coach house tea rooms. Guests will then have the rest of the afternoon to wander around the stunning Grade 1 listed gardens. www.helmingham.com Refreshments along route: available before walk in coach house tea room Cost: £20 (includes lunch) 6
WC
Chelsworth – a Short Walk Through a Perfect Village Sunday 20th May, 2:30am
Location: Chelsworth Duration: 1.5 hrs Distance: 1.25 miles Start Ref: Peacock Inn End Ref: Cream teas included at the end of this beautiful stroll. Refreshments along route: Cost: Adults £9, Children £4.50 7
4
Stansfield Circular Walk Saturday 19th May, 11am
Location: Stansfield Duration: 1.45hrs Distance: 4 miles Start & End Ref: Stansfield Village Hall CO10 8LP Fields, copses, a tramp along the Glem, delightful views, finishing at the Compasses pub. Refreshments along route: Compasses Pub Cost: Free. Donations in aid of The Ancient House Museum, Clare
WC
WC
Barking and Back Again Tuesday 22nd May, 10:00am
Location: Barking Duration: 2.5hrs Distance: 5.5 miles Start & End Ref: Needham Lake, Needham Market, IP6 8NU Join the ranger on a 5 1/2 mile walk along green lanes and ancient woodland rides. Refreshments along route: range of refreshments available in Needham Market Cost: £4
WC
Page 6
The Challenge Walk The Suffolk Walking Festival - The Challenge Walk
20th-24th May 2012
The Suffolk Walking Festival launches the Suffolk Challenge Walk ‘Flatford to the Fens’ – a 5-day guided walk across the county. You can join on any day – you don’t have to walk the whole distance, but there will be a prize for those who complete the challenge!
The Challenge Walk starts in Flatford on Sunday 20th May. It follows the Stour Valley Path, a long distance route through picturesque Constable Country and the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The walk reaches the market town of Sudbury, where it picks up the St Edmund Way to Lavenham, England’s finest medieval village. The walk continues to Bury St Edmunds, with its magnificent cathedral. It then picks up the Lark Valley Path and follows this gently flowing river, finishing in Mildenhall on Thursday 24th May. Please see page 14 for Challenge Walk Accommodation Package
8 ...the greenhouse specialists
www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org Visit our website for places to stay, things to do and see, getting around, walk and bike guides in this idyllic unspoilt gem of English countryside.
Page 7
Day 1: A walk through Constable Country Sunday 20th May, 9.00am
Duration: 6-7 hrs Distance: 11 miles Start Ref: National Trust Flatford Mill, CO7 6UL End Ref: Nayland Village Hall, CO6 4JH Our launch walk will be guided by staff from Dedham Vale AONB and follow the Stour Valley Path. We will be walking close to the River Stour through the picturesque villages of Dedham, Stratford St Mary, Thorington, Stoke-by-Nayland, ending our walk at Nayland. Additional Information: Includes coach return to start Refreshments along route: Pubs on route Cost: £10 WC
9
20th-24th May 2012
Day 2: Exploring the Stour Valley Monday 21st May, 9.00am
Duration: 6-7 hrs Distance: 12 miles Start Ref: Nayland Village Hall CO6 4JH End Ref: Kingfisher Centre Car Park, Sudbury CO10 2SU Our walk is guided by staff from Dedham Vale AONB and follows the Stour Valley Path. We will be walking from the picturesque village of Nayland to the historic market town of Sudbury. We will be stopping at Bures on the Essex border along the way, passing through lovely undulating countryside alongside the River Stour before arriving at Sudbury. Additional Information: Includes coach return to start. Refreshments along route: Pubs on route Cost: £10 WC
10
Day 3: Meadows, Market Towns and Medieval Splendour Tuesday 22nd May, 9.00am
Duration: 5-6 hrs Distance: 10 miles Start Ref: Kingfisher Centre Car Park, Sudbury CO10 2SU End Ref: The Cock Inn Car Park, Lavenham CO10 9SA Sudbury to Lavenham looks sure to be a highlight of the Flatford to the Fens Challenge Walk. Our day starts exploring Sudbury Meadows, the oldest continuously grazed pastures in East Anglia, and follows the Valley Trail, the line of the former Great Eastern Railway which once linked Colchester to Bury St Edmunds. We head through the historic market town of Long Melford, with its many antique shops, past Melford Hall and Kentwell Hall, after which we join the St Edmund Way to Lavenham. Our walk will be guided by staff from Dedham Vale AONB who will be able to explain and interpret the historic landscape. Additional Information: Includes coach return to start Refreshments along route: Pubs on route Cost: £10 WC
11
Day 4: A ramble through rolling landscapes Wednesday 23rd May, 9.00am
Duration: 6-7 hrs Distance: 12 miles Start Ref: The Cock Inn Car Park, Lavenham CO10 9SA End Ref: Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds IP29 5LU Our walk is guided by members of Bury Ramblers. From Lavenham we follow the St Edmund Way through the rolling landscape of mid Suffolk past numerous small villages to reach Nowton Country Park. Lying on the southern edge of Bury St Edmunds, this is a beautiful landscaped park complete with an arboretum, a maze, and a totem pole! Additional Information: Includes coach return to start Refreshments along route: None Cost: £10 WC
12
Day 5: On a lark along the River Lark! Thursday 24th May, 9.00am
Duration: 7 hrs Distance: 14 miles Start Ref: Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds IP29 5LU End Ref: Barton Mills, The Olde Bull Inn IP28 6AA Our walk is guided by members of Bury Ramblers. Today we walk through the heart of historic Bury St Edmunds, the burial place of the martyr King Edmund, slain by the Danes in 869, past the famous Cathedral and Abbey Gardens. We join the Lark Valley Path and follow this gently flowing river to the Brecks, a landscape of forests, heathlands and wide open skies. We pass by The King’s Forest, West Stow Country Park, stunning Cavenham Heath and end the Flatford to the Fens Challenge Walk in Barton Mills on the edge of Mildenhall. Additional Information: Includes coach return to start Refreshments along route: Pubs on route Cost: £10 WC
Page 8
13
The Suffolk Walking Festival
What the Victorians Did For Us Wednesday 23rd May, 2:15pm
Location: Central Ipswich Duration: 1.5hrs Distance: approx 2 miles Start Ref: Ipswich TIC, St Stephens Lane IP1 1DP End Ref: Arlingtons Restaurant, Museum St IP1 1HE The Victorian era was one of unprecedented change. The arrival of the Railways and the building of the Wet Dock took Ipswich from a market town to one of the most thriving centres in the country. Discover grandiose architecture, entrepreneurs and generous benefactors that shaped Ipswich and whose legacy still benefits the town today. Refreshments along route: Tea/Coffee included at the end of the walk Cost: £6 inc. refreshments
15
On the Tracks of Pioneers Through Village and Countryside Thursday 24th May, 10:30am
Location: Boxford Duration: 1.5 - 2 hrs Distance: 2-3 miles Start & End Ref: south side of St. Marys Church, Boxford Bring walking boots and dogs on a lead! Refreshments along route: Teas or coffees at the White Hart Cost: Adults £5, Children £2
16
WC
WC
Accessible Wildlife in the Fens Lakenheath Fen RSPB reserve Friday 25th May, 3.30pm
Location: Lakenheath Duration: 1.5 hrs Distance: 1.75 miles Start & End Ref: Meet at car park (some wheelchair access) IP27 9AD Refreshments available at visitor centre. Refreshments along route: Available at visitor centre Cost: £2 per car
WC
17
14
Lavenham Circular Countryside Walk and Cream Tea Wednesday 23rd May, 2:00pm
Location: Lavenham Duration: 2 hrs Distance: 3.5 miles Start Ref: St Peter & Paul Church End Ref: A stroll along the old railway line and fantastic views of the village and countryside. Refreshments along route: Cost: Adults £8, Children £4
Page 9
They Suffered For Their Faith Friday 25th May, 2:15pm
Location: Central Ipswich Duration: 1.5hrs Distance: approx 2 miles Start Ref: Ipswich TIC, St Stephens Lane, IP1 1DP End Ref: Coffeelink, Ipswich Waterfront IP4 1AX Discover the fate of men and women of Ipswich and the price they paid for their religious beliefs. Hear about their faith and how their courage and fortitude are commemorated in the town today. Refreshments along route: Tea/Coffee included at the end of the walk Cost: £6 inc. refreshments
WC
WC
18
Troll Stroll Saturday 26th May, 1:00pm
19 May - 10 June 2012
Location: Mildenhall Woods Duration: 3.5hrs Distance: 1 mile Start Ref: Adventure Play Area, Mildenhall Woods (off College Heath Road), Mildenhall IP28 Bring a picnic to lunch at the Adventure Play area. Then head off for a troll hunt through the Mildenhall Woods, followed by an hour’s troll-themed art session. Fancy dress optional. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Limited accessibility. Additional Information: No dogs Refreshments along route: None Cost: £3 per child
WC
20
Murder Most Foul Saturday 26th May, 2:30m
Location: Polstead Duration: 2-2.5 hrs Distance: 3 miles Start & End Ref: Park at Polstead Pond, opposite entrance to the church Park at the pond and walk around the village to find out about the Red Barn Murder and did he do it? Refreshments available at local pubs. Refreshments along route: Pubs in area Cost: 21
19
From Wolsey’s College to Suffolk New College Saturday 26th May, 2.15pm
Location: Central Ipswich Duration: 1.5hrs Distance: approx 2 miles Start Ref: Ipswich TIC, St Stephens Lane IP1 1DP End Ref: Kai Restaurant, Waterfront Ipswich IP1 3BY Explore education from Tudor times to the present and discover the buildings that provided schooling in Ipswich through 500 years. Discover Cardinal Wolsey's ambitious plans to rival Eton by building a College in his home town as well as the latest facilities at Suffolk New College and Britain’s newest university. Refreshments along route: Tea/Coffee included at the end of the walk Cost: £6 inc. refreshments
WC
Sites and Sights of the five gates of Bury St Edmunds Sunday 27th May, 10:00am
WC
Location: Bury St Edmunds Duration: 3 hrs Distance: 3 - 4 miles Start & End Ref: Tourist Information Centre, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1UZ Discover how the eclectic mix of people and stories of the streets connect these five gates. No dogs. Not suitable for people of limited mobility. Refreshments along route: Refreshment stop available halfway Cost: £4, children free 22
WC
Clare Circular Walk Monday 28th May, 11:00am
Location: Clare Duration: 1.5hrs Distance: 2.5 miles Start & End Ref: Clare Country Park, CO10 8NW From Castle to the Priory, a walk along the Stour, through fields and past an Iron Age camp. Refreshments along route: Available to purchase in the village Additional Information: No Dogs Cost: Free, Donations in aid of the The Ancient House Museum, Clare
WC
Page 10
23
The Suffolk Walking Festival
Lavenham Medieval Meander Tuesday 29th May, 2.30pm
Location: Lavenham Duration: 1-1.5 hrs Distance: 1 miles Start & End Ref: Lavenham Tourist Information Centre, Lady Street, CO10 9RA A stroll around the beautiful streets of Lavenham. Over 350 grade II listed buildings, find out why so many are in one place! Refreshments along route: None Cost: £4 (under 14s free) 24
WC
Treasures and Murder! Tuesday 29th May, 10.00am
Location: Hoxne Duration: 3-4 hrs Distance: 6 miles Start & End Ref: St Edmund Village Hall, Abbey Hill, Hoxne, IP21 5AR Hear first hand accounts of the night the Hoxne Hoard was discovered and see the place where St Edmund was martyred; this walk is full of hidden delights and exciting anecdotes. Refreshments along route: The Swan, Hoxne Cost: £4.00, Children £2.00
WC
26
Stowmarket Town & Country Wednesday 30th May, 10.30am & 2pm
Location: Stowmarket Duration: 2 hrs Distance: 2 miles Start & End Ref: Museum of East Anglian Life, Stowmarket IP14 1DE The morning walk will give an insight into the historic market town of Stowmarket. The afternoon walk will give a guided tour of the various gardens situated within the museums 70 acre grounds, including the newly refurbished walled garden Additional Information: Dogs welcome Refreshments along route: Available at The Osiers café in the museum and around Stowmarket Cost: £4 each walk, £7 both 27
From Shakespeare to DanceEast Wednesday 30th May, 2.15pm
Location: Central Ipswich Duration: 1.5hrs Distance: approx 2 miles Start Ref: Ipswich TIC, St Stephens Lane IP1 1DP End Ref: DanceEast, Ipswich Waterfront IP4 1DW Discover the history of the theatre in Ipswich.Visit the sites of former and current theatres and hear of some of the famous artistes and characters associated with them. Refreshments along route: Tea/Coffee included at the end of the walk Cost: £6 inc. refreshments 28
25
Church Meadow to Combs Wood Wednesday 30th May, 10am
Location: Combs Duration: 2 hrs Distance: 2 miles Start & End Ref: Cemetery Car Park, St Mary’s Church, Combs IP14 2EH Ranger-led walk from the Local Nature Reserve of Church Meadow to the delightful Combs Wood. Start: Cemetery car park, St Mary’s Church, Combs Refreshments along route: None Cost: £4
Page 11
WC
WC
WC
Santon Downham Treasured Suffolk Walk Thursday 31st May, 10.30am
Location: Santon Downham Duration: 3.5 hrs Distance: 5.5 miles Start & End Ref: TL816 878 (Forest District Offices car park) IP27 0TJ A circular walk discovering the hidden history and landscapes of this remote village in north-west Suffolk Refreshments along route: Light refreshments available in village shop Cost: £2.00, children free
WC
29
Time Please Friday 1st June, 2.15pm
The19Suffolk Walking Festival May - 10 June 2012 31
Location: Central Ipswich Duration: 1.5hrs Distance: approx 2 miles Start Ref: Ipswich TIC, St Stephens Lane, IP1 1DP End Ref: Saints Café, St Peters Street IP1 1XF Discover the proud history of brewing and consumption of beer in Ipswich. Discover buildings that were once breweries and pubs, and buildings that had other uses before conversion to pubs we know today. Along the way see some fine clocks in the town and hear about some Ipswich clock makers. Refreshments along route: Tea/Coffee included at the end of the walk Cost: £6 inc. refreshments 30
WC
Photography in Thornham Saturday 2nd June, 10:30am
Location: Magna Thornham Duration: 2.5 hrs Distance: 1 miles Start & End Ref: Beyond The Image Gallery, Red House Yard, Thornham Magna IP23 8HH Starting at the gallery with a short introduction, the walk takes place on the Thornham estate. Parkland, woods, ponds & the walled garden provide inspirational subjects for photography Additional Information: Theme for the day ‘Found’. All ages welcome (children under 16 to be accompanied by an adult). Bring a camera, spare batteries & a large umbrella if wet. Park in the main car park (small charge). Photographs taken on the walk are eligible for submission to the gallery’s exhibition. Gallery is open during the afternoon for anyone wishing to download their images into their own laptop for viewing and feedback. Refreshments along route: Available at the Forge Café and Thornham Coach House Cost: £4
WC
Brandon Country Park – Its Past, Present and Future Monday 4th June, 6.30pm
Location: Brandon Duration: 1.5 hrs Distance: 2 miles Start & End Ref: Main visitor centre car park Brandon Country Park IP27 0SU Wonderful walk around the country park and a rare chance to see the mausoleum. Additional Information: Dogs welcome Refreshments along route: Tea/coffee included Cost: £3, children free 32
WC
Lavenham – A Journey Through Time (special walk for children) Tuesday 5th June, 11:00am
Location: Lavenham Duration: Distance: 0.75 - 1 miles Start & End Ref: Lavenham Tourist Information Centre, Lady Street, CO10 9RA A family friendly walk starting from the Tourist Information Centre with refreshments available in the village. Refreshments along route: Available in village Cost: £2 children, £2 accompanying adults 33
WC
Horrible History of Ipswich! Wednesday 6th June, 10:30am
Location: Ipswich Duration: 1.5hrs Distance: approx 2 miles Start & End Ref: Ipswich TIC, St Stephens Lane, Ipswich IP1 1DP Ideal for children aged 8 – 12 years old and perfect for families. History as you never experienced it before. Discover the horrible things that have happened in Ipswich – diseases, death, what our ancestors did with their poo, executions, grave robbers, and worse! Additional Information: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. One adult may accompany free of charge with each booking. Bring refreshments Refreshments along route: None Cost: £3 per child
WC
Page 12
34
The Suffolk Walking Festival
Mini Beasts Trail at Brandon Country Park Wednesday 6th June, any time between 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Location: Brandon Duration: 1 hrs Distance: 1.5 miles Start & End Ref: Main visitor centre car park Brandon Country Park IP27 0SU Walk the trail and see what creatures live in the park Additional Information: Just turn up on the day, no booking required. Dogs welcome Refreshments along route: Tea room & shop Cost: Trail Sheet 50p 35
WC
Medieval Marvels in Woolpit Friday 8th June, 10:00am
Location: Woolpit Duration: 5 hrs Distance: 6.5 miles Start & End Ref: St Mary’s Church, Woolpit IP30 9QP Starting at the magnificent medieval church of St Mary’s, you will walk through the fields and country lanes, calling at Drinkstone All Saints to discover another fascinating church. The final church is Rattlesden St Nicholas with its breathtaking angel roof. A short talk will be given at each church Refreshments along route: Brewers Arms Cost: £4
WC
Ipswich Ancient & Modern Wednesday 6th June, 2.15pm
Location: Ipswich Duration: 1.5hrs Distance: approx 2 miles Start Ref: Ipswich TIC, St Stephens Lane, IP1 1DP End Ref: Coffeelink, Ipswich Waterfront IP4 1AX Ipswich retains remarkably diverse styles of architecture spanning 800 years. Over 600 of the town’s buildings are “Listed”. Join this walk for a journey that takes you from Medieval churches to Tudor merchants homes and from grand Victorian buildings to 21st century icons. Refreshments along route: Tea/Coffee included at the end of the walk Cost: £6 inc. refreshments 36
37
WC
The Story of St Edmund (children’s walk) Thursday 7th June, 11:00am
Page 13
Nightjar Walk at Brandon Country Park Saturday 9th June, 8.30pm
Location: Brandon Duration: 2-3 hrs Distance: 4-5 miles Start & End Ref: Main visitor centre car park Brandon Country Park IP27 0SU An evening walk in beautiful surroundings and a search for this elusive bird. Additional Information: No Dogs. Just turn up on the day, no booking required Refreshments along route: None Cost: £4 adults, Children free
Location: Bury St Edmunds Duration: 45 mins Distance: 0.5 miles Start & End Ref: The Abbeygate, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1UZ How did Edmund lose his head? Did the wolf really have hiccoughs? What happened to the naughty monks? The story of St Edmund and the life in a medieval Abbey. Additional Information: All children must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs. Refreshments along route: None, but many places to eat in town centre Cost: £3.00 per child accompanying adults free
38
WC
39
WC
Bury to Clare Long Distance Path Sunday 10th June, 9.30am
Location: Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds Duration: 7 hrs Distance: 18.5 miles Start Ref: Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds IP33 2BT End Ref: Clare Country Park, Clare TL769451 with returning mini bus to Nowton Park A wonderful long distance walk through the heart of West Suffolk amid gently rolling countryside. Refreshments along route: Queen’s Head, Hawkedon, and Compasses, Stansfield, during the walk. WC Cost: £10
19 May - 10 June 2012
Stay over in Suffolk’s beautiful Dedham Vale, relax & enjoy the Suffolk Walking Festival’s Challenge Walk from Flatford to the Fens 20 – 24 May 2012 This year the Suffolk Walking Festival has teamed up with the long-established and Suffolk-based walking tour operator, Walking Breaks, to offer a special package to make your Challenge Walk experience into a relaxing short break or holiday treat with a stay at the Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa in the heart of Constable Country.
With packages from two to six nights, you can join as much or as little of the walking route as you like. The choice is yours and so too the peace of mind: the expert Walking Breaks team will organise your walking adventure, your payment is fully protected and additional destinations are available should you wish to extend your Suffolk stay. Package includes:
* entry onto guided walks for as many days as booked
* transfers to the starting point each morning and from the end point each afternoon
* accommodation at the Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa including full English breakfast and use of the hotel swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms Other hotel facilities available at extra charge:
* à la carte restaurant (dinner £25 per person; Walking Festival participants who dine receive a complimentary glass of wine) * informal dining opportunities also available * massage and beauty treatments * two golf courses
Prices range from £198 (2ngt break) to £457 (6ngt stay) per person, based on two people sharing a double / twin room, subject to availability. For full pricing information, more details and to make a booking visit walkingbreaks.com or call the Walking Breaks team on 01449 721555
designed by iprint&design
Page 14
suffolk Your online guide to exploring Suffolk’s countryside Discover the perfect place to spot wildlife, fly a kite, listen to birdsong, have a paddle, go for a ramble, cross-country cycle, walk your dog or even hug a tree! Download for free over 70 walking, cycling and horseriding maps and discover events that get you close to nature in the very heart of the countryside. www.discoversuffolk.org.uk