Cransford walks

A circular walk through the quintessential Suffolk countryside following the River Alde, following country lanes with a few footpaths along the Alde Valley. This is typical Suffolk countryside where one can take a lazy stroll. There are pubs to visit, three to be precise and all named the White Horse, along with three churches that are not named the White Horse!

A circular walk around the Suffolk town of Saxmundham using the Town Trail that can be added onto the East Suffolk Line Walks or to while away a couple of hours on a lazy afternoon, including searching out the unique tombstone sundial in St Johns churchyard, and finding the haunted Monks Cottages.

A walk between Saxmundham and Darsham along the East Suffolk Line Walk.
It is Yoxford that gives us the name of this walk which is part of the East Suffolk Line Walks and this specific ramble extends the line walk to return to Leiston where a regular bus service connects the two ends. Yoxford sits on the banks of the River Yox surrounded by three country house parks; Sibton Park that contains large well stocked fishing lake; Grove Park situated in the village; and Rookery Park on the Leiston road. This has earned Yoxford the name of the 'Garden of Suffolk'. The whole route of this walk is a pleasant amble through the rural fields of Suffolk with a return journey through the pretty country lanes following the Minsmere river through to Middleton, Theberton and finally Leiston.

A walk around Saxmundham, Kelsale and Carlton. Using footpaths an country lanes, this short walk provides some fine views, historic churches and even a ghostly tale of an apparition of phantom dancers. A worthy candidate for an afternoons exploration of this hidden corner of East Suffolk.

Circular Walk between Saxmundham and the village of Rendham, across the Suffolk countryside with a worthy stop off at the White Horse pub at Rendham. Woodland, open fields, babbling brooks make this typical of this part of Suffolk. And there is history too, with the Roman bronze head being discovered in the river at Rendham back in 1907. How did it get there?

A circular walk around Wickham Market in Suffolk to take in the spooky sights of Potsford Gibbet.
Jonah Snell was reputedly the last man to be 'hung in chains' at Potsford Gibbet in 1699 as decreed by the cracked plaque that is affixed to the decaying post which is all that remains of the gibbet. His ghost is said to haunt the area and the hill up to the location of the Gibbet is still locally known as Dragarse Hill after he was dragged by his arse up the hill to the Gibbet for his part in the grizzly murders carried out at Letheringham Mill.

A walk along the Deben Valley in Suffolk from Wickham Market to Woodbridge following the route of the East Suffolk Line Walks along the Deben Valley. An easy and simple walk with the highlight of the village of Ufford which boasts its very own microbrewery and ancient church. The walk ends with an amble along the popular riverside path between Melton and Woodbridge.

The Sailors’ Path follows a beautiful route between Snape Maltings and Aldeburgh. The Path is named because sailors would walk the path between Aldeburgh and Snape.

The Sailors’ Path follows a beautiful route between Snape Maltings and Aldeburgh. The Path is named because sailors would walk the path between Aldeburgh and Snape.

The Sailors’ Path follows a beautiful route between Snape Maltings and Aldeburgh. The Path is named because sailors would walk the path between Aldeburgh and Snape.

The River Alde is little more than a stream until it nears Snape Maltings. Here the river becomes tidal and it broadens into a wide estuary. It’s a place of glistening mud and open water, filled twice a day by the incoming tide and rich in wildlife.

A walk along the Suffolk Coast Path between Snape and Felixstowe
This is the most remote section of the Suffolk Coast Path and follows the Butley River down to Shingle Street and then continues along the coast to the ferry at Bawdsey. There is an eerie sense of foreboding when walking this section. The solitude. The windswept landscape. The distant silhouettes of the Orfordness Pagodas. The lonely river. One can walk virtually the entire distance without seeing a soul and the only company is the decaying remains of WWII defences and the looming martello towers from Napoleonic times.
⚠️Make sure you check the ferry timetables before you start the walk

This walk follows paths across wild Suffolk heathland and through mysterious woodland. You will encounter ancient habitats, old twisted pine trees, hidden glades and commercial forestry

Enjoy a wonderful walk on the banks of the River Alde.

A walk between Aldringham and Aldeburgh through the Suffolk Coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. (AONB) There is a variety of differing scenery along this route, gentle hills around Aldringham, boardwalks across the marshes at The Fens, a walk along the old Aldeburgh railway and an estuary walk along river defences of the Alde. With such treasures as the pretty little church at Aldringham, tucked away in the trees and away from civilisation and the magnificent church of St Peter and St Paul at Aldeburgh, there is plenty to see and explore.

A walk following the western parish boundary of Leiston in Suffolk, as described in a document from the middle-ages.
This walk attempts to follow the instructions of a perambulation around the western side of the Leiston Parish boundary that was undertaken in the year AD1620. Leiston's history is renowned for its Abbey and the Garret's works, but this walk also discovers the site of a possible ancient pre-Christian shrine or temple, the location of the Leiston gallows and the procession route taken by those attending this gruesome public spectacle.

This walk follows an investigation to seek out the location of the Leiston Gibbet and an area of heathland that was known in the 1600's as Friday Market Heath. The only reference to these places comes from an old book from 1910 entitled 'The Chronicles of Theberton' which details the route past the gibbet. This walk attempts to retrace this route by navigating along the heathland and footpaths around the River Hundred which marks the boundary between the hundreds of Blything and Plomestead. Extensive research which has been undertaken and documented in the feature of this walk with some revealing insights to long forgotten places.

A walk along the East Suffolk Line Path between Leiston and Wickham Market
Although the official route for the East Suffolk Line Path links the stations at Saxmundham and Campsea Ashe, this provides an alternative route using the local bus service to link the two ends. Highlights along the route include the picturesque Beversham Mill and the legendary Blaxhall Stone which is said to progressively grow in size.

A circular walk around the Suffolk villages of Knodishall and Friston.
An easy ramble across the Suffolk countryside, with the highlight being the hidden ruins of St Peters Church in the old parish of Buxlow, now a part of Knodishall. There's some fascinating history on this walk along paths that are off the beaten track but nonetheless well-maintained.

A route that can be either walked or cycled through the Suffolk countryside around Snape, Blaxhall and Glenham. It goes through the Suffolk countryside using a mixture of lanes, tracks, bridleways and little used country roads. This can be either walked or cycled and provides a full days outing taking in the picturesque villages of Snape, Blaxhall, Little Glemham, Great Glemham and Benhall which these days is split into two with the A12 separating Benhall Low Street from Benhall Green. Along the route is the Parham Airfield Museum, although this is only open on Sundays between April to October.

A circular walk around Leiston and Eastbridge in Suffolk. Leiston Abbey was originally founded in the late 12th century by Ranulf de Glanville. The original building was constructed on an island in the Minsmere marshes. Two centuries later, due to the inhospitable conditions on the marsh and constant flooding the Abbey was moved inland, lock stock and stone to a site close to Leiston. Despite a great fire in 1367 and much demolition following the dissolution of the monasteries there still remains some impressive ruins. There is still a remnant of the old Abbey, with the former chapel building sitting in its island position above the marsh, decaying into the landscape and containing a WWII pill box. This walk visits both sites making a well worthwhile walk.

A walk encompassing the Westwood Marshes footpath into a circular route from Leiston.
The Westwood Marshes footpath is little gem of a path that links the Newdelight Walks with the Suffolk Coast Path through the Westwood marshes. The route for this walk uses this path as the ultimate destination from Leiston but shorter alternatives to include this path are also detailed.

A walk across the Coastal Suffolk landscape between Leiston and Saxmundham.
This walk searches out footpaths to connect the neighbouring towns of Leiston and Suffolk. Although there is no direct route, the paths chosen are certainly more conducive to the walker than the busy road route. With the churches of Leiston and Knodishall on the route, plus the mysterious Harris's Pit in the parish of Sternfield there is enough to interest the avid rambler. Sternfield also has the notoriety of being the village from which the last woman to be burnt at the stake in England came.

An easy circular walk through the woodland around Sizewell on the Suffolk Coast. Simple walk with many alternatives using the myriad tracks and paths through Kenton Hill woodland.

Suffolk is not best known for its hills and Kenton Hill and Goose Hill probably would not be regarded as hills but for their name. However, this wooded area offers an ever changing scenery throughout the year with the mixture of conifer and broad leafed trees, flora and fauna and a variety of wildlife. There is also a viewing platform overlooking the Minsmere marshes

A circular walk between Leiston and Walberswick incorporating sections of the Suffolk Coast Path and Sandlings Walk. It uses the beach at low tide to get from Sizewell to Walberswick, returning through Dunwich forest. Walberswick is said to be the most haunted place in Britain though one would not think it from its relaxed and laid back character, famous for its crabbing pastimes.

A circular walk through the Suffolk Coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty taking in Sizewell and the Minsmere Bird Reserve.
One does not have to have an enthusiasm for ornithology to enjoy this walk. The natural surroundings of marshland and heathland are enough to inspire everyone and there is a lot of associated history along this route which dates back to the 12th century when Leiston Abbey once occupied an island in the marshes. Note that charges apply to the Minsmere section.

A circular walk between Sizewell and Southwold along the Suffolk Coast Path and Sandlings Walk.
Due to the limitations of public transport, it is difficult to create linear walks along the Suffolk Coast Path between Sizewell and Southwold.
The walk follows the Suffolk Coast Path up to Dunwich Heath where a newly designated footpath along the roadside will join back with the Suffolk Coast Path at Greyfriars Woods and leads to Dunwich. Keep with the Coast Path through Dunwich and across the marshes to Walberswick where the river Blyth can be crossed using the ferry to continue into Southwold along the Suffolk Coast Path. Return is straight down the coast to Dunwich then head across the heath through to Eastbridge and Leiston following the Sandlings Walk.
⚠️The Walberswick Ferry only runs at weekends during some weeks of the year and one should check the service prior to walking. There is an alternative route.

A circular walk between Leiston to Dunwich using the Suffolk Coast Path from Sizewell to Dunwich with a visit to the ruins of the 12th-century Leper Chapel. The return uses the footpath via Mount Pleasant to get onto the Sandlings Path across Dunwich Heath to return back to Leiston.

A walk around the village of Ufford.
Ufford is rich in heritage and well worth exploring. The Heritage Trail was created in 2006 and leads the walker around the historic features of the village including the village stocks, water meadows and the many listed buildings. The Highlight of the trail has to be the church which has an unusual dedication to St Mary of the Assumption and contains the second largest font cover in England which is a sight to behold.

A walk down the Blyth Valley in Suffolk from Halesworth to Blythburgh, then across the heaths and commons to Leiston. It was the legendary hell hound that supposedly came this way in 1577 and terrified parishioners of Blythbrugh church after doing a similar job at Bungay.

A walk along the East Suffolk Line Trail between Halesworth and Darsham. Great views are to be had along the Blyth valley before footpaths head over to the Yox valley. The village of Bramfield is at the half way point where is an old pub for refreshments as well as a distinctive church with a detached tower and a fine example of a Crinkle Crankle Wall, not to mention the legendary Bramfield Oak.

A walk between Halesworth and Beccles along the East Suffolk Line Path.
This waymarked route links the railway stations at Halesworth, Brampton and Beccles. Taking the train between these towns will provide an interesting glimpse of what is in store along the walk, including the rather curious Belle Grove Farm looking as if it is out of some fantasy movie and the mysterious Brampton Standing Stone just south of Brampton Station.

A very easy walk around the Suffolk Village of Bromeswell. The Sandlings Path avoids the busy road between Melton and the footpath across the Heathland to Rendlesham Forest by navigating around the quiet village of Bromeswell. Although only a short distance, it is worth taking ones time to explore this quiet village with its typically East Anglian church of St Edmund.

A river side walk along the Deben Estuary in Suffolk between the villages of Melton and Bawdsey. This walk follows river side footpaths with spectacular views across the estuary. Unfortunately at Ramsholt there is no public access and one needs to divert through to the village of Alderton with a road walk for the last few miles to Bawdsey. A ferry crossing an a short walk into Felixstowe provides public transport access back to Melton

A walk around the ancient woodland of Captains Wood just outside the hamlet of Sudbourne
This is a hidden gem of a walk close to the Suffolk Coast in woodland which is currently under the management of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The ancient woodland is full of life, colour and a natural wildness that is a pleasure to behold. A waymarked path provides easy access around the wood so one cannot get lost. Just take ones time and take it all in.

A walk along the Suffolk Fynn Valley between Woodbridge and Witnesham, with a return route via Grundisburgh and Hasketon.
The walk follows the the banks of the Deben around to Martlesham Creek where it meets the River Fynn. The path then follows the rivers course through Little Bealings, Playford and Tuddenham St Martin through to Witnesham. Waymarkers point out the route throughout this section. The return is on footpaths across fields to Grundisburgh, then using further footpaths to Hasketon and finally back to Woodbridge

The Fynn Valley Walk is an official waymarked route following the course of the River Fynn from Witnesham to Martlesham then continuing through to Woodbridge along the banks of the River Deben. For this walk, the Fynn Valley route is walked in reverse then public footpaths are used across the fields to Grundisburgh and Hasketon and back down into Woodbridge to make a circular walk.

This walk explores the town of Woodbridge, the river Deben and the surrounding landscape.

This walk explores the town of Woodbridge, the river Deben and the surrounding landscape.

A walk between Woodbridge and Ipswich incorporating sections from the Fonnereau Way, the Sandlings and the Fynn Valley Way.
This walk links the railway stations of Woodbridge, Westerfield and Ipswich with scenic views along the estuary at Woodbridge and the Fynn Valley before entering Ipswich from the west through the historic parkland known as Christchurch park which dates from the 12th century which includes many historic features and a mansion that is open to the public.

This walk explores the town of Woodbridge, the river Deben and the surrounding landscape.

A Suffolk circular walk along the banks of the Ore and Butley rivers between Orford and the Butley Ferry river crossing at Gedgrave.
The Suffolk Coast Path Orford Loop has two routes back onto the main trail, the first returns from Orford up to Chillesford but an alternative is to follow the lane from Orford to Gedrgrave and down to Butley Ferry. Although this crossing only operates from April to October, a pleasant and easy circular walk can be made from Orford returning along the top of the river defences.

This walk crosses the mysterious marshes before returning to Orford to visit the castle and church

This walk crosses the mysterious marshes before returning to Orford to visit the castle and church.

A walk around the Orford Loop section of the Suffolk Coast Path. The main Suffolk Coast Path cuts through Tunstall Forest from Iken Cliff to Chillesford. However, more recently, a path has been added which allows access to Orford by following the Alde estuary. This then cuts back across Gedgrave marshes and Sudbourne Hall to return to the main path at Chillesford.