Gipping Valley River Path - Stowmarket to Needham Market
Departure from Stowmarket (Suffolk)
An easy walk following Suffolk's River Gipping between Stowmarket and Needham Market.
The river Gipping forms the source to the mighty Orwell River. At Stowmarket it is no more than a babbling stream that winds its way through the Suffolk countryside. The path keeps to the riverside throughout with no difficult obstacles other than styles, making a pleasant stroll between these two places. With some fantastic pubs at either end it makes a good little pub crawl.
Gipping Valley Way - Needham Market to Ipswich
Departure from Needham Market (Suffolk)
A walk following Suffolk's River Gipping between Needham Market and Ipswich.
A riverside walk tracing the route of the River Gipping as it heads through Suffolk to join the tidal waters of the Orwell at Ipswich. A gentle ambling route that twists and turns through the countryside which presents a perfect summers walk.
This is a good walk for summer when the sun is shining and the gentle Gipping River trickles its way through the Suffolk countryside. There are old mills, there are little bridges and old locks which are no more than weirs these days presenting an interesting journey. It is a stereotypical English rural landscape. Admittedly the main A14 is never too far away so there is always the distant moan of traffic but it is easy to forget about this, even more so, I would guess, if one is a townie and used to such noises.
Two Colnes Circular
Departure from Earls Colne (Essex)
A walk from Earls Colne to Colne Engaine and return, via some unspoiled North Essex countryside. There are a couple of short sections on quiet lanes but for the most part it's fields and woods all the way. Sections of the walk run along the Colne Valley Path and the route never strays far from the River Colne.
Flatford Mill
Departure from Brantham (Suffolk)
A walk along the River Stour incorporating sections of the Stour Valley Path, the Essex Way and St Edmund's Way.
Flatford Mill is the idyllic English country scene encapsulated by John Constables renowned paintings including the instantly recognizable 'Haywain'. This circular route is an exceptional walk by all accounts and the perfect way to engross oneself in this landscape that sits on the Suffolk and Essex border.
Into the Valley of Wherstead
Departure from Wherstead (Suffolk)
The historic villages of Wherstead and Freston are great for exploring the unique farmed and estuary landscapes of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB. The walks take in Freston Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Wherstead Woodlands
Departure from Wherstead (Suffolk)
On the ‘Wherstead Woodlands’ walk, you can see more ancient woodland, the Stalls Valley, farmland and the villages of Wherstead and Freston.
Alton Water Reservoir
Departure from Stutton (Suffolk)
Located on the Shotley peninsular, the Alton Water Reservoir provides an easy walk around its water. A self contained circular route that needs little in the way of maps. Just keep the water on your right and keep walking! The mixed variety of landscapes of open meadow, woods and even the hills on the northern side of the reservoir provide a constant changing scenery throughout the walk. In all this is a great walk with some pleasing panoramas and ever changing views of the reservoir.
Across the Dam and Up the Creek
Departure from Stutton (Suffolk)
This walk gives fantastic views over Alton Water Park. The longer walk leads you to Holbrook Creek and passes through the pretty village of Stutton. A shorter walk visits a nature reserve and the Tattingstone Clifton Wonder, a building designed to deceive!
Wildlife and Wonder
Departure from Stutton (Suffolk)
This walk gives fantastic views over Alton Water Park. The longer walk leads you to Holbrook Creek and passes through the pretty village of Stutton. A shorter walk visits a nature reserve and the Tattingstone Clifton Wonder, a building designed to deceive!
Great Bradley Circular
Departure from Great Bradley (Suffolk)
Discover the start of the river Stour, Constable's country
Foxhall and Brookhill Wood
Departure from Foxhall (Suffolk)
Short circular walk around heaths and woodlands of Foxhall, Ipswich. A pleasant stroll around the heaths and woodlands around Foxhall, to the east of Ipswich. The walk is short but nonetheless a pleasant way to while a way an hour or two. Natural woodland, babbling stream and if you look very carefully you may even see what remains of Foxhalls All Saints Church
Dullingham Circular
Departure from Dullingham (Cambridgeshire)
Discover the start of Constable's river Stour.
Round route through the gallops of Little Ditton
Departure from Woodditton (Cambridgeshire)
See where the racehorses train and enjoy the panorama of the Cambridgeshire countryside from some of it’s higher points.
Erwarton, Church End & River Orwell from Pin Mill
Departure from Chelmondiston (Suffolk)
This circular walk through the countryside of Suffolk includes a section alongside the River Orwell. The route takes you inland passing Erwarton Hall and the fine church at Church End to the banks of the Orwell from where you can see Felixstowe Docks. The walk then heads north along the Orwell following the Stout and Orwell Walk.
The Sandlings - Martlesham to Rushmere Heath
Departure from Martlesham (Suffolk)
A walk across heathland from Martlesham to Rushmere Heath on the eastern fringes of Ipswich
Like most modern towns, Ipswich is suffering from a seemingly endless amount of urban sprawl that envelops the traditional villages that once surrounded it. However, this walk follows heathland that is hidden behind the housing estates all the way from Martlesham through to Rushmere Heath and Ipswich Hospital.
Stetchworth Circular
Departure from Stetchworth (Cambridgeshire)
A lovely walk around the Cambridgeshire border.
Eye to Hoxne
Departure from Eye (Suffolk)
A walk around the Suffolk villages of Eye and Hoxne.
Hoxne is said to be where St Edmund was Martyred by the Viking invaders in the 9th century. The village is full of reminders of the gruesome event including the cross which marks the place of the oak tree his assailants tied him to, beat him, fired arrows at and eventually beheaded and the bridge he reputedly hid trying to escape his captors.
Stour Wood Stroll
Departure from Ramsey and Parkeston (Essex)
This walk takes in woodland, farmland, quiet meadows and the River Stour where saltmarsh and mudflats provide habitats for wildlife.
Woodland and River Ramble
Departure from Ramsey and Parkeston (Essex)
This walk takes in woodland, farmland, quiet meadows and the River Stour where saltmarsh and mudflats provide habitats for wildlife.
Church End & Erwarton from Shotley Gate
Departure from Shotley (Suffolk)
A Suffolk circular walk that starts from Shotley Gate on the confluence of the Stour and Orswell Rivers. The route offers an interesting insight into the operation of the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich together with a lengthy section of the Stour and Orwell Walk. The walk follows the shore for much of the way but ventures inland via Church End and Erwarton Hall to complete the circuit.
Two Rivers
Departure from Shotley (Suffolk)
This walk explores the Orwell and Stour estuaries. Enjoy superb views of Harwich Haven and the Port of Felixstowe.
Shotley Point Stroll
Departure from Shotley (Suffolk)
This walk explores the Orwell and Stour estuaries. Enjoy superb views of Harwich Haven and the Port of Felixstowe.
Farms & Rivers
Departure from Shotley (Suffolk)
This walk explores the Orwell and Stour estuaries. Enjoy superb views of Harwich Haven and the Port of Felixstowe.
From Trimley to Languard Fort via Felixstowe Ferry
Departure from Trimley St Martin (Suffolk)
This walk navigates from the village of Trimley down to Kings Fleet and along the banks of the River Deben to Felixstowe Ferry, the setting of an old Black Shuck tale from many years ago which is a feature to this walk. A coastal walk follows, along the seafront of Felixstowe through to the where the River Orwell meets the sea, a strategic point of defence against attacking enemies attempting to sail up the estuary. Key to that defence is Languard Fort which has stood here for many centuries and has played key parts in the world wars of the 20th centuries. A fascinating place to visit with a certain eeriness within its confines.
Trimley
Departure from Trimley St Mary (Suffolk)
Trimley Marshes make for a wonderful day out with some beautiful scenery, fascinating history and one of the best wildlife sites in the county.
Terling Circular
Departure from Terling (Essex)
A countryside walk beginning and ending in the village of Terling. Nothing spectacular about the route but it has some nice views and pleasant countryside, passes an old windmill and a rare round tower church. The route follows the course of the River Ter in places, and there are quite a few springs along the way, so it can get muddy. There are a couple of woods with excellent displays of bluebells in the spring but it is a good walk for any time of year. Waymarking is generally excellent.
Details are given for a shorter walk of 4 miles that does not visit Great Leighs church.
Two Tothams Pub
Departure from Great Totham (Essex)
Starting and ending in Great Totham, this walk visits The Swan in Little Totham - a fine, privately owned freehouse, built in the 16th century.
For those not wanting, or are unable, to visit the pub, an amended route is given.
Tollesbury Wick Marshes from Tollesbury
Departure from Tollesbury (Essex)
An Essex walk that explores the salt marshes between the village of Tollesbury and the River Blackwater. Tollesbury has much of interest inclusing a bustling marina, restored sail lofts and a preserved lightship.
Little Leighs Circular
Departure from Great and Little Leighs (Essex)
A circular walk in a comparatively unspoiled part of mid Essex, between Chelmsford and Braintree. It is particularly suited to being a winter walk as most of the route is on quiet country lanes, surfaced bridleways and grassy field paths, thus avoiding the worst of the Essex mud. It is a good walk for any time of year though, with fine views across open countryside and is, for the most part, devoid of traffic noise.
Reviewed and updated April 2024
Wickham Bishops Circular
Departure from Wickham Bishops (Essex)
An easy stroll in the countryside near Wickham Bishops, departing close to the redundant St Peter's church, passing beneath the last wooden railway viaduct in the country and then along the meandering banks of the River Blackwater. The return passes through woodland and has some excellent views across the Essex countryside. This is an all-seasons walk but is particularly good in spring and autumn.
Hatfield Peverel Circular
Departure from Hatfield Peverel (Essex)
A pleasant stroll in the Essex countryside along field paths, secluded lanes and a stretch of river bank. Along the way there is an 18th century former priory, a canal lock (and tearoom), the delightfully named World's End Cottage, a ford and the Parish Church of St. Andrew.
Another Hatfield Peverel Circular
Departure from Hatfield Peverel (Essex)
Pleasant stroll in the Essex countryside at Hatfield Peverel along field paths, secluded lanes and a quiet stretch of the river bank.
Maldon to Hoe Mill Circular
Departure from Maldon (Essex)
A circular walk from Maldon through farmland to Hoe Mill Lock, returning along the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.
Woodham Walter Circular
Departure from Woodham Walter (Essex)
This walk, close to the ancient village of Woodham Walter, offers a nature reserve, arable fields, woodland and The Wilderness. The route is along bridleways and footpaths for the most part, with a couple of short sections on country lanes. There are only two cross-field paths so it's a good winter walk but, like any Essex hike, it can be muddy after rain.
Shelton & Fritton Common from Tyrrels Wood
Departure from Pulham Market (Norfolk)
This Norfolf walk visits a number of villages with pretty cottages and interesting churches lying to the south-west of Norwich. The route uses quiet country lanes, field paths and ends with a section of the Boudicca Way long distance footpath.
Ridge and River
Departure from Little Baddow (Essex)
A circular walk that circumnavigates the village of Little Baddow. Beginning in Lingwood Common, the route follows bridleways, footpaths, the river towpath and quiet country lanes. A good walk for any time of year, but not after spells of prolonged rain when the towpath, especially, can become something of a quagmire. Walking it in spring is highly recommended as Blake's Wood is nationally known for its display of bluebells.
More walks in Preston St. Mary
Discover also walks in surrounding cities:
- Acton
- Aldham
- Alphamstone
- Alpheton
- Assington
- Babergh
- Bacton
- Battisford
- Beyton
- Bildeston
- Borley
- Boxford
- Bradfield Combust with Stanningfield
- Bradfield St Clare
- Bradfield St George
- Brent Eleigh
- Brettenham
- Brockley
- Bulmer
- Bures St. Mary
- Bury St Edmunds
- Buxhall
- Chelsworth
- Chilton
- Cockfield
- Combs
- Drinkstone
- Edwardstone
- Elmsett
- Elmswell
- Felsham
- Foxearth
- Gedding
- Glemsford
- Great Ashfield
- Great Bricett
- Great Cornard
- Great Finborough
- Great Henny
- Great Waldingfield
- Great Whelnetham
- Groton
- Hadleigh
- Harleston
- Hartest
- Haughley
- Hawstead
- Hessett
- Higham
- Hitcham
- Holton St Mary
- Horringer
- Kersey
- Kettlebaston
- Lamarsh
- Lavenham
- Lawshall
- Layham
- Leavenheath
- Lindsey
- Liston
- Little Cornard
- Little Finborough
- Little Henny
- Little Maplestead
- Little Waldingfield
- Little Whelnetham
- Long Melford
- Middleton
- Milden
- Monks Eleigh
- Nayland-with-Wissington
- Nedging-with-Naughton
- Newton
- Norton
- Nowton
- Offton
- Old Newton with Dagworth
- Onehouse
- Pebmarsh
- Polstead
- Rattlesden
- Raydon
- Ringshall
- Rushbrooke with Rougham
- Semer
- Shelland
- Shelley
- Shimpling
- Stanstead
- Stoke-by-Nayland
- Stowmarket
- Stratford St. Mary
- Sudbury
- Thorpe Morieux
- Thurston
- Tostock
- Twinstead
- Wattisham
- Wenham Magna
- Westley
- Wetherden
- Whatfield
- Whepstead
- Wickham St. Paul
- Woolpit