Starston walks

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.

Very quiet lanes with cafe en route. Lovely countryside with rose fields and a number of interesting churches.

A walk along the Angles Way between Earsham and Beccles heading up the hills that overlook Outney Common. This is a really rewarding start to an easy ramble that continues across the Waveney Valley to Mettingham before continuing down the Waveney Valley. Although Geldeston is on the opposite side of the river to The Angles Way the excursion across the Shipmeadow marshes is well worth the effort to visit the unique Geldeston Locks Inn.

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.

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 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 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 Norfolks Wherrymans Way. The only way one can see the sights of the River Yare is to either sail the river or walk the Wherrymans Way. Even in a boat, one cannot get as good a view as the path along the heightened defence banks. This is stereotypical Norfolk in all its glory and although it is a lengthy section of walking, it is well worth the effort.

A circular walk along the Angles Way from Beccles to Geldeston Locks. This walk passes the location of the historic Barsham Hall, source of the ghostly legend of Old Blunderhazard who is said to ride in his coach drawn by four fire breathing headless horses to Norwich and back each Christmas Eve.

A walk linking Norwich and Wymondham. Kett's Oak is a tree that folklore states was the meeting place for what was to become Kett's Rebellion in the year of 1549. The ageing tree still stands forlorn by the roadside, passed by 1000's of motorists each day, no doubt most of whom are oblivious to this piece of roadside history. This walk seeks to pay homage to Robert Kett by returning to his tree, and researching into the whys and wherefores of the infamous rebellion which followed.

A walk roughly following Norfolk's Boudicca Way. This walk uses the Boudicca Way to navigate from Norwich to Shotesham, with an excursion away from the official route to the ruins of the Roman town Venta Icenorum. Shotesham forms the furthermost reaches of the Boudicca Way on this route, from where country lanes cuts across the country to the A140 where there is a frequent bus service back into Norwich.

A walk along Norfolk's Tas Valley Way. Probably one of the least known long-distance paths in Norfolk, the Tas Valley Way links Norwich and Attleborough following the River Tas. This first section navigates through to Mulbarton, then onto Flordon before going off route to Tasburgh where there is a pub and public transport back to Norwich.

A walk along Norfolk's Wherryman's Way. This is a delightful riverside walk following the River Yare out of Norwich and through to Rockland St Mary. Public transport can link the start and end by navigating down quiet country lanes to Thurton. Whitlingham Country Park provides an easy route to start and there's refreshment stops at Woods End and the Ferry Inn at Surlingham.

A simple walk alongside the River Wensum through Norwich.
This picturesque walk through the centre of Norwich links the Marriott's Way at Barn Road roundabout on the inner ring road with The Wherryman's Way and Boudicca Way at Norwich Railway Station. There is a lot of history to the bridges over the River Wensom and associated folklore which is detailed in the features to this walk.

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 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.

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 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.

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 half day walk exploring the Norfolk Broads. The route stars in Acle and then follows the River Bure north past Clippesby Drainage Mill to the village of Upton. The return route crosses fields back to the start and offers a chance to visit the lovely round-towered church at Fishley.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

A longer walk in the Norfolk Broads that includes a number of water features as well as some rural landscapes. The route is generally easy to follow and provides an insight into the many unique features of this watery landscape.