Summer Walks

Summer can be the most beautiful time to explore the wonderful rolling countryside which Suffolk boasts. Flowers, trees and the rural landscape are often stunning with footpaths well established and trodden by high Summer so why not head out for a ramble on one of our Summer walk suggestions.

Avoid overheating and discomfort by dodging the hottest part of the day and take plenty of water or fluids. Choose a time that allows you to find a little shade – if you’re armed with a picnic, or have foraged some wild berries en route, you can take some refuge and stop to eat under a tall tree or high hedges.

Whether you are looking for the chance to steal away with a loved one, spend some time with the family (many of our footpaths are suitable for buggies and obviously dogs too) or just looking for the chance to get away from it all by yourself with nothing but a book and nature for company, Bury St Edmunds and some of its nearby villages have some of the best routes for walking.

Start by heading towards the Albana walk by taking the path through the laurel hedge opposite Porter's Lodge. Continue along the path, through what is known as the Walnut Paddock, until you reach two five bar gates. Proceed through both gates.

Just after the second five bar gate the path divides alongside an old grave style stone marked “Albana Walk”. Take the right fork and passing the Fawn Summerhouse, which is currently in disrepair and closed. Carrying on, follow the trail as it curves first to the left and then to the right. You will come across another path crossing yours. Turn left to the tall metal gate to view Round Hill which used to be used as a deer enclosure and here is an old shepherd's hut. Retrace your steps to the trail.

As you continue along the trail after a while you will come to a large green sign for the Trim Trail. Turn to the right to follow the trail for the full walk or turn left for a shorter Albana walk.

After the Trim Trail, you will rejoin the Albana walk. Keep going straight ahead. As you walk along this path, you may hear or observe circling buzzards. Along this walk on your left there are couple of Yew Tree avenues to explore if you would like a detour, however the path is soft under foot and can be quite muddy and difficult for mobility scooters. Just before the gazebo there is a rare 100 year old Box Tree.

Moving on not far from the old oak tree you will recognise the point where you forked right at the beginning of the walk. Turn right and go back through the two five bar gates. After the second five bar gate turn right and keep on this path, where you will get a view across the Deer Park to St Mary’s Church.

Continuing straight past the groves, follow the path as it curves through the woodland. You'll eventually reach a path junction with the paved multi-use trail. Turn left to head back to the start point.

For the full route and a map visit National Trust Ickworth website.

The St Edmund Way is a stunning long distance walk across the length of Suffolk from Manningtree (technically just over the border in Essex) in the south, to Brandon in the Brecks to the north of the county.

The route follows parts of the Stour Valley Path, the Lark Valley Path and the Icknield Way, and showcases some of Suffolk’s gently rolling farmland and beautiful river valleys. It also takes in some of the county’s most fascinating and historic towns and villages including Bury St Edmunds itself, the final resting place and namesake of the martyr King Edmund.

This is not one but a choice of 6 circular walks based in Clare - the smallest town in Suffolk! These walks range from 2 to 7 miles in distance, offering something to suit both beginners and veterans alike or somebody looking for a realistic challenge for their young children as well as the couple looking for a full day away from it all.

All the walks have stiles to climb so are not suited to people who have mobility issues but the park and the town have a number of flat paths which are more accessible.

Each walk provides a range of views of Clare, set in the heart of the Stour Valley, and the heritage and culture surrounding the town, including a number of magnificent listed buildings and beautiful countryside.

There are toilets at the (reasonably priced) car park as well as the café; Platform One which means you can “fuel up” for the journey or reward yourself afterwards.

Choose from the Clare Loop, Houghton Hall, Cavendish, Long Lane, Claret Hall or Chiton Street at the Visit Clare website.

There are four walking routes at Nowton Park, ranging from a 0.6km stroll to a mammoth 3km walk round the whole park. Or you can pick up a map and just go for a wander!

With so much to see in the park, from the unique arboretum – home to trees from around the world to the bird feeding area, the maze comprising over 2,5000 hornbeam trees and two ponds – both over an acre in size, you may find yourself wanting to take a detour or increase the route in order to take in all these draws. Why not – there are no rules!

Download a map of Nowton Park at the What's On West Suffolk website.

England’s finest mediaeval village, Lavenham has plenty to recommend it. With truly wonderful places to stay, excellent restaurants, pubs and cafés, and an enormous variety of galleries, boutiques and antique shops, the greatest challenge is fitting everything in.

A circular ramble and photography amble from Melford Hall. Enjoy typical Suffolk countryside views including open fields, gently rolling hills, beautiful vistas, distant churches nestling in the countryside and clear running brooks. At times, all you will ‘hear’ is total peace and quiet.

Look out for Kentwell Hall, picture-book villages, Chad Brook and red poppies in summer. An ideal walk for active families

For a step by step guide and map of the route visit the Melford Hall website.

If you prefer a little entertainment and history provided with your walk, why not join one of the 90 minute walking tours which start in the centre of Bury St Edmunds taking in the Abbey Gate, Gardens and Ruins.

Your Guide will enchant you with stories about the legend of St Edmund, the Magna Carta and its connections to the town, the favourite Bury St Edmunds haunt of Charles Dickens and many many more fascinating pieces of trivia connected to Bury St Edmunds over its 1,000 year history!

For more information and to book visit Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides website.