Welly Walks in Bury St Edmunds & Beyond

Set among 1,800 acres of majestic Suffolk parkland, National Trust Ickworth Park & Gardens is part of an estate dating back to 1702.

The rambling site has a range of varied walks with copious wildlife and hidden twists and turns. Follow this short circular walk through some of the woodlands around Ickworth.

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 map visit National Trust Ickworth website.

A short journey outside of Bury St Edmunds takes you to the town of Clare where visitors can make the most of a refreshing day out at Clare Castle Country Park; a beautiful place for walks by the river Stour.

There are six circular walks to choose from, all starting from the park and taking you through glorious Suffolk countryside, past beautiful listed buildings. The walks range in distance from 2- 7 miles so there’s something for all levels of stamina.

If you want an intermediate walk choose the Houghton Hall route, which takes approximately 2 hours and covers 5 miles.

Set off over gently undulating land, past the sites of old medieval homesteads and past ponds that were once fresh springs. There are excellent views of the river Stour as well as Clare common and the Stour valley. Look out for Houghton hall itself, a grade II listed building dating from the 16th Century and mentioned in the Domesday Book.

Keep your eyes peeled for rare wildlife such as Goldfinch, Skylark as well as Roe and Muntjac deer. Don’t forget your wellies and some snacks for this impressive walk, you’ll be proud as punch to have finished it!

Historic Lavenham is breathtakingly beautiful and the finest example of an English Medieval village in the UK, the atmospheric sights are best explored on foot as you weave through the historic lanes and see the past come to life.

The Suffolk Threads Trail covers 3 and a half miles and takes 3 hours to complete, but is well worth the effort. Park up at The Cock Inn before following the route along the old railway line, along a pretty footpath past glorious countryside and back past Lavenham Parish Church.

Along the way you should look out for the Tenter piece- an area of ground with wooden frames upon which Lavenham’s famous coarse cloth would be stretched ‘on tenterhooks’ to dry and be shaped. Watch out also for the market place, granted charter in 1257 by Henry III, and historically the location of many cloth merchants’ stalls. You must also be sure to visit the Guildhall of Corpus Christi; one of the finest timber-framed buildings in Britain and built around 1530.

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.

Follow this bespoke trail to explore Bury St Edmunds fascinating past, which follows sections of the St Edmund Way and Bury to Clare walk. Start off in the centre of town and take some time to stroll peacefully around the beautiful Abbey Gardens with its sensory garden, ancient ruins, aviary and tidy footpaths.

Head onto the waymarked St Edmund’s way to Hardwick Heath and crossing the river Linnet on route. Look out for the noble 200-year old Cedars on the heath and take the opportunity to enjoy the wide-open space and lovely views.

Next, pick up a section of the Bury to Clare walk and head to the beautifully landscaped Nowton Park, here you will find good paths that take you around 200 acres of the grounds, designed in the Victorian style. Follow Hencote Lane back to the St Edmund way before returning to the town centre and seeking out one of the many fantastic eateries for a slap-up dinner.

Visit the GPS Routes website for the full route.