Walks And Walking – Suffolk Walks Stoke by Nayland Arger Fen Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Suffolk Walks Stoke by Nayland Arger Fen Walking Route

This was my second Suffolk walk whilst staying at the Stoke by Nayland Country Lodges following my earlier walk to Stoke by Nayland Church and covers 7 miles of wonderful Constable Country which took me 2 hours to complete.

Walks And Walking – Suffolk Walks Stoke by Nayland Arger Fen Walking Route Map

From the country lodges I made my way towards the main hotel and spa turning left just after the Unloading area for Fisherman sign and turning left just passed the white walls to the area of rough ground.

I then walked parallel to the lake ignoring the first footpath signpost on my left hand side walking left at the big gap passing the next signpost to then head up and across the golf course following all of the waymakers to the lane where I turned right and walked all the way down to the end.

I then turned right on to the road signposted to Sudbury crossing the road and walking left at the first footpath signpost to Royston Wood where I followed the waymakers all the way along by the side of the houses to the next two footpath signposts before entering farmland and a field full of donkeys.

Walks And Walking – Suffolk Walks Stoke by Nayland Arger Fen Walking Route – Royston Wood

Walks And Walking – Suffolk Walks Stoke by Nayland Arger Fen Walking Route – Autumn Lined Path

I continued my walk along the main walking route along a beautiful Autumn lined pathway walking right across a small wooden footbridge turning left by the signpost to walk around the edge of the field to the next signpost which entered Arger Fen and Spouse’s Vale Nature Reserve. I followed the main walking route in to Arger Fen turning right across the bridge along the duck-board to then leave Arger Fen and Spouse’s Vale Nature Reserve turning left at the next footpath signpost on to the lane where I then walked all the way down to the ford.

Walks And Walking – Suffolk Walks Stoke by Nayland Arger Fen Walking Route – Ford

Walks And Walking – Suffolk Walks Stoke by Nayland Arger Fen Walking Route – Constable Country

As I walked uphill there were magnificent views across Constable Country. I continued my walk along the lane turning left at the Byway signpost by the tree where I continued my walk turning left at the lane signposted to Leavenheath, keeping straight ahead before joining Cawley Road.

I crossed straight over the road down the next lane turning walking right down the A134 on the wide grassy verge before turning left just passed the road sign to the next Bridleway signpost where I turned left to walk straight across the field to the gate.

I continued straight ahead on the main walking route through several gates back to the lane from earlier. I then retraced my steps back across the golf course turning right at the signpost across the rough ground to the fishermen sign where I looked across the lake on my left hand side and took one last photograph.

Walks And Walking – Suffolk Walks Stoke by Nayland Arger Fen Walking Route – Lake at Stoke By Nayland Country Lodges

I then walked back up to the lodge and joined Mary where Mary had been relaxing with a good book. I then got changed and we went back up to the Stoke by Nayland Hotel for a delicious Afternoon Tea.

Walks And Walking – Suffolk Walks The Stanton Rides Walking Routes

Walks And Walking – Suffolk Walks The Stanton Rides Walking Routes

Mary and I decided on an impromptu trip up the M11 and across to Bury St Edmonds staying a good few miles outside of the town at a very delightful 16th Century Country Inn called The Six Bells at Bardwell. The February snow was still fresh and the air clean, crisp and icy as we arrived to explore the village and check out some of the Stanton Rides and a sunken lane called The Grundle which was carved by the melting ice of the last ice age. Walks in Suffolk are always a treat and there was plenty to see in both villages.

Walks And Walking - Suffolk Walks The Stanton Rides Walking Routes - The Six Bells

This particular area of Suffolk has two windmills; Bardwell Windmill and Stanton Windmill. We went for Bardwell Windmill first and then along to Stanton Windmill before finding The Grundle and then walking back. Most of this walking route was completed via roads and lanes so doesn’t make much for an interesting read so if you want to see the various walking routes along the many Stanton Rides then please visit Suffolk County Council The Stanton Rides.

Walks And Walking - Suffolk Walks The Stanton Rides Walking Routes - Bardwell Windmill

The windmill at Bardwell is situated just behind the Church of St Peter and Church of St Paul in a unsual residential area. It was originally built in the 1820’s but fell in to disrepair after the war. It is now being restored to its former glory by the “Friends of Bardwell Windmill. As we walked back to the village a young lad passed us and politely said “Good Afternoon” and we replied the same. A few steps later we looked at each other in amazement at how friendly he was and it was then we realised how friendly people can be, something we certainly don’t get back in London.

We then walked passed the village tithe barn, a tithe being a tenth of the farm’s produce which was saved for the church, and saw an amusing sign; Chicken Found. I suppose that isn’t very amusing if you had lost the chicken but it made us realise just how acclimatised to city life we have become. We then headed all the way up Bury Road to the village of Stanton, meaning “a homestead on stony ground” following the signposts for Stanton Windmill.

Walks And Walking - Suffolk Walks The Stanton Rides Walking Routes - Stanton Windmill

The windmill in Stanton was built around 1751 and is in a much finer condition and looks as though it sits in someones back garden! We then embraced the views and drew in the glorious country air and followed the footpath signs to The Grundle before circling back and walking back to Bardwell a few hours later. All in all it was a great day in Suffolk and a lovely overnight stay at The Six Bells.

 

 

Ordnance Survey Maps – Create Your Own Unique Walking Routes

Ordnance Survey Maps – Create Your Own Unique Walking Routes

For all of the latest offers please visit the Walks And Walking Shop

If, like me, you want to create your own unique walking routes without forking out on expensive GPS gadgets then buying new Ordnance Survey Maps for the area you want to cover is still the most popular choice. Personally, I really enjoy spreading a large map out on the floor and plotting each twist and turn to cover as many of the sites of historical importance of viewpoints of our Great British countryside.

I’m sure I will succumb to a Personal Navigation GPS System eventually when my pocket allows but I’ve already got it on my smart phone for free and using other free online tools like Google Maps can still do part of the job and there are plenty of websites like this one that offer inspiring walking routes available to print for free.

When I used to print off walking routes from other websites I always used to get lost so I soon started buying the corresponding Ordnance Survey map for each area. Having an Ordnance Survey with you whilst walking means you can also stray off the walking route to find even more unexplored treasures… and then get back on track without getting even more lost!

Types of Ordnance Survey Maps

The two main Ordnance Survey Maps are the OS Explorer Map series and the OS Landranger Map series, with the OS Landranger Map series also coming with an Active Maps series and with the main differences being scale and detail.

1. OS Explorer Map Series

The OS Explorer Map Series is 4cm to 1km (2½ inches to 1 mile) scale and is the main stay used by many individuals and organisations involved in outdoor activities. It is the preferred choice for walkers, hikers, trekkers, climbers, mountain bikers, cyclists, horse riders and even water sports enthusiasts.

Every part of England, Scotland and Wales is covered by 403 maps that include National Trails, Recreational Paths, picnic areas, viewpoints and selected places of interest. In addition, there’s Rights of Way information for England and Wales.

2. OS Landranger Map Series

The OS Landranger Map Series is perfect for day trips and short breaks covering the whole of Great Britain with 204 detailed maps. Each map provides all the information you need to get to know the local area and main tracks and pathways etc.

More suitable for tourism there is still a good level of detail including places of interest, tourist information, picnic areas and camping sites, plus Rights of Way information for England and Wales.

3. OS Landranger Active Map Series

The OS Landranger Active Maps are tough, durable and weatherproof. They have exactly the same features as the more widely recognised OS Landranger series but with the addition of a lightweight protective plastic coating making them perfect for the UK’s interchangeable and often rainy or drizzly weather conditions.

These encapsulated maps will resist inclement weather and can be written on with washable ink, making it easy to highlight your favourite routes and then wipe them off when you return home.

And for those of you that are keen to experience a whole new world of online maps with Ordnance Survey Leisure’s getamap you can get an annual subscription.

NEW from Ordnance Survey –

Customise your map in just three easy steps

We now offer a brand new mapping service that gives you the opportunity to customise an OS Explorer Map or OS Landranger Map.

You might want to centre it on your house, the start of your favourite walk or even a mountain bike trail you’re heading off to at the weekend – anywhere in Great Britain!

Features:

Custom printed by OS just for you
Choose your maps centre anywhere in the country
Add your own titles, including the spine title
Order the map flat or folded
Choose from over 50 cover images
Tough and durable map paper
Fixed laminated cover on folded maps
Your custom made map from Ordnance Survey is made to the same high quality as a standard OS Explorer Map and OS Landranger Map.

You can benefit from a bespoke map displaying the area around your chosen location, and opt for an OS Explorer Map – Custom Made™ at 1:25,000 scale, or an OS Landranger Map – Custom Made™ at 1:50,000 scale. After all, it’s your adventure!

Summer Walks In Suffolk – Aldeburgh Walking Route

Suffolk Walking Routes

A Circular Walking Route In Aldeburgh…

It was really windy today and quite chilly despite the gloriously sunny day. Tedi was in his child carrier so I thought I would soon warm up. Wearing walking shorts was an error of judgement and I only had a thin wind proof jacket on so the beginning of the walk was a little cold to start with. Underfoot was quite bumpy across the marshes and my North Face Boots were put to good use.

Aldeburgh Marshes and The River Alde May 2011

Driving in to Aldeburgh from Walberswick we headed straight down through the village to the very end of the road before it becomes gravel to the car park, early in the morning to avoid the crowds. There is plenty of free parking but we decided to pay and display and get a safe spot for the car. It gets very busy in Aldeburgh and people are likely to park so close you’ll need a can opener to get back in to your car!

Aldeburgh Marshes in the wind May 2011

Aldeburgh Marshes May 2011

Walking left out of the car park we walked up the gravel road until we reached the first footpath signpost, just before Slaughden Quay,  taking us right in to Aldeburgh Marshes. We then followed the raised banks alongside the River Alde heading leftbefore bending right about 2 miles later. We pass through a few gates until we reached steps going down to our right that we climbed down to reach the open fields.

Following the obvious track gently bending round to our left we entered the farm land at Hall Farm Shop before walking through the garden centre at the front and on to Saxmundham Road, A1094. Crossing over we turned right to the roundabout taking the second turning down Church Farm Lane to reach the footpath on our left. We continued down the footpath until we found an entrance to the caravan park on our right.

We continued straight up to the permissive path and continued walking up this lane until we reached a sign for the North Warren Nature Reserve on our right.Walking across the reserve we could see the coastline in front of us. There were plenty of walkers and twitchers in Aldeburgh by this time so plenty of “Hellos” and “Good Mornings” were exchanged. Reaching the tarmac path we turned left by the shingle beach where we saw the Scallop Sculpture Memorial which was erected in 2003 to celebrate the life of Aldeburgh resident English composer Benjamin Britten.

Timber Framed Moot Hall May 2011

Passing the timber framed Moot Hall, the lifeboat station and then back to the car park our walk was complete at just under 6 miles and 2 hours. The rest of our day was spent enjoying Adnams beer and a hearty crab sandwich at the Cross Keys pub.

 

Summer Walks In Suffolk – Walberswick To Dunwich

Summer Walks In Suffolk – Walberswick To Dunwich Circular Walk

This is a really easy walking route to follow although the wind, forestry and beach shingle requires some decent walking gear, windproof jacket, sturdy walking boots and maybe walking poles. The weather in April 2001 was fantastic albeit very windy so we donned our walking shorts strolled out at 10am from Walberswick Green, by the village sign.

Click here for all of the photographs from this walk: Summer Walks In Suffolk

Walking with my Craghoppers Walking Poles Walberswick Suffolk April 2011

Walking out of Walberswick we head up passed The Anchor Pub up to the shop and just before the fork in the road. Turning left just after we headed towards the sea before turning right at the obvious junction. Here we find the blue and yellow Suffolk Coastal Walk signs which is what we then followed until we reached Dunwich. Along the way we past a couple of World War II Pillboxes through the Walberswick National Nature Reserve which is quite impressive with the wildlife available to see; Bitterns, Marsh Harriers, Rabbits, Adders, Sheep, Cows etc.

Adder Found In Dunwich Forest Suffolk April 2011

After meandering some lovely forestry and bright yellow gorse we headed towards the very clear sight of the disused Walberswick Windpump which then turns right back in to some pleasant forestry and on through Dingle Marshes which is a huge expanse of reeds. Passing through two stock gates we entered Dunwich Forest whereby we found a flint wall where some of the stones looked like eyes.

We then passed the Bridge Tearooms and then turned left on to the road to the church before turning left following the signs for the beach. There were many warning signs saying the route was closed but as we saw plenty of walkers we continued to follow the shingle beach back towards Walberswick.

Dunwich was once the largest medieval town in East Anglia before the aggressive seas eroded the coastline. This is evident along the shingle walk where the sea has entered the freshwater rivers and streams of the marshes. After a good 25 minutes of shingle we took the first exit of the beach back in to the marshes which offered a more stable walking surface. Here we then joined back up to the windpump and turned right to rejoin the Suffolk Coastal Path back to Walberswick.

Walking The Shingle Beach At Dunwich To Walberswick April 2011

The path zig zags passed a caravan park and ends up to almost where we started with the village green sign back in view. This was a great walk that we really enjoyed and took us just over 2 hours and a good 7 miles. We then walked around to the other side of the green to our right, where we enjoyed a few pints at the The Bell Inn, a 600 year old inn serving great ales!

Walberswick Village Sign Suffolk April 2011