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Anglian Water's Alton Reservoir has become a favourite recreational area for water sports, walking and cycling and provides a wide variety of facilities for visitors of all ages. The path that encircles the man made lake is mainly Public Right of Way and is divided into two sections, north and south of the Lemons Hill bridge at Tattingstone. The walk this month is the 71/2 mile circuit around the southern part of the reservoir and has no short cuts. However, the route can be described as easy walking and be can be started from any of the access points and car parks around the lake, it is merely a case of follow that path. Named after a settlement under the water, Alton Reservoir was opened 1987 and is fed from the River Gipping and bore holes on the north side of the River Orwell. The pumping station and treatment works below the dam is capable of treating up to 10 million gallons of water a day. Between 85% and 95% of the water goes to Ipswich and Felixstowe via the Wherstead reservoir and the Orwell Bridge with the remainder fed to the villages of the Shotley Peninsula and south Suffolk. From the Visitor Centre and car park turn right along the reservoir access road towards the dam, turning left off the road and across the dam via the gateway in the red brick wall. At the far side of the dam cross the bridge above the overflow sluice and bear diagonally left across the grass on the reservoir footpath and cycleway past the water draw off point. Keeping within the reservoir boundary, follow the path past a red brick wall marking Alton Hall Farm, from where the reservoir gets its name, and on to reach the Birchwood car park. Continue through the informal car park and around to the left on the reservoir path, heading now into a section of trees. You will soon come to a part of path with short sections of very steep hills to test your stamina. From the tops of these hills are good views across the reservoir to Tattingstone Place and up to the Lemons Hill bridge where we will be crossing to the other bank. Continue along the reservoir path as it meanders around the various inlets and bays, eventually arriving at the Lemons Hill Bridge car park and the road beyond. To visit the Tattingstone White Horse pub, turn right up the road for about 1/2 mile. This hostelry dates from the 17th century, the carved white horse pub sign is reputed to have come from the Great White Horse in Ipswich and was mentioned in Pickwick Papers. Otherwise turn left across the bridge to continue the walk, on the hill on the right stands the imposing red brick building of the former St. Mary's Hospital. Built in 1765/66 as the Samford Hundred House of Industry (or workhouse) there was accommodation for up to 500 paupers. From 1848 it was under the authority of the Poor Law Commissioners and in 1912, 127 inmates were recorded. At some point the building was renamed St. Mary's Hospital, caring for the elderly of the area, finally closing in 1991. In recent years the building has been given a new lease of life, after extensive alteration and modernisation, the former workhouse has now become up market apartments and private houses. At the other side of the bridge turn left through the gap by a metal gateway and head out along the footpath and cycleway once again. Follow the path as it skirts the village and the garden wall and hedge of Tattingstone Place to reach a small closed car park near Pond Hall Farm. At the end of the car park you will reach a section of the former Wonder Lane that became flooded when the reservoir was built. Turn right up the old lane for a few metres and then left on the cycleway, parallel to the new road. This has a Tarmac surface in places, avoids the need to walk on the road, and will eventually lead you to the car park opposite the Wonder. This building appears to be a church at first sight, but closer examination will reveal that it is in fact a house. Known as the Tattingstone Wonder, it is believed to have been built in the 18th century by Squire Roger White of Tattingstone Place. This folly was built originally as 3 cottages for farm workers, disguised to look like a church from the side facing Tattingstone Place, from the rear it can be seen that the tower has only three sides. Continue on along the reservoir path and cycle track, passing through sections of woodland and on past the end of Alton Hall Lane, another road that became submerged by the reservoir. By following the path you eventually arrive back at the start point at the Visitor Centre. Fact FileLocation: Alton Water (main entrance) is 6 miles south of Ipswich between Stutton and HolbrookStart: Alton Water Visitor Centre, Ordnance Survey map reference TM 156353 Length: 7½ miles (no short cuts but can be extended around north section of the reservoir) Conditions: Well defined footpath and cycle track, very easy walking, gates locked in summer at 8.30 pm. How to get there: - Public Transport: For details telephone Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine - 08459 583358 By Road: From Ipswich on A137 to Tattingstone, follow brown Alton Water tourist signs through Stutton village Car Parking: Pay and Display car parks with ticket machines, April to September weekends and Bank holidays £2, all other times £1, disabled free, other car parks available around the reservoir Refreshments: Visitor Centre Cafe opening daily, otherwise pubs and shops in local villages Public Toilets: Visitor Centre Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 197 Ipswich, Felixstowe and Harwich Information: Cycle hire available at the Visitor Centre Walking on the web: http://www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk
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