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Brandon is situated up in the top left corner of Suffolk, in the middle of an area of countryside known as Breckland, sandy heathland of poor soil quality that is now extensively covered with Forestry Commission plantations. Brandon Country Park is the start point for this easy walk, using one of the marked routes on the woodland trails that abound throughout the forest. Brandon Country Park was once a small part of the estate of Edward Bliss who acquired the land in 1821. The estate was sold to the Forestry Commission in 1927 and the County Council purchased the section that is now the country park in 1972. It is managed jointly by Suffolk County Council and Forest Heath District Council. Within the park there is a short 1 mile tree trail and, radiating from the park, there are three walks of varying lengths into the forest. The walks are all well marked but leaflets for the tree trail and the four walks are available from the visitor centre (see information file), this walk is the purple route and is about 31/2 miles long. From the car park at the visitor centre follow the purple topped posts through the trees on a hardened path to arrive at the entrance road by the Wardens House. Turns right and then left and continue on the purple path, following the long reasonably straight path parallel to the road. When you reach the dip at Bury Bottom turn right and follow the track as it curves through the mature trees and into an area of younger trees. On a long straight look out for a left turn marked by a purple post and follow the rather narrow path up through the trees. Cross a major track and on through an area of mature trees continuing on uphill towards a pair of tall pines on the ridge. Turn right along the edge of the mature trees with an area of open land with rows of newly planted trees on the left. At the end of the open section and close to a section of mixed woodland ahead turn right on a wide grassy track through the junior trees and area cleared for replanting. Just after a curve to the right by two tall pines, follow the purple posts across the crossing track and then through an area of new planting. At a cross roads of tracks turn right, heading towards a block of more mature trees. At the tree line, turn left on the wide straight track emerging out into a fenced off open area. Follow the track round to the right and back into the mature trees, heading now towards the area bounded by the country park. At a wide open grassy cross roads bear right following the purple posts and, at the end of the straight, turn left at the sign denoting the country park facilities and boundary. Bear right past what looks like a chapel. This is the Mausoleum built by Edward Bliss, he was interred here in 1845, although his remains were removed to Brandon churchyard earlier this century. The building is currently being restored with the aid of Heritage Lottery funding, close to the Mausoleum there is an information board. Follow the hardened path past the Wellingtonia or Giant Redwood tree, where you will find another useful information board. Follow the path to the right and then left around the back of the pond turning right at the other end to follow the path as it passes to the left of Brandon Park House, leading back to the start of the walk at the visitor centre car park. Brandon Park House was built by Edward Bliss in 1826, originally with 21 bedrooms. More recently it was used as a hotel from 1987, but from 1993 became Brandon Park House Nursing Home. Brandon Country Park is the ideal place to see some of the wildlife of the area, birds such as jays, long-tailed tits and even feral golden pheasants and many animals including squirrel, deer and in summer grass snakes, adders and lizards. The park, visitor centre and tea-rooms are open throughout the year and provide an ideal opportunity to learn about natural history of Breckland, Brandon, the country park and the forest. InformationLocation: Brandon Country Park is 43 miles north west of Ipswich and 6 miles west of ThetfordStart: Brandon Country Park car park - Ordnance Survey map reference TL 785853 3½ miles (other walks available) Conditions: Easy woodland paths and tracks, no stiles, gates or steps, well marked How to get there: - Road Route: From Ipswich on A14 to Bury St Edmunds west interchange (J42), then on B1106 following signs to Brandon. Turn left into country park (well signed) on the approach to Brandon village Public Transport: Tel. Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information traveline - 0870 6082608 Car parking: Free at country park visitor centre, lock your car up securely and hide valuables Refreshments: Brandon Country Park Visitor Centre, opening hours 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Monday to Friday and 9.30 am. to 4.00 pm. Saturday and Sunday, Copper Beech Tea Room 10.00 to 3.30 pm Monday to Friday and 9.30 am to 3.30 pm Saturday and Sunday. Otherwise in Brandon village Public Toilets: At the park's visitor centre Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 229 Thetford Forest in The Brecks Information: Park open dawn to dusk. Brandon Country Park Visitor Centre - Tel/Fax 01842 810185 Leaflets: Explore Brandon Country Park and Explore Brandon Country Park's Tree Trail and History Trail. Both available from the visitor centre Internet: - Brandon - http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/Environment/CountrysideServices/BrandonCountryPark/ Suffolk Country Walks - http://www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk
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