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The town of Framlingham provides a good base for a day out in Suffolk, there is much to see and do in the area, with the historic castle acting as the centre piece to any visit to this old market town. Framlingham Castle is one of the finest examples of a curtain-walled castle and with its massive earthworks dominates the town. The great Norman castle is a listed ancient monument, in the care of English Heritage and open to the public. This walk gives views of the castle and the town from the wide open countryside and a brief tour of part of the town. The Framlingham Town Trail is also available and provides an expanded tour of the town, the surrounding countryside is also laced with other walks to explore. From the Elms car park off New Road take the path at the rear and walk up towards the town centre. Turn left by the red telephone box at Market Hill to walk up through the wrought iron gateway to the churchyard to Church Street. The church is well worth a visit to view the tombs of the Howards, a 15th century wall painting and the splendid Tamar Organ built in 1674. Walk past the church door to reach Church Street and left past the Castle Inn on the castle's main drive. Just before crossing the access bridge turn left through a turnstile gate and down to a footbridge. Turn left after crossing and follow the path along the top of the ramparts where there are some fine views of Framlingham College across The Mere. The Mere is fed by the River Ore and was dug out in about 1190 on the instructions of Roger Bigod II who rebuilt the castle mainly as we see it today. The area of The Mere is now a Suffolk Wildlife trust Nature Reserve where a wide variety of plants and birds can be seen from the circular nature trail. Walk down to another footbridge and stile and pass through a kissing gate ahead. Continue straight on along the path to the left of the hedge ahead. After crossing a footbridge into the college playing field turn right and walk along the bank of the River Ore. At the corner cross another footbridge and follow the path out to New Road. Turn right and follow the road, past the entrances to Countess Wells and Great Lodge Farms, then right at the top of the hill along the route of a circular walk. Follow the field edge path with the hedge on the left, ignoring any junctions and on down to eventually reach a footbridge and up to the Badingham Road. Turn right along the roadside footway, ignoring the right turn into the Castle Meadows, past the Pageant Field and on to reach Jeaffreson's Well at the next junction. The well was sunk in 1896 in memory of local doctor William Jeaffreson F.R.C.S. and his wife, it had a water tank fitted in the roof to feed the local houses, although now disused. Turn left along Fore Street passing the start of the Infirmary Lane walk and the rear entrance of the Crown Hotel. Turn right by some green railings opposite the Fore Street Car park and follow the brick path of Queen's Head Alley up between the buildings to reach Market Hill. The black and white half timbered building at the top of the path was once the Blue Boar and later, from about 1800, the Queen's Head, probably referring to Queen Mary who came to Framlingham to take refuge. The arch is thought to be the original toll entrance into Framlingham and into the triangular Market Hill. Records indicate that a market has existed here since 1270 and is still operating at least once a week. Turn left, noting the buildings on the left, and the archway that now provides an entrance to the Solar store that would once have allowed passage for carriages. The Town Sign depicts local scenes and across the road, note the raised pavement area in front of the shops that once housed the Guildhall and former Mansion House. Walk on down Bridge Street and after crossing the bridge turn right, to reach the New Road car park and the start of the walk. InformationLocation: Framlingham is 19 miles north of Ipswich and 7 miles west of SaxmundhamStart: The Elms car park (off New Road), Ordnance Survey map reference TM 283635 Length: 3 miles Conditions: Mainly roadside footway and well used paths, muddy when wet, one stile How to get there: - Public Transport: For details telephone Suffolk County Council's Public Transport traveline 0870 6082608 By Road: From Ipswich north on A12 to Wickham Market, then B1116 to Framlingham Parking: Free car parks off New Road and Fore Street Refreshments: There are several public houses, shops and other facilities in the town Public Toilets: Crown and Anchor Lane Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 212 Woodbridge and Saxmundham Leaflet: Framlingham Countryside Walk leaflet describing 2 walks available from Suffolk County Council, Town Trail leaflet available locally Information: http://www.framlingham.com
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