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This walk is at Ilketshall St. Margaret in an area of Suffolk known as The Saints, a group of villages just to the south of Bungay and west of the A144. The walk route is through open countryside and you may find that the natural growth on some sections such as field edges may become quite heavy during the summer months. However, much of the route is marked with Heart of Suffolk waymark arrows and these will help to guide you around the circuit. The village has a history dating back to 1062 when a Danish Lord held the manorial seat, the tiny Norman church has a perfectly round tower and is usually open for visitors. From Church Green pass through the gates of Ilketshall St. Margaret's church, following the path past the tower and then right to the rear gate and a footbridge. Cross the drive leading to Church Farm and enter the footpath ahead between hedges, crossing two rough stiles before entering a paddock. Turn left and cross two stiles dividing the paddocks, aiming for a stile in the extreme right-hand corner of the last paddock. Cross a second stile and turn left along the field edge path for about 10 metres before turning right across the open arable field to the far side. Turn left along the field edge to a footbridge on the right. Pass through a metal Rambler gate and turn right, after approximately 5 metres turn left through a second Rambler gate and another footbridge. Turn left along the field edge and stream, soon passing the moated Brook House on the opposite bank. Continue on along the field edge path around this large field to eventually reach a wide gateway and earth bridge over the ditch, close to St. Margaret's Hall. Turn left across the ditch then right, now with the hedge and ditch on the right. At the corner of the field cross a small footbridge and turn left along the next field edge, walking as far as the overhead power cables. Turn right and follow the cables across the open field to join a concrete farm track ahead. Follow the track to Poplar Farm, passing an open barn and then right around the buildings to continue on towards St. Michael South Elmham. At the road turn right and walk through St. Michael's Green, passing between the water tower and St. Michael's church. By the church gate is an information board giving details about the green and its history. Follow the lane past The Old Forge and down to a humpback bridge over the Beck, a tributary of the River Waveney. Ahead can be seen St. Peter's church and beyond, the moated medieval St. Peter's Hall restaurant and brewery, an ideal place for refreshment and to visit after your walk. Cross the bridge and turn right along the drive past the cottages on the left and on to a metal gate in the hedge at the end. Pass through the gate into a long meadow, keeping to the left hedge past a large house and on to a point where the meadow narrows. Pass through a gap in the hedge to walk in the next field, now on the left of the hedge. At the corner of the field turn right and then left to a stile and small footbridge giving access to the next section of meadow. Walk with the hedge on left and a stream on the far right to eventually pass beneath an arch formed by a fallen willow tree. Pass through two metal gates, ensuring that you leave the gates closed as there may be cattle in these fields. Keep to the right hedge, crossing two stiles and on to a stile at the corner. In the next section of grassland keep the hedge on your left and, at the corner, turn left through a wide gateway, walking uphill on a wide grass track with a view of the round tower of St. Margaret's church to the right. At the top of the rise turn right on a field edge path that eventually heads towards the church. Close to the trees turn right to continue along the field edge and not along the adjacent drive. After about 100 metres turn left to walk along the drive towards Church Farm. Pass through the first gate and then turn left across the footbridge leading back to the church gate and the start of the walk. Fact FileLocation: Ilketshall St. MargaretStart: The Church Green Length: 4 miles Conditions: Meadow, field edge and crossfield, road and track, many stiles How to get there: - Public Transport: Check for details with Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine 08459 583358 Road Route: A12 and A144 north from Halesworth, turn off left after Ilketshall St. Lawrence, following signs for Ilketshall St. Margaret Car Parking: Free at the Church Green or Village Hall (former school) Refreshments: St. Peter's Hall (01986 782322) or pubs in local villages Public Toilets: None Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 231 Southwold and Bungay Information: Walking in the Heart of Suffolk booklet £2 from most bookshops
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