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Kersey has the reputation of being the most picturesque village in Suffolk, a fact that is recognised by the picture post card scene of the village centre, used on all manner of products from chocolate boxes to pop records (remember the Singing Postman's Please Mr. Postman?). With the 14th century St Mary's Church standing guard above the village, the grace and dignity of the main street, medieval houses and the water splash of the River Brett must be one of the most photographed scenes in the county. From the small car park by the primary school follow the path down the hill in front of the church to a kissing gate, or if preferred, through the church yard to the gate and steps, giving access out to the street. There are good views of the village from here and an ideal place to take photographs. Once a cloth town, the steep main street is lined with weaver's cottages, merchant's houses, old pubs and superb brickwork in doorways and chimneys. Walk on the roadside footway down to the water splash and across the footbridge. After the first large pink house on the left (Kedges End) turn left on a track between the houses as far as the bungalow on the right. Turn right through a wooden gate into the allotments and on up to a field edge path, continuing uphill to the road. Turn left along the road for about 150 metres and then right on a path at the next bend, marked with a green metal footpath sign by a gate. Follow this wide grassy path between barbed wire fences to the end of the fences and turn right, marked with a yellow waymark arrow, between the trees and ditch. This is another wide grassy path, which passes over a wide bridge made of railway sleepers, a splendid ancient oak tree and out to the Semer Road. Beware of fast moving traffic coming round the bends, turn left for about 100 metres to the Shoulder of Mutton Lane, a tree lined bridleway on the right. Walk to the end of the trees and then bear right, continuing along the field edge path, heading down towards Rushes Farm. Follow the grassy path at the farm to pass the farm with the buildings on the left, to join the farm access drive and on down to the road. Turn right for about 50 metres to a path on the left by a small shed, marked with a footpath sign, across the field to a waymark post by the stream on the other side. After crossing the field turn left along the field edge and ditch to a footbridge over the stream, then right up some steps in the bank to another field edge path, continuing uphill to Mill Road. Turn right along the road for about 150 metres and then turn left on the drive to Noakes Farm. This is a working farm, please ensure your dog is kept on a lead or under very close control. At the farm yard bear left, following the track through the farm complex, to reach a low breeze block wall on the left. Follow the waymark post and yellow arrow pointing along the hedge ahead to the right of the wall. Follow the hedge along a field edge path and walk on to the point where the field edge bends to the left. Look out for a gap to the right giving access out onto Water Lane. Turn right along the lane that is narrow at first and then becomes an access track and eventually has a tarmac surface as you approach the houses of the village. At the first junction bear right on Vale Lane with houses on either side, to reach the road to Kersey Tye. Continue straight on towards the village centre, but turn right and then left into Church Lane to return to the start at the car park, just beyond the little school. The village provides a fascinating place for an extension to your walk and could include a visit to the local pottery, St. Mary's church that is open to visitors on most days or the ancient Bell Inn pub. Take the opportunity to wander in a truly English village, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. InformationLocation: Kersey is 12 miles west of Ipswich and 3 miles north of HadleighStart: St Mary's Church, Ordnance Survey map reference TM 002439 Length: 3 miles Conditions: Grassy paths, cross field, road and track. Muddy across fields in wet weather How to get there: - Public Transport: For details telephone Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine 0870 6082608 Road Route: From Ipswich A1071 to Hadleigh bypass then right on A1141 to first turning on left signed to Kersey Car Parking: Free small rough area at the end of Church Lane beyond the school, or on street in the village Refreshments: The Bell Inn Public Toilets: None Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 196 Sudbury, Hadleigh and Dedham Vale
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