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This 6 mile walk could be called 'The Park and River Walk' for that is where the route will take you, up through Shrubland Park and then along the old towpath of the River Gipping. The start is at the Gipping Valley Centre at Barham Picnic Site and the route is well signed with blue and green waymark arrows. At the Visitor Centre you will find a display about the river and the valley, and also leaflets describing this and other walks in the area. From the front of the Visitor Centre follow the Tarmac path to a gate and steps onto Pesthouse Lane. Turn left on the roadside footway, over the A14 and across the old Norwich Road to a track on the other side. Follow this up between trees, over a stile at a metal barrier and on a field edge path past the chicken units. At the crossing track at the top turn left to the road and then across to a Permissive Path through the trees. Follow the path as it turns sharply right, up through the trees until you reach an open area and a signpost. Turn left here and follow the undefined path, keeping to the left of the large mound on the right. At the drive turn right through the gate at Russian Lodge and then bear off right up the hill through the trees past the stable block and kitchen gardens. Shrubland Park Hall is owned by Lord de Saumarez although the hall is now a health clinic and has featured in the James Bond films. Work on building the hall was started around 1770 and added to in the 19th century by Sir Charles Barry who also laid out the gardens. There is much more about the park in the walk leaflet, (see Information Section for details). Follow the path through the open parkland to a stile at the farm drive, turn right out to Sandy Lane and cross to the track opposite. Take the left fork and after passing through the gate of Oakwood Cottage and turn right over a stile into meadowland. Follow the edge of the wood to a gap in the hedge to reach a grassy track. Turn left and follow the right hedge in the next meadow to a stile at Brick Kiln Farm. Turn right and follow the path left around the pond and towards the next house. After crossing a wooden bridge turn left across the open field to Sandy Lane and the open field opposite. Walk diagonally up to the left heading for a pair of oak trees at the top. Walk through the line of sycamore trees with a good view of Hemingstone church behind you and then turn right through a kissing gate. Follow the path behind Home Farm to reach a pair of kissing gates. To extend your walk to Coddenham take the gate on the right, otherwise continue on through the gate ahead and turn left in the meadow along the fence line. Cross the farm drive through a pair of kissing gates and straight on over another track walking down through the ancient chestnut trees. Follow the main drive down to reach Wheelwrights Lodge and the old Norwich Road. Pass through the gate opposite and turn diagonally left on a permissive path across the meadow and a path through the trees leading to a tunnel under the A14. Follow the path on the other side and through a kissing gate left into the lake area, cross a stile on the left by Sharmford Mere to a concrete bridge over the River Gipping. Turn left on the Gipping Valley Path a 17 mile long footpath between Ipswich and Stowmarket, tracing the route of the former tow path used when the river was navigable. The waterway opened in 1793 with 15 locks and a rise of 90 feet but closed by Act of Parliament in 1932 due to competition from the railway. Follow the river edge downstream through several sections of pasture and fields etc. The path passes a restored lock where you will find a seat to rest, then under the railway line and on to Great Blakenham. Follow the path at the rear of the houses between fences and riverbank, eventually turning right between house walls to Mill Cottage. Follow the drive out left to Mill Lane and turn then left to the bridge, glance over the left parapet to see the remains of Great Blakenham Lock. At the other side turn right at a stile and along the river edge. After passing under the railway turn left through the gravel pits away from the river. Turn right by the Barham Pit notice board and then left through a gap in the fence following the path along the bottom of the embankment of Pesthouse Lane to return to the start at the Picnic Site. Fact FileLocation: Barham Picnic Site is 6 miles north west of IpswichStart: Barham Picnic Site car park - Ordnance Survey map reference TM 123512 Opening times: Daylight hours, usually 8.30 am. to 8.00 pm. in summer, 4.30 pm. winter Length: 6 miles Conditions: Tracks, woodland, meadowland, parkland and river path, 12 stiles How to get there: - Public Transport: Check details with Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine - telephone 0870 6082608 Road Route: From A14 Claydon or A140 junctions 51 and 52 then follow brown picnic site and Gipping Valley Walks signs to Barham Picnic Site Car parking: Free, lock your car up securely and hide valuables Refreshments: Nearest pub is the Sorrel Horse on the old A140, otherwise shops and pubs in Claydon and Great Blakenham Public Toilets: At the visitor centre Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 211 Bury St Edmunds & Stowmarket Information: Free leaflet available at the Visitor Centre (unmanned) or Suffolk County Council Gipping Valley Project Tel. 01473 583174
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