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This walk is set in north Suffolk in a group of parishes known as The Saints, these are the nine parishes of South Elmham, close to Bungay and the Norfolk border. The walk is located at South Elmham Hall in the parish of South Elmham St. Cross, set in the gently-rolling countryside south of the River Waveney. The walk route provides a unique opportunity to visit a mysterious 11th century ruin, known as The Minster, standing within earthworks now thickly wooded and with a timeless atmosphere. South Elmham Hall was a 13th century Bishops' Palace and hunting lodge for the medieval Bishops of Norwich and stands in an impressive moated enclosure. There is evidence of halls being built here by the bishops since the founding of the Bishopric. The present South Elmham Hall dates from the 13th century, in 1399 a heretic, William Sawtry was tried in the first floor hall by Bishop Despener. The site also includes Bateman's Barn, a Visitor Centre, Cafe, Conference/Wedding Venue and car park. The landowner has set out a network of waymarked public and permissive footpaths providing long walks and short strolls through the historic landscape. This is a traditional East Anglian arable farm of about 450 acres that has retained much of its ancient pasture and parkland trees and also supports a small herd of rare British White cattle. There are 7 miles of hedgerow, parkland trees, water meadows and a variety of wildlife to see. The walk passes through several meadows and dogs should therefore be kept under close control, particularly when the cattle are present. There are many variations of route available for walking on the farm, the route described here takes in most of the farm boundary and the old Minster. Other routes that lead to the Minster can be found on the information board in the car park, downloaded from the Internet or taken from a leaflet available from Bateman's Barn when open (see information file for details). Pass through the gates at the rear of the car park into an area of grass within the moated enclosure. Turn right and cross the moat via the footbridge and then across a meadow to a kissing gate on the other side. Turn right on the short length of track to the road and turn left. After crossing the bridge at the bottom of the slope continue on for another 200 metres to a wide field edge path on the left. Follow this past a pond and then down a few rough steps to New Road. Turn left past the turning for Mendham, and after passing the drive to Greshaw Farm turn left through a gate into the meadow. Cross to the bushes opposite that obscure the end of a sunken lane known as Debb's Lane that commences in the meadow. Pass through another gate and follow the old lane down into the valley. There is an information board here describing Greshaw Green and the lane. At the bottom of the hill and just before crossing the stream, turn right through the trees along a long field edge path with a hedge on the left Keep following this path, ignoring any side turnings, until you enter the section of woodland ahead. This is the site of the Minster, another information board provides details of the known history of the site. The ruins can be explored and can easily be found, surrounded by Hornbeam trees in the centre of the wood. In AD 675 a Bishopric of Elmham was founded as an extension of the Bishopric of Dunwich. The present ruin is thought to have been built in the 11th century to commemorate an earlier Saxon minster nearby, probably a wooden structure. Exit from the grounds of the Minster on the opposite side, crossing the old earthworks ditch and turning left in the field to pass through a 5 bar gate. After crossing the stream turn right through a pair of gates into a long meadow. Continue to the end of the meadow keeping to the left of the stream. At the end of the meadow turn left over a stile and follow the field edge path ahead with the hedge on your right. At the end of the hedge follow the grass strip ahead to reach the road. Turn left along the narrow road, keeping a look out for any passing traffic, to eventually reach a Tee junction. Turn left up the hill to reach the entrance drive to South Elmham Hall and the start of the walk. InformationLocation: South Elmham St. Cross is 35 miles north of IpswichStart: South Elmham Hall, Ordnance Survey map reference TM 307833 Length: 3 miles (many short cuts and variations) Conditions: Meadows, field edge, track and road, 1 stile, muddy when wet How to get there:- Public Transport: For details telephone Suffolk County Council’s Public Transport Information TraveLine - 08706 082608 Road Route: From Ipswich on A 12 and A144 to Halesworth, then left on Wissett Road through Rumburgh to St. Margaret South Elmham. Turn left following the brown tourist signs marked South Elmham Hall and Minster Car Parking Free at South Elmham Hall car park Refreshments: Bateman's Barn when open (see below) or local villages Public Toilets: None Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 231 Southwold and Bungay Opening: Walks - open every day. Bateman's Barn Cafe and Restaurant - Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays 10 am to 5 pm Information: For all infformation and details such as guided tours and parties etc. telephone South Elmham Hall 01986 782526 Internet:Bateman's Barn - http://www.batemansbarn.co.uk South Elmham Hall - http://www.southelmham.co.uk/ Suffolk Country Walks - http://www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk
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