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The town of Stowmarket stands centrally in the outline boundary of Suffolk, making it a place easily accessible from all parts. This walk starts from the railway station and is therefore even easier to get to, especially if you are travelling by public transport. The walk is predominantly on the town's surfaced footpaths but extends out into the country if you really want to get a good walk after your Christmas lunch. Formal opening of the railway from Ipswich to Bury St. Edmunds took place on the 7th December 1846 when a special train from London, with two engines and a brass band arrived at Bury to be met by the Mayor. The line is notable for its stations designed by Frederick Barnes, particularly the grand structures at Stowmarket and Needham Market which are reckoned to be among the finest in Eastern England. From the station, walk straight across the River Gipping, Gipping Way and up towards the town centre. Turn left through the churchyard and then bear right alongside the church. Continue on past the church of St. Peter and St. Mary, the unusual dedication results from there having been two churches within the churchyard, St. Mary's was demolished in 1544. Continue straight on along the Buttermarket into the Market Place and walk along the right side to Crowe Street ahead. Just before the gates of Abbots hall, bear left on a path between fences to reach Marriots Walk. Bear right to pass between a set of posts, along a stony track, and then left at the end along Temple Road. Turn right on Woodfield Lane, a path adjacent to No.19. Cross Lockington Road and walk downhill, turning left at the bottom to arrive at Ipswich Road. Turn right and cross the River Rat, following the footway on the right of the road to reach the Magpie pub on the corner of Combs Lane. If a short cut is required to avoid the country section, follow Ipswich Road and Needham Road around to the left to rejoin the walk at the roundabout at Gipping Way. Walk along Combs Lane for about 350 metres and, just after Edgecomb Road, turn left across the grass on a path between hedge and stream. Follow the path up to an open section of recreational area and across the footbridge on the left leading into Malsters Walk and Edgecomb Road. Turn right along the roadside footway continuing uphill along Verneuil Avenue to reach Poplar Hill. Turn left and then right down Church Road leading down into the valley and along the lane towards the church. Just before a sharp left turn to the church, turn left across a footbridge into Church Meadow Local Nature Reserve. Walk along the grassy path ahead and, at the end of the fence, turn right up to the church. Make for a stile close to the church tower and up to the left in the first section of meadow to a gate adjacent to Combs Hall. Continue up to a stile and across an arable field to reach the edge of Combs Wood. Turn left along the edge of the wood, an excellent example of Ancient Woodland and recorded in the Domesday Book as a 'Wood for 76 swine'. The wood is now a nature reserve owned by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and has a series of pathways with information boards open to the public. Follow the path along the wood edge and down towards the houses below. Follow the path straight ahead between the houses and across Lavenham Way to reach the fence at the primary school. Turn right and then left, continuing on down to Glemsford Road. Turn left and then right on the path between Nos. 14 and 16 to emerge on Needham Road opposite a half-timbered house called Old Timbers. Turn right and walk to the roundabout and across Gipping Way. Continue along the industrial estate road for about 50 metres to turn left on a footpath adjacent to No. 93. Follow the path between fences, following the right hand fence past the end of the now closed factory access road and then left over a bridge. Just before the factory gate turn left, now on the Gipping Valley River path, alongside the river. The River Gipping was used for navigation as early as the 12th century and it is likely that the stone for the abbey at Bury St. Edmunds was brought part way up the river and taken overland to Bury. The 17 mile navigation from Ipswich to Stowmarket was opened in 1793 and lifted barges 90 feet through 15 locks over its length. The navigation was ended by an act of parliament in 1932. Follow the path until you reach a set of steps up to Station Road and turn right to return to the start at the station. InformationLocation: Stowmarket is 12 miles north west of Ipswich and 13 miles east of Bury St. EdmundsStart: Stowmarket Station Ordnance Survey map reference TM 051588 Length: 3½ miles (short cuts available) Conditions: Well defined town paths, roadside footway, country paths, tracks and riverside path, quite muddy on country section when wet, 2 stiles How to get there: - By Road: A14 Junction 50, follow signs to town centre and Railway Station y Rail: Ipswich to Norwich main line, National Rail Enquiries Tel. 08457 48 49 50 Public transport: Tel. Suffolk County Council's Public Transport traveline - 0870 608 2 608 Parking: Station car park pay and display £3 all day Refreshments: Snack Bar at the station and plenty of pubs, cafes, shops and takeaways in the town ublic Toilets: At the station and Stowmarket town centre Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 211 Bury St. Edmunds & Stowmarket Publications: Charcoal and Churches Circular Walk (20p) and A Walk Around Stowmarket (95p) available from Mid Suffolk TIC, Wilkes Way Internet: - Stowmarket: http://www.stowmarket.org/pages/flashindex.asp Suffolk Country Walks: http://www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk
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