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The village of Stowupland is quite aptly named, my information about Suffolk place names points to it meaning a meeting or place occupied on higher ground above Stowmarket. The parish is situated just about in the centre of Suffolk and sits on the edge of the River Gipping valley. Part of this walk is along the banks of the upper reaches of the river before it reaches Stowmarket and above the section of waterway to Ipswich that was previously navigable and more widely publicised. From the Village Hall turn left along Church Road, passing the Post Office Stores and the Holy Trinity Church. Turn left on the Tarmac path between the church and the primary school, walking between the playing fields to the end. Turn right along the rear of the school playing field, following the narrow path between fence and ditch and around the corner to turn left over a footbridge to a field edge path. Cross another footbridge at the corner into a section of meadowland and head diagonally left to the opposite corner. Turn left through a gateway and then right over a footbridge, following the field edge path, heading now for the Mendlesham mast that can be seen ahead on the horizon. Follow the field edge path to the corner and then between hedge and farm to Rendall Lane by an electricity pylon. Turn left along the lane, passing Walnut Tree Farm, Blacks Lane signed to Stowmarket and on past the turning for Gipping and Mendlesham. The lane eventually comes to the edge of the wide valley of the River Gipping where there are superb views over the surrounding countryside. Descend to the bridge with white railings at the bottom and turn left over a footbridge on the Mid Suffolk Path along the field edge and parallel to the river. The Mid Suffolk Path is over 20 miles in length, linking Hoxne in the north with Stowmarket in the south and running through the heart of middle Suffolk's landscape and river valleys. The route is waymarked with a poppy symbol throughout its length, the emblem reflects the wild poppies that can be found in most of the farmland areas along the way in the summer months, providing familiar patches of bright scarlet in the ocean of green. Follow the field edge and river, noting a short cut off to the left up the field if required. Continue on to reach the bridge with white railings on Stonebridge Lane and turn left. Follow the lane for about 600 metres to a track on the left to the right of a hedge, marked with a Public Footpath sign. Walk up the grassy track to the top and follow the track left between hedges to reach a gate and stile. Continue on the track up the hill towards Green Farm where the track widens and is crossed by a hedge and gate. Cross the stile by the hedge on the left and walk on following the hedge on the left to reach another farm gate with a small wicket gate on the left. Head towards the farmhouse passing to the left of the farm buildings and turn left along the farm access track to Thorney Green. Sections of the green extend through the centre of the village to Church Road, providing an open plan to the distribution of the housing that has been built. Turn left on the track serving the houses at the back of the green and, at the end, turn right before reaching the bungalows, on the path at the edge of the green to reach Thorney Green Road. Turn right for a few metres and then left by the telephone box on a wide path between fence and hedge to reach an open area of grass. Follow the right hedge to the corner, continuing along the edge of the playing field to reach the access drive to the school. Turn left and follow the drive out to Church Road close to The Crown pub. Turn left along the roadside footway to return to the start at the village hall, situated quite usefully between a pub and shop if refreshments are required. Fact FileLocation: Stowupland is 13 miles north west of Ipswich, 2 miles north of StowmarketStart: Stowupland Village Hall Length: 3½ miles Conditions: Village footways, road, track and field edge, easy walking, 2 stiles How to get there: - Public Transport: Check for details with Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine 08459 583358 Road Route: From Ipswich west on A14 to Stowmarket, then north on A1120 Car Parking: Free at Stowupland Village Hall Refreshments: Post Office Stores, two pubs and a garage shop Public Toilets: None, nearest in Stowmarket Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 211 Bury St. Edmunds & Stowmarket Walking on the web: http://www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk
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