Evening Star Walks|
Belstead village lies on the southern edge of Ipswich, just south
of the A14 which now cuts a swath through this area of the countryside
and seems to divide the town from the country. Belstead is an ancient
settlement listed in the Domesday Book, awarded to the Norman family
De Goldingham who lived here for 400 years, many of whom are buried
in the parish church of St. Mary’s Church, reached via the road to
Copdock. The name Belstead is reckoned to mean A Place in a Glade
which nicely reflects the great forest that once covered this area
and now only remains in the small sections of woodland, mainly to
the south of the village. On the north side of the A14 you may know that extensive housing development is taking place, with new roads and extensions to old roads in abundance. The area is actually outside the Ipswich Borough boundary and strictly speaking not really part of Ipswich. It is being developed as the County's newest parish, taking the name of Pinebrook and administered by Babergh District Council. The walk this week therefore encompasses both the old and the new, the ancient village of Belstead and brand new modern community of Pinebrook, allowing you to explore and compare the work that has taken place in an area that was once open fields. There is much of contrast here, some parts may be familiar to you and some brand new, in fact there may even have been changes to the scene since I undertook this survey of the route earlier this year! From the Village Hall turn left along the road for about 50 metres and left again through a gap in the hedge to a crossfield path, marked with a public footpath sign and passing under electricity wires. At the far side of the field bear left by a gate and follow the grass track to the left of the rabbit fencing. At the end, at the corner of Alder Carr, turn right by a metal gate with an adjoining stile in the fence and follow the open track across the field to reach a crossing track on the other side beneath more electricity wires. Turn left, following the stoney track past Thorrington Hall on the left, over the A14 via a wide bridge, and down to the Belstead Brook Park car park at the end of Bobbits Lane. In the car park you will find an information board and map showing local areas with public access and descriptions of the wildlife that can be discovered in the area. Turn left and follow the lane to the newly extended Ellenbrook Road, close to Belstead Bridge. Cross over to the old white bridge opposite across Belstead Brook and turn left along the old route of the road to Belstead, now marked as a cycle route. The old road is now a cul-de-sac and traffic can no longer pass along the whole length due to the restricting posts that only allow pedestrian and cycle access. Follow the road, parallel to the Belstead Brook, to the new junction with Ellenbrook Road where the road has been extended to serve the new houses on the left. Cross to the other side and continue walking along Grove Walk. This is another section of cul-de-sac allowing through access for pedestrians and cycles and leading out to Grove Hill, close to the A14 overbridge. Turn right up the hill and under the A14, heading towards Belstead village and using the verge wherever possible. At the top of the hill the road narrows and becomes a little more dangerous but, just after passing the 30 m.p.h. signs, there is the opportunity to bear off right along Chapel Lane. The old chapel can be be found about halfway along on the left, together with several old houses of note. Follow the lane to the end, emerging onto The Street by the old village school, now a private house, and the war memorial on the corner at the junction. Continue straight on along The Street, passing the turning to Copdock and Belstead Church on the right, to return to the start of the walk at the village hall. Fact FileLocation: Belstead is 3 miles south west of IpswichStart: Belstead Village Hall Ordnance Survey map reference TM 131409 (walk may also be started from Belstead Bridge or Ellenbrook Road) Length: 3 miles Conditions: Mainly tracks and road, 1 crossfield section, 1 stile How to get there:- Public transport: Check for details with Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine 08459 583385 Road Route: From Ipswich follow Ellenbrook Road and Belstead Road through village to the Village Hall, or turn off A137 and follow signs Car Parking: Belstead Village Hall with prior permission only, tel. 01473 730805. Alternatively at Belstead Brook Park's Bobbit's Lane Refreshments: None in village, nearest in Ipswich or adjoining villages Public Toilets: None in village, nearest in Ipswich Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 197 Ipswich, Felixstowe and Harwich
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Evening Star Walks
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