The Rendlesham and the Deben Valley circular and long-distance walks take you on a journey through this tranquil landscape to discover the hidden archaeological secrets in the area. There's lots to learn about along the way, including a long-lost royal Anglo-Saxon settlement, an Augustinian Priory, a 16th century stately home and much more.
Follow the step-by-step directions in the guide below to walk the trail.
Download the Walking Trail Guide
Use the walking trail guide for the step-by-step directions to explore the landscape and learn about its long-lost heritage.
If you want to further explore the area, use OS Map 212: Woodbridge and Saxmundham
Discover many other walks and great days out in the countryside at discoversuffolk.org.uk and eastsuffolklines.co.uk/walks
The Routes
There are two routes. Both start in Campsea Ashe at Wickham Market Station (IP13 0PT) and take you to Rendlesham Church.
The church is usually open to visitors, find out more at rendleshamchurch.org (please note there are no facilities at the church).
The circular route “In the Footsteps of Kings” is 7 miles (11km) and takes you on a lovely stroll across open fields, through meadows, and into woodland.
The long-distance station-to-station route "Through the Deben Valley" is 9 miles (14.5km) and follows part of the "In the Footsteps of Kings" route before continuing on from Rendlesham to Melton Station (IP12 2PA). Along this route, you will also come across the historic town of Ufford, as well as stunning river-side views of the Deben estuary.
Images: River Deben (left), Rendlesham Church (left-centre), Loudham Hall (right-centre), Deben Estuary (right)
Useful Information
Click on the headings below to explore
The walks follow public footpaths along field edges and across field paths, which can be rough or muddy in places, and there are some slight inclines. The routes are not suitable for cycling.
There will also be some road walking on tarmac.
The watermeadows near to Rendlesham are in the floodplain of the River Deben and so can get very wet and boggy when there is heavy rain.
Please take extra care when crossing railway level-crossings and remember to Stop. Look. Listen!
Melton and Wickham Market train stations are on the East Suffolk Line, which is served from Ipswich and Lowestoft.
Visit eastsuffolklines.co.uk or suffolkonboard.com to plan your journey.
There are several places to eat and drink along both routes. Check out the links below.
Campsea Ashe:
Station House Café at Wickham Market train station
The Duck restaurant and pub
There is also a village shop on the B1078 Ash Road
Ufford:
The Ufford Crown restaurant and pub
Melton:
Honey + Harvey Café opposite the train station
There are lots of other restaurants and pubs further into Melton.
Support
With special thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Discover Suffolk, East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership, the Department for Transport Community Rail Development Fund, Community Rail Network Fund, Greater Anglia for their support.
