Step in the right direction as Suffolk guided walks return

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Guided walks from railway stations in Suffolk are to resume after a 17-month gap due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership will run its first guided walk on Saturday 28 August from Framlingham to Wickham Market, a 4-hour 7.2 mile walk through picturesque countryside.

The walk is a brand-new route, made possible by the recently introduced Katch taxi bus service which for the first time offers a public transport link between the two centres and will pick up walkers from Wickham Market train station and take them to the walk’s starting point.

The Partnership’s Chairman, Aaron Taffera, commented, “We’re delighted to see the return of our popular walks which help people explore the county’s beautiful countryside with the help of a knowledgeable guide.

“With the added benefit of being able to get there and back on one of Greater Anglia’s brand new, more environmentally friendly trains, it means that people can discover our beautiful Suffolk countryside while reducing their carbon footprint and without the pollution of additional cars entering the county.”

The walk departs at 10.30am from Framlingham, with its magnificent church and castle, and will continue southeast through varied landscapes, including on a section of the old Framlingham branch line. The route passes two churches and two former railway station buildings along the way, both at Parham and Marlesford, as well as historic Moat Hall.

The Katch service – which has been part-funded by the Community Rail Partnership - will pick up walkers arriving at Wickham Market station and take them to the walk’s starting point in Framlingham, and then they will walk back.

Ramblers joining the walk at Framlingham can take Katch home at the end of the walk.

Those who wish to take part must book in advance by emailing [email protected]

The walk is free but the ride on Katch is £4. Contactless card and cash are accepted. Concessionary passes and Endeavour Cards are not. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Those taking part are advised to bring plenty of drink and some food/snacks. Food is available about three-quarters of the way through at the Farm Cafe and Shop in Marlesford and at the end of the walk at Station House Cafe located in the former railway building at Wickham Market station.

Although it's no longer mandatory, out of respect for others anyone attending the walk is asked to wear a face covering on busy trains and also on the Katch taxi-bus.
The Partnership has also produced a book of self-guided walks from rail stations which is free and available from most public buildings in Suffolk such as tourist information centres and libraries or online at http://www.eastsuffolkline.com/walks.&nbsp ;

The booklet contains detailed maps and diagrams, duration of each walk, landmarks, details of the scenery along the way and places to stop for refreshments. All the walks are way-marked with the East Suffolk Line Walks logo.