On the ‘Wherstead Woodlands’ walk, you can see more ancient woodland, the Stalls Valley, farmland and the villages of Wherstead and Freston.
(D/A) Start the walk at the Suffolk Food Hall. Head south-east across the paddocks in front of the Food Hall, taking in the stunning view down the River Orwell. Cross the middle of the field towards the main road, taking care as you cross Freston Brook along a narrow verge. After a bit of birdwatching at the bottom of Freston Hill, you enter Freston Wood SSSI, woodland typical of this part of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB.
(1) Leave Freston Wood. Follow the lane right. Continue on the lane to ‘T’ junction at Freston Village, turning right through village centre. Turn right after Bond Hall taking Bridleway to Broom Knoll. The lane narrows. After Broom Knoll, continue on farm track to Stall’s Valley and Cutler’s Wood, both designated as SSSI ancient woodlands.
(2) Between Valley Farm and Wherstead village walk along a farm track and see examples of good wildlife habitat created by the Paul family. New hedgerows and trees have been planted, to benefit birds such as Yellowhammer and mammals such as vole and hedgehog.
(3) From Wherstead village turn right at the ‘crossroads’. The walk back down to Suffolk Food Hall gives you a good view of the river Orwell and bridge. By looking right, across rolling farmland to the hedges and trees, you view an English landscape that helped make an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Also in the area are Orwell Country Park and two Suffolk Wildlife Trust sites at Levington and Trimley. (D/A)
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 10m - Suffolk Food Hall
1 : km 1.89 - alt. 38m - Freston Wood
2 : km 4.4 - alt. 38m - Valley Farm
3 : km 5.3 - alt. 41m - Vicarage Lane
D/A : km 7.58 - alt. 10m - Suffolk Food Hall
Easy – Ground under foot fairly flat. This walk takes you onto public roads. Please be aware of traffic. We recommend high visibility clothing.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Global average : 4.67/5
Number of opinions : 1
Description quality : 5/5
Routemap quality : 4/5
Walk interest : 5/5
Global average : 4.67 / 5
Date of walk
: 14/12/20
Description quality
: Very good
Routemap quality
: Good
Walk interest
: Very good
Lovely walk on a sunny December day with views over the Orwell river and the bridge, lovely woodland, quiet paved private roads with no traffic, a few very wet muddy patches following heavy rain.
The historic villages of Wherstead and Freston are great for exploring the unique farmed and estuary landscapes of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB. The walks take in Freston Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
This circular walk through the countryside of Suffolk includes a section alongside the River Orwell. The route takes you inland passing Erwarton Hall and the fine church at Church End to the banks of the Orwell from where you can see Felixstowe Docks. The walk then heads north along the Orwell following the Stout and Orwell Walk.
This walk gives fantastic views over Alton Water Park. The longer walk leads you to Holbrook Creek and passes through the pretty village of Stutton. A shorter walk visits a nature reserve and the Tattingstone Clifton Wonder, a building designed to deceive!
This walk gives fantastic views over Alton Water Park. The longer walk leads you to Holbrook Creek and passes through the pretty village of Stutton. A shorter walk visits a nature reserve and the Tattingstone Clifton Wonder, a building designed to deceive!
This walk takes in woodland, farmland, quiet meadows and the River Stour where saltmarsh and mudflats provide habitats for wildlife.
This walk takes in woodland, farmland, quiet meadows and the River Stour where saltmarsh and mudflats provide habitats for wildlife.
A Suffolk circular walk that starts from Shotley Gate on the confluence of the Stour and Orswell Rivers. The route offers an interesting insight into the operation of the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich together with a lengthy section of the Stour and Orwell Walk. The walk follows the shore for much of the way but ventures inland via Church End and Erwarton Hall to complete the circuit.
This walk explores the Orwell and Stour estuaries. Enjoy superb views of Harwich Haven and the Port of Felixstowe.
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