Wanting to make the most of the nice weather, we decided to go for another stroll at the weekend. This walk is included in our 30 walks in Suffolk box (can also be viewed here) and although we’ve done this walk before, it was quite a while ago and it ticks all the boxes taking in a river stroll, a pretty town, a windmill and a Watermill.
Setting off from the very pretty large village of a Ixworth, found just off the A143 between Bury St Edmunds and Diss, you can park in the village hall/library car park for free. Cross the road, passing through the church yard and carry on round the road until you get to the Bridle path opposite Abbey Close.
You walk along the bridle path passing the beautiful Ixworth Abbey, a Georgian manor built around the ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian priory, until it opens out into agricultural fields.
Ixworth Abbey
Follow the clearly marked path round the fields and back round on yourself and soon you’ll see the typically British view of Pakenham windmill before crossing the main road, the A143.
>
The walk takes you right past the windmill – I don’t know about you but I love a good windmill!
You follow the road through the small hamlet of Grimstone End before reaching the Watermill, a handy place to stop and refuel – there is a lovely little tea shop inside the Watermill. We opted out of the tearoom this time (it was shut) so made do with our picnic lunch on the grassy area in front of the Watermill. There are some interesting topiary designs to check out from Millers field, opposite the Watermill. My favourite was the ballet dancer however Keefy preferred the pied piper.
aren’t these topiary designs amazing?!
You follow the road back the short distance, re cross the main road and back into the village. It’s a lovely little walk, well I say little, memory map said it was over 5 miles, but the paths were immaculate so it didn’t feel too bad!!
Until next time
Lx
Saxylydz 