The River Gipping and its valley
At the end of the Pesthouse Lane, by the entrance to Lafarge Aggregates, turn left along a footpath by the 'Barham Pits' sign. Cross a car park and head along a wide sandy path past between fishing lakes. Carefully cross the railway line then bear left across a field. Go over a stile to walk along a grassy lane between fences.
Cross a bridge at Great Blakenham Lock and after 50yds (46m) turn right on a tarmac lane. At the end, by Mill Cottage, turn right along a narrow passageway. Stay on this riverside path for 1.5 miles (2.4km). You pass beneath the railway line and cross a quarry access road to come to a wider stretch of river with water-meadows to your left. Pass a lock and keep straight ahead at Causeway Lake. Continue around the edge of a meadow, ignoring a footbridge to the right. Shortly afterwards, go through a kissing gate and cross a stile and bear right, following the course of the river. Walk around another meadow with views of the rare breeds farm, then cross a footbridge and follow a narrow path to Baylham Mill.
Turn left to cross a bridge. Cross the railway line and turn right at the road. After 150yds (137m), cross the road and walk through the hedge to pass around the back of Moat Farm. Keep straight ahead on a wide track. Turn left then right to climb between fields until you reach a plateau with an isolated oak and sweeping views. Turn left then right on to a field-edge path with a hedge to your right.
Turn left on a field-edge path to drop into the village of Upper Street. The path swings left through a kissing gate in the hedge and right across a meadow. Go through another kissing gate and walk down the lane past the church and the old school.
At the foot of Church Lane, turn left and immediately right by a broken sign saying 'No horses please'. The path crosses farmland and briefly enters Devil's Grove before emerging opposite Walnut Tree Farm. Turn left along the lane and right by a pond to pass through a gate and cross a meadow. Go through another gate and bear slightly left on a cross-field path, enter a new field and keep right on a farm track. Turn left along a track beyond a barrier to walk into the village of Great Blakenham.
At the main road, the B1113, turn left to The Chequers pub, cross the road and take the footpath past the right-hand side of St Mary's church. This becomes a narrow path leading to Mill Cottage. Retrace your steps from here back to the start.
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Nearby places to stay
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