The walk
From the Start follow the Kenton Road then enter Priory Lane.
After crossing the infant Deben, turn right at Stone Cottage and
join the bridleway by the Allotment Gardens. Known as Priory Field,
this area is said to be the site of an Augustinian Priory which was
dissolved by Henry VIII but little supportive evidence has been
found.
Follow the field-edge paths to rejoin the Kenton Road then turn
left. 400 metres along the road, go right onto the track by Hill
Farm. This is one of several buildings in the area that was
surrounded by a moat (no longer evident) in medieval times. When
the Tithe Map was drawn, it glorified in the name of Hogsty
Farm.
At the right-hand bend in the track (unless taking the shorter
route) go left into Waddlegoose Lane. Also known as Waddledickie
(Suffolk dialect for donkey), this quiet green lane was probably
once a busy packhorse route. The hedgerows of Hawthorn, Blackthorn
and Field Maple, interspersed with Ash, Oak and Elm, screen the
traveller from the surrounding farmland and the lane is rich in
varied (if not uncommon) plant life. Tufted Vetch, Black Knapweed,
Self-Heal and Hedge Woundwort are to be found in abundance.
Leaving WaddleGoose Lane (which continues into
Ashfield-cum-Thorpe), turn right and head for Grove Farm.
Go right again just before the farm and carry on, via another
long green lane, to Crows Hall cottages. The Oak-lined drive to the
left leads to Crows Hall but the circular walk follows the lane to
the right.
Riders should keep to the lane, turning right at Hill House
walkers may cut the corner by turning into Race Ground Field.
Horses were put through their paces here when the village lamb and
horse fair was held. Crossing the next field to the road, notice
the 'hunched' appearance of St. Mary's Church, which lost its
steeple in 1767 after being hit by lightning.
Go right at the road then turn left by the white house to return
to the start.
