The walk
Framlingham Castle
This is one of the finest examples of a curtain-walled castle
and with its massive earthworks dominates the local countryside.
The walks give many views of the castle which is in the care of
English Heritage and open to the public.
The Castle Walk
(2 miles)
From the white gate adjacent to Castle Inn, take the path down
to the Mere, from where there is a fine view of the Castle. Here
the walk enters a Suffolk Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve where a
wide variety of plants and birds can be seen from a circular nature
trail or from the special bird watching hide. The Mere was dug out
in about 1190 on the instructions of Roger Bigod II who re- built
the Castle mainly as we see it today.
Leave the trail at the footbridge over the River Ore giving
access to the playing field. The path follows the river bank to
another footbridge and then right along New Road.
After 500 metres the road turns right at the entrance to Gt
Lodge Farms. After a further 200 metres on the road, the walk
recommences on a footpath to the right. This area was formerly
covered by Old Frith's Wood, once a hunting forest used by the
owners of the Castle. The route follows field edges and a
footbridge to join the Badingham Road.
Turn right into Badingham Road, then follow Castle Street back
to the Castle Inn. Alternatively you can enter the gate into the
Town Meadows and cross the Castle outer moat to Castle
Meadow, originally the outer bailey of the Castle.
Infirmary Lane Walk
(3 miles)
From Fore Street follow Infirmary Lane, once the way to the
isolation house for those in the town with infectious diseases, as
far as the sharp right hand bend. Continue along the field headland
to Coldhall Lane, turning right at the small pond. Follow the lane
until it ends and then right again along the track to New Barn.
On fine days, splendid views of the surrounding countryside and
arable farming practice can be seen from this area. Follow the
drive through Edwards Farm which is on the rise ahead and on to
Brick Lane. Please ensure dogs are kept on a leash in the vicinity
of the farm in order to avoid disturbing the wildfowl.
Turn right on the road for 75 metres and then right again on the
footpath across the fields, leading to the rear of the houses in
Fairfield Crescent. The path crosses a footbridge to The Knoll and
then along the side of the Cemetery, the old part of which is
managed to encourage wildflowers and birds. Return to the start in
Fore Street.
