The walk
(1) From the car park, turn left and cross the churchyard. St
Peter & St Paul's was built in the late 15th, early 16th
century by John de Vere and a family of rich clothiers called
Spring. On emerging into Portland Lane, bear right and take the
path on the left that runs through a paddock, along a track and
across a cultivated field.
(2) At Bridge Street Road head right to the disused railway,
where, by crossing the bridge you will discover a path on the left,
descending into the cutting. (3) Turn left along the track. This
was the branch line of the Great Eastern Railway from Long Melford
to Bury St Edmunds, that was opened in 1865. Between the first
world war and the 1950's six trains ran each way every weekday; but
sadly the line closed, for passengers in 1961 and for goods in
1965. Now the place in inhabited by wildlife that feed and shelter
in the trees and shrubs that border it. Field maple, ash, hawthorn,
blackthorn and such plants as stitchwort, red campion and ground
ivy grow here and in summer butterflies abound.
(4) At Park Road turn left up the hill. Before you join the
headland path on the right, notice the spinney ahead. This is the
moated site of what used to be Deer Park Lodge, situated on the
edge of one of the largest medieval deer parks in Suffolk (these
enclosures were in effect farms for producing venison for feasts).
The southern boundary follows the line of Brights Lane and the
footpath - the ditch and bank being visible on your left as you
walk along.
(5) Cross over the Bury Road and go up the drive on to a narrow
tree-lined path. (6) At the lane double back through a paddock,
reaching the road once again. Turn downhill, (7) climbing the stile
will bring into some pasture, over the railway and through further
meadows to the lane. (8) Here bear left and then left into Hall
Road.
(9) Take the path on the right beside the brick wall; cross the
stream and the field of grass with the lake and Lavenham Hall close
by. Pass through the gate and, once again at the church, the
circuit is complete.
