Autumn Ambles in Suffolk

A crisp autumn day is an invitation to explore dramatic, colour-infused landscapes and experience the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. The rosy cheeks and warm glow that follow an invigorating walk are a bonus and our reward for lacing up our walking boots to venture into the great outdoors.

For the everyday walk, by all means stride out on a tried and tested route along some of the 3,500 miles of footpaths in Suffolk, but you could also mix it up a bit and try some of our suggestions below...

Thetford forest Suffolk (c) euphro

Moonlit Walks

What about a walk by the light of the moon? In rural Suffolk, in the village of Westhall to the north of Halesworth, is Ivy Grange Farm. Owners Kim and Nick offer yurt holidays during the main season and run their business with a low-carbon footprint.

They treasure the beautiful surroundings of their farm and aim to tread lightly on their land, offering 'green glamping' to their guests.

All year round, they organise evening walks on nights when there is a full moon. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming dates.

©Ivy Grange Farm

The Magic of Minsmere

Birdwatching can be very rewarding during the autumn and winter and a series of walks is scheduled at the RSPB Minsmere nature reserve on Suffolk's coast. What can visitors expect to see at this time of year? Ian Barthorpe, Marketing and Publicity Officer at Minsmere and a keen birdwatcher himself, explains:

“The main highlights of our Magic of Minsmere walks are huge flocks of colourful ducks on the Scrape; tits, finches and thrushes in the woods/scrub; bearded tits and marsh harriers in the reedbed, and superb coastal and wetland scenery. Winter is also a great time to see otters and bitterns. Our guided walks don’t usually visit the reedbed hides, but it’s worth heading out to these hides after your walk in search of these usually shy creatures. If you stay till dusk you may see marsh harriers, Bewick’s swans or up to 50,000 starlings coming in to roost.”

A murmuration of starlings is a wonderful thing to behold and worth staying on for. Warm up in between stints of birdwatching with a tasty choice of cakes, snacks and soups in the on-site cafe.

The Magic of Minsmere walks take place on Tuesdays until the 20th of December. Starting at 9.30am, they last for two to three hours and cost £9 for adults and £4 for children (plus normal entry fees to the reserve for non-RSPB members).

Starling murmuration at RSPB Minsmere (c) Airwolfhound

Wild Advertures Under Suffolk's Skies

A range of events is offered by guided walks specialists Wild Adventures Under Suffolk's Skies throughout the year. In the coming months they are offering informative photography and birdwatching walks along the coast and on RSPB Havergate Island. See further details on their website.

Step Back in Time and Explore Lavenham

If you want to indulge in some time travel, and fancy an evening stroll around one of England's finest medieval villages, then consider joining the Lavenham Lantern Walk on Saturday, 3rd December.

Costumed guides will lead the way, lanterns lit, and regale visitors with stories of Christmases past. The walk ends at the timbered Swan at Lavenham Hotel and Spa for mulled wine and mince pies.

The Christmas Fair will be in full swing, so get there early to enjoy all that this lovely seasonal event has to offer.

Lavenham at night (c) The Swan Hotel & Spa, Lavenham

Saunter Around Sudbury

On the third Saturday of each month throughout the year, a guided 'Sudbury Saunter' takes place around this pleasant market town and birthplace of artist Thomas Gainsborough. Walks leave from the library in the town centre at 11am and there is no need to book.

Stay on after the walk for lunch in town and a visit to Gainsborough’s House. The artist was born and lived here and it's a lovely museum with a large and important collection of his work.

Prices for the Sudbury Saunter are £5 for adults and £4 for children.

Ghostly Walks and Winter Warmers

Fortnightly Ghost Walks take place in the elegant market town of Bury St Edmunds, from Halloween onwards and there are occasional Winter Warmer Walks too.

Find out more by contacting the Tourist Information Centre on 01284 764667 and don't forget to read our article on ten things we love about Bury St Edmunds.

Forest Walks

Brandon Country Park inThetford Forest in the west of the county, has many options for a hike through the wilderness. The park has a red (1.5 miles), purple (3.5 miles) and orange (6 miles) trail, as well as a short tree trail, which shows off the False Acacia, Monkey Puzzle and Giant Redwoods which are dotted throughout the 30 acre site.

Walks are self-guided and leaflets are available at the park's visitor centre and cafe. Find out more on the Brandon Country Park website.

Brandon Country Park (c) Nick Ford

Turkey Buster Walk in Ipswich

Take part in the annual 'Turkey Buster' walk in Ipswich on Wednesday, 28th December at 10.30 am. It's designed to get people out and about and working off some of the excesses of Christmas, as well as exploring the delights of Suffolk's county town.

Tickets cost £4 and are bookable via the tourist information centre 01473 258070.

Read our top tips for things to do in Ipswich.

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