Return to EADT Suffolk Walks
|
Copdock and Washbrook is a combined parish with three variations of the A12 passing through its boundaries. The old Roman Road through the centre was by-passed for a new route of the A12. But nowadays it has all been by-passed again by the new A12 dual carriageway linking to the A14 at the Copdcock Mill interchange. From the village hall access drive walk across the grass between the tennis court and the road to pass through a gap in the hedge and out to the playing field. Follow the fence on the right to exit via a gap by a gate onto The Avenue, a wide lime tree lined drive at the edge of the cricket field and opposite the Elizabeth Hotel. Turn left, continuing to the right of the white gates and along a stony section to reach a tee junction at the end. Turn left, now along the Tarmac road and, after 150 metres, turn left at a footpath sign on a wide grassy path. Bear right to the stile by an oak tree or through the gap in the hedge to a meadow. Keep to the right to reach a kissing gate at the next corner. Continue along the headland path ahead to exit onto Pound Lane, taking great care of any traffic approaching from the right Turn left and walk past Copdock’s St. Peter’s Church and then right at the end of the churchyard wall. After a few metres turn left over a stile into the paddock where there is a good view of the former manor house of Copdock Hall together with a fine example of a late 16th century barn. Be aware that there may be some very frisky but friendly horses in these meadows. Turn right behind the church and follow the fencing to a stile and five bar gate leading down through the meadows. Another stile at the bottom leads out to a headland path and Copdock Mill. There was a mill here in 1086, the present miller’s house is probably 16th century and was carefully restored a few years ago. Turn left at the mill by a three-way footpath sign and then right along the field edge and bank leading to footbridge and then cartbridge left over Belstead Brook. Cross the bridge and follow the path ahead to a fence at the corner and left to a subway under the old A12. Turn left at the other end to Belstead Brook and then right to cross a footbridge over the stream. Turn right along Mill Lane to reach Washbrook Street, once a Roman road and the old A12 coach route to London. Turn left for about 25 metres and then right along the drive to Amor Hall. The path passes between the hall, once the manor house of Washbrook, and the farm buildings to reach a small gate at the end. However if there are sheep in the yard, a temporary diversion around the back of the buildings may be signed for walkers. Pass through the gate and a small stile leading out to a crossing track. Turn left, noting the short cut on the left leading to the Brook Inn in the centre of the village. Walk on to the oak tree ahead at the track junction and turn right up over the hill to a gateway into a meadow in the valley. In 1586 this path was described as “The way to the Vicarridge” and in 1646 Isaac Moulton was fined for letting the path become unfit for use. Turn left, following the fence and trees, to the next stile and a four-way footpath sign. Although no longer used for regular worship the church remains a consecrated building and is now maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust with money provided by Parliament, the Church of England and public gifts. Details of how to obtain the key for access are posted on the church door. To visit the church, turn right across the meadow towards the churchyard wall. Otherwise turn left over the stile and along the path between fields, then bearing left down to the farm. Turn right through Fen Farm, the farmhouse is a 16th century timber frame building dating from Domesday. At the end of the farm drive turn left up Hollow Road, passing Back Lane and Wenham Road. Walk along Elm Lane to eventually reach the junction with the old A12. Turn right and then left to return the village hall across the road. InformationLocation: Washbrook is 3 miles south west of IpswichStart: Copdock and Washbrook Village Hall, OS map reference TM 115413 Length: 3 miles with short cuts available Conditions: Track, road, meadow and field edge, summer surface growth may be tall and wet, livestock in fields, 4 stiles How to get there: - On Foot: Access from the Copdock Mill Retail Park via the cycle and walk route under the A14 Public Transport: For details telephone Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information traveline - 0870 608 2 608 By Road: From Ipswich A1071 to Sproughton roundabout, then left to Washbrook, following the dual carriageway to the top of the hill to reach the village hall on the left, otherwise from A12 junction 31 to Copdock Car Parking: Copdock and Washbrook Village Hall Refreshments: The Brook Inn Public Toilets: None in the village Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer 197 Ipswich, Felixstowe and Harwich Internet Information: - Copdock & Washbrook - http://www.onesuffolk.co.uk/CopdockandWashbrook Churches - http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk Suffolk Country Walks - http://www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk
Map
EADT Suffolk Walks
Home Page
|