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This month's walk is rather unusual in that it is a linear walk and needs very little route description as it uses a section of the former Bentley to Hadleigh railway line. It will be of particular interest to lovers of industrial archeology, most of the old features remain intact and it seems that all that is needed is two miles of track and a train to bring the past back to life. The section from Raydon to Hadleigh was purchased by Babergh District Council as a public amenity and nature reserve and is now managed to reflect its new use. It provides the people of Hadleigh with an opportunity to quickly get out into the countryside on foot, horse or bicycle on an all weather surface, there are even a few benches for a rest on the way if required. We will start our journey from The Woodlands car park at the Raydon end and walk along the bed of the old railway to Hadleigh. This car park is built where the level crossing gates once operated and across the road is the much modified crossing keepers cottage (Black Stump) to the left. Directly opposite is Raydon Station, once the offices of the coal depot, quite an appropriate use for an old station. The two storey building provided living quarters for the station master, if you look on the left hand side you can still see the end of the platform. The route of the walk needs no description, it is nearly straight and level all the way, you can't get lost, just follow the track to Hadleigh, then follow it back to the start. The single line track opened on 21st August 1847, passenger services continued until 29th February 1932. Meanwhile, freight continued until the line closed on 19th April 1965 during the Beeching cuts. The first feature you come to is Hunter's Bridge in the middle of Raydon Great Wood, probably built to provide a crossing point for local riders and livestock. The line became particularly important during WWII when it served the USAF airfield at Raydon and the bomb dump in the woods nearby. There were also war supplies to be transported to and from the ammunition dump at Hadleigh. Just before the halfway mark the line crosses a tributary of the River Brett on a huge embankment, 50 feet high and providing wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. It is recorded that the first sod was ceremoniously cut here on 5th September 1846 followed by a dinner for forty gentlemen in an adjoining tent. Today it is difficult to imagine that this great heap of soil is man made. Just past the embankment the line curves to the right and there are links to the adjoining footpaths if required. The next feature we come to is the Hook Lane under bridge and access to the road below. Built of brick and still in good condition, the raised track from here provides an unbroken view across Benton End, the River Brett, a tributary of the River Stour, Holbecks Park and Lower Layham. The trackbed continues past the end of Cranworth Road and into Hadleigh Station, the terminus of the line. At the point where a National Cycle Network sign has been erected the route of the path leaves the trackbed and bears down to the left and up through what was once the local coal yard to meet Station Road. Although now rebuilt with modern housing, Hadleigh Station was extensively used as a waylaid for the surrounding area, serving businesses, agriculture and delivery of fuel supplies. Even the old maltings and warehouses having been converted into living accommodation. The station building is still standing, has been restored, and can be reached by turning right up Station Road and right into Station Yard. At the end on the right you will find the track side view of the tiny station, the main passenger entrance is now within the garden at the rear. The formal opening took place on 20th August 1847 when a special train, including a band, left Ipswich hauled by an engine named Hadleigh. Passenger services started on 2nd September with five trains on weekdays and three on Sundays. However, tragedy struck on 16th September 1847 when 100 day trippers were waiting for a train and a sudden gale blew over a recently built wall. One account said no one was killed, sixty five people were injured and one woman who had her leg amputated was not expected to live. Don't worry though, a trip on the old railway today will be a very safe journey back in time. And if you want a break before using your return ticket, take a walk into Hadleigh and discover the charm of this ancient country town. InformationLocation: Raydon Woodlands Station is on the Raydon to Hintlesham Road about 7 miles from IpswichStart: Railway Walk Woodlands car park - Ordnance Survey Map Reference TM 060404, alternative start at Station Road, Hadleigh Length: 4 miles (2 miles each way) Conditions: Flat and level, all weather surface, sometimes a little muddy How to get there: - Public Transport: For details telephone Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information Service - 0870 6082608 By Road: From Ipswich A12 and B1070 to Raydon, turn right at sharp bend in village on Woodlands Road (signposted to Hintlesham). For Hadleigh start point locate Station Road at the south end of Hadleigh High Street Parking: Small car parks at each end or main car parks in Hadleigh Refreshments: Pubs, restaurants and shops in Hadleigh Toilets: Hadleigh, Magdalen Street Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 196, Sudbury, Hadleigh and Dedham Vale Internet: Hadleigh - http://www.hadleigh.org.uk/ Suffolk Country Walks - http://www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk
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