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Ickworth Park passed to the National Trust on the death of the 4th Marquis of Bristol in 1956, there are 1,800 acres of formal park, woods and farmland, most of the roads and tracks on the estate are now available as permissive paths for walking and recreation by the public. There are various waymarked trails and paths from half to seven miles long and with the many other paths crossing the park, provide a wide variety of walks in this historic parkland landscape. An information leaflet with a map showing the various routes is available on entry to the park, the walk described here is a combination of sections of the red and blue routes. Whilst walking in the park, lookout for deer which can be seen in the trees or crossing open areas and in the branches of the trees, bunches of mistletoe growing naturally. From the car park return down the main drive past the ticket kiosk and just before the entrance gate, turn right through a gate into the woods, following the red and blue waymark posts. At the first junction of the track turn right and after a short while note the stone on the right inscribed "Adkins Wood planted 1800 - 1812". Turn right at the next junction and then right again, following the path to the end of Fontainbleau Grove. Turn right into the corner of the field where there is a good view of Ickworth House across the fields. Turn left into Lady Hervey's Wood, following the path parallel to the north edge to reach a crossing track. Turn left along the end of The Fairy Lake and then right at the other side, down some steps at the side of the lake overflow. This is where the blue route leaves the red route, pass through a wooden barrier and through the woods to a footbridge leading to a grassy path along the side of the River Linnet. At the first junction turn left by a seat to follow the path along the edge of the river and just before reaching the walled garden, turn left over a bridge and through a gate to continue along the Canal Walk. From here there are good views across The Canal, walled garden, summer house, private church and the Rotunda of Ickworth House at the rear. Follow the fence along the left side of the Linnet down the valley, heading for the White House that can eventually be seen in the trees ahead. Just before the White House it may be necessary to negotiate the fence to rejoin the red route along the track ahead. There is an opportunity here to short cut back to the start via the church by turning right across the river on the paths and tracks of the blue route. After the White House look out for the tree lined crossing embankment on the right, near the end of the track. This area is the dry bed of a former lake or reservoir, created in 1820 but gone by 1885. The embankment is all that remains of the retaining dam built to hold the water in the lake. At the next gate pass into the parkland pasture area, walking along what was once an old coach road. At the other end at Mordaboy's Cottage pass through the gate and turn right up the access track into the upper park. Look out for the group of trees on the hill on the right where the old ice house is situated, the top of the underground building can sometimes be seen in the trees. After passing Ickworth Lodge, which was the Bristol family home from 1710 until 1828, there is a 700 year old pollarded oak tree on the right. The tree is known locally as the Tea Party Oak and is reckoned to be one of the oldest in England. This is where the children of Horringer School played games and had their treats for over 50 years from 1860. The tree is now fenced off and surgery is required to preserve and prevent it becoming dangerous. Continue along the drive to return to the start of walk at the car park. There are restaurant, shop and toilet facilities at the Rotunda of Ickworth House when open from March to October. Fact FileLocation: Ickworth Park is 30 miles northwest of Ipswich and 3 miles southwest of Bury St. EdmundsStart: Ickworth Park car park OS map reference TL 815615 Length: 5 miles Conditions: Park tracks, woodland paths (muddy after wet weather) and drive, 4 stiles if gates are locked How to get there: - Public transport: For details telephone Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine - 0645 583358 By Road: From A14 at Bury St. Edmunds follow brown tourist signs to Ickworth on A 143 to Horringer Car Parking: Ickworth Park - free Refreshments: National Trust Restaurant and shop in Rotunda 12 noon to 5pm - March to November, pub and restaurant in Horringer village Public Toilets: At the Rotunda and the Walled Garden (not in winter) Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 211 Bury St. Edmunds and Stowmarket Information: The Park is open from 7am to 7 pm, entry £2.95 for adults and 85p for children over 5 years old. Inquiries tel. 01284 735270. Website http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth
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