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The village of Lakenheath is situated in the north west corner of Suffolk, an area known as the Brecks or Breckland, an open sandy area dominated by Scots pines, planted in the 19th century as windbreaks. The village takes its name from The Landing Place Belonging to Laca's People but has probably become most well known because of the local American airbase that dominates the area. From the car park in Wings Road turn left to the High Street and left through the village. The church, part of which dates back to the 12th century, has a 13th century tower and carved font. In the churchyard the ancestors of Lord Kitchener are buried. Continue along the High Street, where some of the buildings date back to the 17th century. Many of the pubs along the High Street were listed in White's 1844 Suffolk Directory. The grass area by the War Memorial is all that remains of the Medieval South Green. The Village Pond, filled in after World War II was also sited here. Walk along the High Street until you reach Broom Road on the left; turn left and follow this until the tarred section comes to an end. Turn right onto the public footpath, following a line of Scots Pines. The path crosses what was the medieval South Field that marks the western boundary of 2300 acres of land that makes up Lakenheath Warren. As you continue south along the path you will pass RAF Lakenheath on the left. During World War I Lakenheath Warren was used as one of the first tank training areas in Britain. From 1939 until 1941 the area was used as a decoy airfield for RAF Feltwell. In 1941 RAF Lakenheath was constructed on 1800 acres of the Warren purchased by the Government from Lord Iveagh`s Estate. Until 1948 it was used as a satellite field for RAF Bomber Command's No.3 Group based at Mildenhall and since 1948 the USAF have operated from the base, now the home of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing. When you reach a crossing drainage channel turn right and walk to the Eriswell Road. Cross carefully and turn left towards Little Eriswell. There is fast moving traffic on this section of road and you should take to the verge when ever vehicles approach. On the right is Eriswell Manor, Eriswell Tithe Barn and the remains of St Peters Church, Eriswell. The large brick barn, dating back to 1754 has this date and the initials T.R. on its south wall. The remains of the church, which includes two of the original walls and a 15th century window were converted into a dovecote in the 18th century. Behind the barn is the old Manor House, now Eriswell Hall Farm. Continue along the road and down hill until you reach the public bridleway on the right, just before the 30 m.p.h. signs. Follow this track, known as Common Lane, to the cut-off channel and across the bridge. The Cut-off Channel runs for 27 miles from Barton Mills to Denver near Downham Market. Completed in 1964 it was built to protect the fens from periodic floods and is used in the management of water levels connecting the Lark, Little Ouse and Wissey Rivers. After crossing the bridge turn left along the crossing track to the end of the wire fence on the right. Turn right down the centre of an avenue of trees and across the wooden cart bridge over the Eriswell Lode (drain). Turn right and follow the track and later embankment alongside the Lode. The route continues along the lode, then the edge of a series of fields. Continue along the field edges until bearing right to rejoin the lode, then passing over three stiles. Take care crossing the Undley road at Claypits bridge, the most southerly of three bridges constructed when the lode or ditch was cut and the Fens drained. Continue along the left hand side of the lode until you reach a stile at the end of the ditch and the junction of Eldon Drove and Causeway. Turn right along the track and follow the footpath to the High Street as it leaves the track almost immediately to the left. Once across the bridge at the Cut-off Channel follow the path between garden fences to reach the High Street. Turn left and retrace your steps, passing the church on your right, to continue back to the Wings Road car park. Fact FileLocation: Lakenheath is 14 miles northwest of Bury St EdmundsStart: Lakenheath Wings Road car park, Ordnance Survey map reference TL 714828 Length: 5 miles Conditions: Well defined paths and tracks, one section of very busy road, 4 stiles, muddy when wet How to get there: - Public transport: Access by train or bus, for details telephone Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine - 08459 583358 By Road: From Bury St Edmunds northwest on A1101 and B1112 Car Parking: Free car parking at Wings Road car park Refreshments: A variety of pubs, shops and takeaways in the village Public Toilets: Wings Road car park Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 228 March and Ely Walking on the web: http://www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk
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