Suffolk Accessible Countryside
Disabled Access, Wheelchair walks, Easy Access, Access for All, Mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles - whatever the term the following is all about accessibility to the countryside and green spaces of Suffolk.
Walks Greenspaces and Countryside
Alton Water Park - "Located within the stunning countryside of Suffolk, Alton Water Park stretches across some 400 acres and is the perfect place to while away an hour or a whole day" "The main track around the water (eight miles) is used by both pedestrians and cyclists and is hilly in places. During wet weather this track can become muddy. There are two other routes both of which use country lanes and are clearly sign-posted. The track north of Lemons Hill Bridge is not open to cyclists"
also see the Easy Going Trails leaflet from the Discover Suffolk website
Brandon Country Park - "Made up of over 30 acres of managed parkland, 'haunted' mausoleum, lawns and pond, historic walled garden and miles of nature trails. Located in the vast Thetford Forest, Brandon lies in the very heart of The Brecks. A wild landscape of dark forests, open heathlands, sandy soils and iconic belts of pine trees that straddles the Suffolk and Norfolk border" - from the West Suffolk Council website
also see the Easy Going Trails leaflet from the Discover Suffolk website
Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve - "Carlton Marshes lie in the Waveney Valley at the southern tip of the Norfolk Broads and is part of the Suffolk Broads. It comprises a jigsaw of grazing marsh, fens, peat pools, short fen meadow, tall fen (called 'tall litter fen'), dykes, pools and scrub. Mostly man-made, these habitats have developed over hundreds of years of traditional management and now host specialised wildlife." "Wheelchairs and pushchairs can use a firm path around part of the marsh including easy access gates. Parts of this reserve are accessible by mobility scooter." - from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust website
also see the Easy Going Trails leaflet from the Discover Suffolk website
Cavenham Heath National Nature Reserve - "Much of Cavenham Heath NNR is typical Breck heathland with dry, acidic sandy soil supporting acid grassheath, heather heath with patches of bracken and sand sedge. In addition there are riverside meadows, woodland,wet woodland scrub and small areas of fen." "The 2.3 km woodland trail starts at the car park and has a one km easy-access section suitable for wheelchairs" - from the Natural England webpage archived on the National Archives website
also see the Easy Going Trails leaflet from the Discover Suffolk website
Dunwich Heath and Beach - (NT) - "Tucked away on the Suffolk coast, Dunwich Heath offers you peace and quiet and a true sense of being at one with nature. A rare and precious habitat, the Heath is home to special species such as the Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark, ant-lion, adders and much more. Quiet and serene, wild and dramatic, this is an inspiring visit, whatever the time of year." "Self driven mobility vehicle available when the Visitor Welcome hut is open. The vehicles are bookable between 10:30am - 3pm. Pre-booking essential, call 01728 648501. Chauffeured vehicle service available for either one wheelchair user and three passengers, or five passengers. Pre-booking essential, call 01728 648501. RADAR accessible toilet available - own key essential. Braille map available" - from the National Trust website
also see the Easy Going Trails leaflet from the Discover Suffolk website
Ickworth House, Park and Gardens (NT) (Bury St Edmunds) - (charges) - "Mobility scooters and Wheelchairs are available for loan," "accessible grounds (map available), loose gravel paths, some steep slopes, terraces and steps." "All-terrain pushchair available for outdoor use"
- Linnet Multi-use Trail - This route forms the first half of the Multi-use trail (the second is the Monument Trail). Taking you past Ickworth Lodge, along the River Linnet and up past the Walled Garden and St. Mary’s Church.
- Ickworth Monument Multi-use Trail - "The second and longest part of the multi-use trail, a circular trail just over 9km circular trail, it is great for exploring the wider parkland" - from the National Trust website
Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve - "Lackford Lakes is a wildlife oasis with a landscape of lakes, reeds, meadow and woodland. There is wildlife in close-up all year round with iridescent kingfisher, dazzling dragonflies and colourful ducks" "Fully accessible visitor centre with allocated parking and toilet for disabled people. The 1.5km blue trail is negotiable by wheelchair, with ramped access to four hides. Parts of this reserve are accessible by mobility scooter." - from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust website
also see the Easy Going Trails leaflet from the Discover Suffolk website
Needham Lake - "Needham Lake is a popular countryside attraction centred around a flooded gravel pit close to Needham Market. The Lake is home to a variety of wildlife with numerous well-fed ducks around the car park. A walk around the surfaced lakeside path takes around 20 minutes and gives access for visitors wishing to explore further." - from the Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council website
also see the Easy Going Trails leaflet from the Discover Suffolk website
Redgrave and Lopham Fen - "A diversity of plant life to satisfy the keenest of botanists Redgrave and Lopham Fen is the largest valley fen in England and one of the most important wetlands in Europe." "Fully accessible education centre with disabled toilet. Picnic area and designated parking. Wheelchairs may be pushed over some paths in dry conditions, but they are rough unmade surfaces."
also see the Easy Going Trails leaflet from the Discover Suffolk website
Rendlesham Forest - "Rendlesham Forest is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There's something for everyone, including children's play areas, cycle trails, sculptures to discover in Tangham Wood and plenty of places for a picnic" "See the unique flora and fauna of the Sandlings along this easy access trail for all abilities." - from the Forestry England website
also see the Easy Going Trails leaflet from the Discover Suffolk website
Santon Downham - "Whether you are seeking a quiet stroll or wish to take in the natural beauty of the local area, Santon Downham is an idyllic part of Suffolk." - from the Forestry England website
also see the Easy Going Trails leaflet from the Discover Suffolk website
Sutton Hoo - Royal Burial Ground - (NT) (charges) - "Follow this multi-access pathway to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Sutton Hoo's Orange Route takes you down footpaths and through woodland up to the Royal Burial Ground, where you can discover the incredible story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions. It is suitable for active families, with buggy and wheelchair access to edge of the Royal Burial Ground." - from the National Trust website
Thornham Walks - "Thornham Walks stretch over 12 miles and are open to the public almost every day of the year....Covering beautiful parkland and ancient woodlands." "At Thornham we want everybody to enjoy our beautiful estate so we maintain a surfaced path from the start of the Walks to the Walled Garden, allowing easy access for wheelchair users." "Electric all-terrain wheelchairs (hire by arrangement only, please contact the Walks Office to book)" - from the Thornham Estate website
also see the Easy Going Trails leaflet from the Discover Suffolk website
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village and Country Park - "One of England's great archaeological sites, West Stow has extensive indoor galleries and a stunning recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village surrounded by 125 acres of unspoilt countryside." "Surrounding the Anglo Saxon Village and with 125 acres of unspoiled countryside, trails, heath and woodland walks, there is plenty to explore at West Stow Country Park." - the museum, visitor centre and café at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village are wheelchair accessible via ramps and gravel paths, the village is also wheelchair accessible, although assistance is recommended as part of the route to the village is unpaved and up a slight incline, the Anglo-Saxon houses, which are reconstructed to correspond to the archaeological evidence from the site, are wheelchair accessible with assistance, the majority of the paths and trails in the park are wheelchair friendly; there are slight inclines on two of the paths down to the river which will require assistance, a large print transcript of the introductory DVD and a large print version of the village map are available, induction loops are installed in the visitor centre and café." - from the West Stow website
also see the Easy Going Trails leaflet from the Discover Suffolk website