We are the Stour Walking Group. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Join this friendly group for an 11.4 mile walk to the north of Long Melford, using sections of the Stour Valley Path, St Edmund's Way and the old railway line from Lavenham. We will see the historic Kentwell Hall and walk through the much-passed but little-visited village of Alpheton. The walk skirts Lavenham, but there is the option of visiting the town centre if desired. Heading back to Melford, we will follow the course of the old railway, which operated for 100 years before closure in 1965.
The going is generally good with only moderate undulations. Stout footwear is recommended. Parts of the old railway line, in particular, can be quite wet after periods of significant rainfall.
Park in the public car park across the road from Melford Hall (National Trust). (£2 parking fee suggested via honesty box in the car park.) This will be our start/finish point.
There are public toilets nearby at the top of the green near the church. These can be visited either before we set off or in the first stage of the walk. We pass by these loos again at the end of the walk.
Please bring food, drink and walking gear suitable for likely weather conditions.
Public car park to the west of Hall Street, across the road from Melford Hall (National Trust), at the lower end of Melford Green.
