Ickworth monument trail
A long circular walk or cycle ride heading towards the monument at the southern end of the park at Ickworth. The monument was erected in 1817 by the people of Derry as a memorial to Frederick Hervey, the 4th Earl of Bristol. Pass many highlights on the way including Parson's pond, Albana Wood, walled garden, canal lake, family church and Fairy lake at Ickworth. Suitable for active families.
The Earl Bishop
The Earl Bishop (4th Earl of Bristol) started the building of Ickworth House in 1795. The Monument was erected in his memory. He died on the road in Italy in 1803 and it fell to his son the 5th Earl (later elevated to the 1st Marquess) to finish building the house by 1829.
Start:
Ickworth main car park, grid ref: TL810610
1
Leaving up the left hand side of the car park, past the bicycles rack and walk through the hedge onto the road.
2
Half way along the over flow car park you will see the Tea party Oak. When there are no sheep you can walk up and look at the spectacular form it has taken.
Tea Party Oak
It got its name from the tea parties that were held for local children from around 1869 until 1907. The tree itself is thought to be among the oldest on the estate and is hard to date as it is hollow, but might be 700 years old. The oak stands out as it has grown into a very strange shape, which shows its age and gives it its own character.
3
Passing the Ickworth Lodge, (Between 1710 and 1795, whilst the present Ickworth house was being built, the family would have largely stayed in the Lodge when on the estate). It is now part of the Ickworth Hotel. Take the right fork heading down to the Linnet River
4
As you approach the next junction take the left trail boarded by a hedge on both sides. As you come out of the hedged trail you will see on the left a five bar gate, just up the hill you can see the Ice House entrance. Keep on walking to the T junction ahead of you and turn left and go through the five bar gate.
5
Continue along the Linnet Valley to the five bar gate, going through you will see earthworks on your left. The little narrow bridge below takes you up into the Trim Trail and Albana woods, leading to Porters Lodge.
River Linnet
This land was dug up during World War Two as Dig for Victory land on the Ickworth Estate. The river meanders along the valley and Kingfishers enjoy its cover for nesting early mornings and at dusk Fallow deer can be seen near the woods edge.
6
Just past the five bar gate is The White House and on the left through the trees in spring you will find a large swathe of snowdrops. Walking along the trail until you come to a junction and bridge. Cross the bridge and walk up the slope, as you reach the top look to your right where you will have a lovely view across the Linnet Valley.
7
Near the top the road bears left between Stoneyhill Wood and Downter’s Wood. Just before the gravel path bears left you will pass one of Ickworth’s Wellingtonia (sequoiadendron giganteum) world’s largest trees. Go through the five bar gate and to your left are 3 trees an ideal picnic spot which gives you one of the best views looking across to the Walled Garden, St. Mary’s Church and Rotunda
8
Follow the gravel path through the five bar gate through a herb rich meadow into the Chevington Field Plantation. Continuing along the gravel path for about ½ mile (1 km) as it meanders its way through Chevington Field Plantation and Lownde Wood. You may see Roe deer between the trees or hear Woodpeckers.
9
You will pass the Monument Meadow which is on the southern boundary at 105m is the highest point on the estate and the 2nd highest in Suffolk was erected in 1817. Lord Bristol’s Monument is 95 feet high made of limestone with lengthy inscription in memory of the Earl- Bishop the 4th Earl and Bishop of Derry.
10
Just past Ivy Cottage the path bears left in to Lady Katherine’s Wood. Cycling through this wood you may be lucky to see Fallow Deer that roam this park. Soon you will pass the Round House a former gamekeeper’s cottage, now a National Trust holiday cottage and another Wellingtonia tree. Continuing down the path you soon arrive at the Fairy Lake, which was created by damming the River Linnet and the path runs along the top of the dam
11
Staying on the gravel path, you will come across a bird hide where you can observe an abundant variety of birds. Continue along this path up alongside the Walled Garden.
12
You will shortly pass St. Mary’s Church drop in and see the 13th century altar with the 14th century wall painting of the Annunciation of Angel Gabriel. The field behind the church is the site of the Ickworth Medieval Hall. Pass through the five bar gate go straight ahead past Porters Lodge and to the Car Park.
End:
West Wing, grid reference TL815061385
