Ickworth walled garden and canal walk
A circular walk taking you to the Walled Garden, and Canal lake, which is a haven for wildlife. There is a great view of the Walled Garden from the far side of the Canal lake, with St. Mary’s church, and the Rotunda behind. The Earl's Summer House is the perfect place for a picnic on a nice day.
Map
Start:
Porter's Lodge, grid reference TL8154161537
1
From the Porter’s Lodge turn left and take the right fork in the road and continue to the five bar gate. Go through the gate into the Deer Park and follow the road.
Fallow Deer
Keep an eye out for fallow deer in the deer park, a common species of deer in Britain with a spotted coat.
2
Continue straight on and look out for the Parson's pond on your right, with the row of old oak trees beyond, which was the site of the Hamlet of Ickworth. Walk on down to St Mary’s church on your left, 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.
3
The road bears right and past the Walled Garden, continues downhill to the bottom of the deer park and a bridge. Along this stretch of road you will get a lovely view of the Linnet Valley.
Canal Lake/Buzzards
The canal lake is a real haven for wildlife and gets absolutely covered with lily pads in summer. Over recent years, buzzards have been returning in greater numbers to Suffolk. Years of persecution and toxins associated with farming practices had seen the range of this large bird of prey move away from the Eastern region. Buzzards are now regularly seen soaring over Ickworth’s park and woodlands
4
Turning left at the bridge follow the grass path alongside the River Linnet to the Canal lake on your left. Continue straight along the path through a five-bar gate, enter the wood, and cross over the bridge. Taking the path to you left you will see a wrought iron gate ahead.
Estate view
There are some fantastic views of the estate from this side of the canal lake. This view is taken facing north and captures the walled garden and St Mary's church
5
Go through the Gate and enter the bottom of the Walled Garden. Walk past the apple trees and past the inner wall into the Summer House enclosure. Sit and take in the view before exploring the rest garden. This is also a popular spot for a picnic.The vegetables and fruit that are grown here are used by the café.
6
Leave through the Lords door (top middle door) past the flower and vegetable produce barrow (please take some, donations go back to keep the wall garden produce going). Walk past the five bar gate then take the second turning on your right to the West Wing.
End:
West Wing grid reference TL815061385
