Melford Hall Windmill Hill walk
Get away from the traffic and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Take in the Suffolk countryside on this circular walk with hidden gems, woodland, open fields and spectacular views of Melford Hall and the church of Holy Trinity (take a peek at the stained-glass windows).
Near to
Melford HallStart point
Melford Hall, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9AA. Grid ref: TL866483.Trail information
*Dirt or grassy paths and fields, with stiles and some roads. May be muddy. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Not suitable for wheelchairs/personal mobility vehicles. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs welcome but must be kept under close control. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.
Total stages: 12
Total stages: 12
Start point
Melford Hall, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9AA. Grid ref: TL866483.
Stage 1
Leave Melford Hall, cross over the road and turn left.
A frosty day in the gardens, Melford Hall, Suffolk | © National Trust Images/Graham Tombs Stage 2
Very shortly, turn right down the bridleway (see signpost) between the car park and the village hall. Follow the wide grassy path.
Stage 3
Go straight over the distinct track junction, with Long Lane track on your right.
Stage 4
Follow the track straight ahead and at the next track junction, observe the three houses at the top of the hill on your right along the A1092.
Stage 5
Pass by the sewage works along the concrete road.
Stage 6
At the barn with the partly hidden thatched Cranfield Cottage on your left, turn left down the track, ignoring the road to your right.
Stage 7
With a metal gate a short distance in front of you, turn right by the small signpost, walking along the fence line, with the open field to your right.
Purple thistles in flower | © National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel Stage 8
When you reach the telephone post right beside the fence, with a wood line 218yd (200m) in front of you, turn right and walk uphill on the right-hand side of the tree line. There's no signpost here. As you move uphill, the path diverts into the wood line by a small signpost on the left-hand side of the wood.
Stage 9
At the end of the wood line, go forward and left across the busy A1092 and walk along Cranmore Green Lane, passing Bridge Farm cottage immediately on your right.
Stage 10
Directly opposite Parsonage Farm on your left, follow the signpost on your right entering a wood. Follow the path along, turning left across a small bridge, walking uphill in the open. The path then goes right and then left through a hedge line. At the end of the hedge, which is now on your left, follow the path straight across the field until you reach the B1066.
Stage 11
Turn right and walk on the left-hand side of the road around the double bend for some 330yd (300m). Virtually opposite a field entrance on the right-hand side, across a field to your left you will see a tree line a short distance away running parallel with the road, with a distinct gap at the start of the treeline. A footpath leads off the road to your left straight to the gap. Take that path to the left going straight through the gap or archway.
Stage 12
Follow the track downhill, heading for Holy Trinity Church in the near distance. Turn right at the hedgerow, then cross the stream to your left facing an open wooden fence line. Follow the fence line to your left and head straight on up, go over two stiles and through a gate. Go through the churchyard, then passing the almshouses on your left, with Melford Green in front of you, it's a very short walk across and back to the start.
End point
Melford Hall, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9AA. Grid ref: TL866483.
Trail map
File name Melford Hall Windmill Hill walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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