Ickworth Estate | Linnet Valley Trail
Suffolk
This route forms the first ½ of the Multi-use track (the 2nd is the Monument Walk). Taking you past Ickworth Lodge and along the River Linnet and up past the Walled Garden and St. Mary’s Church. Buzzard and Kingfishers frequent this area of the park.
Near to
Ickworth EstateStart point
Car Park, grid reference TL 814616Trail information
*Ickworth Estate is a wonderful place to walk especially with a dog, but we do ask that your dog is kept on a lead at all times on the estate for the wellbeing of all visitors and kept on a short lead near livestock. Please remove all dog litter (Dog bins located at the Car park, Ickworth Lodge, Number 5 and 9, Walled Garden and Deer Park gate.)
Total stages: 12
Total stages: 12
Start point
Car Park, grid reference TL 814616
Stage 1
Leave by the left hand side of the car park, past the bicycles rack to your right and walk through the hedge to the left onto the road, looking out for traffic.
Stage 2
Half way along the overflow car park you will see the Tea Party Oak. When there are no sheep you can walk up and look at the weird form it has taken.
Stage 3
Pass Ickworth Lodge, originally built 1710 and 1795, and used by the Hervey family while the present Ickworth house was being built, then rebuilt and renovated to its current form in the 19th century, mainly for Sir Arthur Hervey, Rector of Ickworth and Chedburgh for many years. It is now part of the Ickworth Hotel. Take the right fork heading down to the Linnet River.
Stage 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.
Stage 5
This track was once part of a route which went from Bury St. Edmunds to Chevington. It seems to have been a busy road for farmers from the local villages to herd their cattle down to market in Bury. The 5th Earl (later 1st Marquess) acquired more land meaning the road went through the estate, which displeased him, so in 1814 the road was closed and an Act of Parliament obtained to stop the road being used. This was granted on the condition a new road round the estate was provided. As this added quite some distance onto the journey into Bury St. Edmunds, it seems the old road was still used, so in 1823 the 5th Earl built a new lake by creating a dam across the Linnet.
Stage 6
Continue along the Linnet Valley to the five bar gate, going through you will see earthworks on your left. These earthworks are all that remain of the dam built to form the new lake. The detail from the 1850 Tithe Map shows the line of the road being covered by the water of the lake. The dam was only in place for about 30 years before it burst, flooding Bury St Edmunds. (The little narrow bridge below takes you up into the Trim Trail and Albana woods, leading to Porter’s Lodge)
Stage 7
The trail meanders alongside the River Linnet which is a haven for wildlife. Foxes, Badgers, Hares, Dormice and a variety of birds. You may hear or see Buzzard or Kestrel soaring overhead.
Stage 8
Just past the five bar gate is The White House (tenanted). On the left through the trees in late-winter/early- spring are found large swathes of snowdrops.
Stage 9
Continue along the trail until you come to a junction and bridge. To the right is the Monument Trail. Cross the bridge to the left 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.
Stage 10
Pass the Bothy, Walled Garden, and 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.
Stage 11
As you walk on you will see a row of Oak trees to your left which is the site of the Hamlet of Ickworth. You will soon pass Parsons Pond which is near the site of the parsonage, burnt down in the 16th century. From the original deeds the parsonage consisted of a 'hall, a parlour, a dairy and buttery, two little lower chambers, and three upper chambers.
Stage 12
Pass through the five bar gate and take the second turn on your right which leads you to West Wing and the Rotunda, or carry on straight ahead past the Porter’s Lodge and to the Car Park.
End point
West Wing grid reference TL 815061385
Trail map
The Linnet Valley Walking trail at Ickworth Estate, Suffolk | © Ordnance Survey
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.