1. The Fonnereau Way
Ipswich - Westerfield 3½ miles
| planning your walk | |
|---|---|
| Time: | Allow 2 hours |
| Suggested map: | Explorer map 197 Ipswich, Felixstowe and Harwich |
| Refreshment: | The Railway Tavern at Westerfield Station |
| Other waymarks: | Fonnereau Way |
The Fonnereau Way is named after the family who were the owners of the magnificent Christ-church Park and the Elizabethan Mansion from where the route starts, but it's worth beginning this stage from the Old Custom House, in the heart of Ipswich's rapidly re-developing dockland.
The route through the town explores quaint lanes and some less obvious streets that are full of exceptional architectural and historic interest, including the famous Ancient House with its fantastic pargetting. After the rolling slopes of Christchurch Park the route traverses undeveloped countryside to the north of the town to reach the rail station and village at Westerfield.
route finder
Route finding - key points (numbers refer to points on the route diagrams)
- Directly opposite railway station cross Princes St Bridge to steps onleftdown to river bank path (NB not 'Riverside Walk'.) Go under bridge on tarmac path (part of Gipping Valley River Walk) to Stoke Bridge.
- Cross busy road with great care. Go left to flank dock, then right along waterfront.
- Old Custom House.
- Lower Brook St.
- St Stephen's Lane.
- Dial Lane.
- Tower St, Tower Churchyard (St Mary-le-Tower, in fact a Victorian spire!), Oak Lane and Northgate St.
- Soane St and Christchurch Park Main Gate. 'Fonnereau Way' across park. Cross Park Road, The Avenue.
- 'Bridleway' alternative if park is closed)
- Cross Valley Road with care. Go left for about 300yds.
- Path off right at side of track to playing field.
- At road turn right towards nearby playing field entrance, then immediately left to follow narrow path between fence and bushes. Path follows hedge.
- Beyond second hedge on right path branches right to road south of Westerfield station. Alternatively, continue ahead by hedge, then bear half right across small field to railway stiles. Cross line with care. Keep direction along narrow grassy strip between fields.
- Go through gap in hedge, bear half left across small meadow to footbridge giving access to driveway at Broad Acres Farm. Beyond is Lower Road to Westerfield village.
Disclaimer
The information in this production was, so far as is known, correct at the time of publication. The compiler accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions or changes in the information given.© Roger Wolfe 2007
