EAST
■ Distance: 10 miles/16km ■Time: 5 hours ■Grade: Moderate
CHOSEN BY…
PHOEBE TAPLIN
Through meadows, marshes, woods and heath, this route partly follows an old sailors’ path to the shingle-beached sea. It starts in the cheerful town of Saxmundham and ends in arty Aldeburgh, where it passes the Red House, former home of composer Benjamin Britten and singer Peter Pears. The final stretch along the coast takes in artist Maggi Hambling’s sculpted-scallop tribute to Britten, and Aldeburgh’s Moot Hall.
1Start
Exit from Saxmundham station near Town Council offices (from Ipswich train, cross level crossing). Head down New Cut, L on Chantry Road, R along B1121. Just after houses, cross drive and turn R on FP with hedge on R. Past small wood, turn L (hedge now on L) and quite soon L again into wooded path along edge of field. Follow waymark over footbridge and field towards houses. Turn L on lane and keep straight. Cross road into School Lane and follow it R. At junction near school, turn L along road and keep straight. Cross footbridge by ford.
2 1¾ miles/2.7km
Follow lane sharp L and soon turn R up Red Lane. Follow lane L and R. Cross road and keep straight on lane. After trees on R, turn R on lane signed Friston Hall Farm. Keep straight on rougher track, over crossing drive, and along sandy track with trees on L.
3 3½ miles/5.7km
Cross busy A1094 into Priory Road. Keep straight on lane past Rookery Farm to junction. Turn diagonally L onto footpath alo
