Best walks to or from Ipswich

Ipswich Station to Harwich Town Station

A pleasant, mainly rural walk on footpaths and farm tracks through farmland, with some stiles and a couple of kissing gates. The approach into Ipswich is along the busy Wherstead Road and which has a pavement but is tedious. A diversion to Pin Mill is highly recommended. St Michael's church near Ipswich high school is open to the public.

20km. Gentle ascents.

Some stiles and a kissing gate; sheep in fields near the Ipswich high school.

Lunch: There is also a shop at Chelmondiston.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Ipswich Station to Felixstowe Station

A long route passing under the Orwell Bridge and out towards Levington, then following good public rights of way down to Felixstowe and before being let down by busy roads through the town. A better finish follows the promenade past the pier.

Tough: 27km. Moderate ascents.

The route through Felixstowe follows busy roads; a pleasanter alternative uses the promenade and pedestrianised Hamilton Road.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Needham Market Station to Ipswich Station

A very beautiful walk; Beautiful, open landscapes. A beautiful, varied walk: the Ipswich end is largely tarmac main roads alongside a loud A-road, after which an off-road path tracks the River Gipping through open fields, ponds and woodland and past old mill buildings. A gentle and pretty winding river path. Follows the River Gipping for much of its length, passing Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm. The not-keen stretch is the long walk down Norwich Road in Ipswich.

16km. Gentle ascents.

A bridge over the Old River between Pipps Lock and Creeting Lock was closed/fenced off (now resolved with a new bridge per a later review); check its status. The route around Great Blakenham and south of Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm would benefit from minor adjustments.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route