Walks you can reach from Needham Market by train

Bury St Edmunds Station to Stowmarket Station (Suffolk)

5m direct from Needham Market.

spectacular views. A long, direct route mixing waymarked footpaths, pavements and quiet country roads with no pavement. Narrow and uneven in places, especially crossing fields, with around ten stiles, a flight of steps and gates and several footbridges concentrated on the Drinkstone-to-Rougham stretch. Best broken at Woolpit, roughly the mid-point, which has shops and amenities. Not suitable for cyclists (use National Cycle Route 51).

Tough: 23km. Moderate ascents.

There is a fair amount of road walking on minor roads which can have more traffic on weekdays; numerous stiles and uneven field paths make it unsuitable for those with reduced mobility.

Lunch: Woolpit has a Co-op, two pubs, a fish and chip shop and a bakery; Rougham has a convenience store en route.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Ipswich Station to Harwich Town Station (Suffolk)

15m direct from Needham Market.

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 (Suffolk)

15m direct from Needham Market.

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

Waterbeach Station to Newmarket Station (Cambridgeshire)

45m direct from Needham Market.

A route across the fens on well-maintained but rutted field paths and climbing onto Devil's Dyke towards Newmarket. Crosses Newmarket racecourse. Take a copy of the route as turnings are easy to confuse.

20km. Gentle ascents.

The route crosses Newmarket racecourse, where access may be restricted on race days.

Lunch: A pub at Swaffham Prior, roughly midway, plus pubs at both ends.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route