Best walks near Stowmarket by train
MapA day hike in the countryside is just a simple train journey away — explore the most charmingly located railway stations in East Anglia and plan your next day of green.
Waterbeach Station to Ely Station (Cambridgeshire)
45m direct from Stowmarket.
Tough: 22km. Gentle ascents. 5h30–9h30.
A rambler favourite!
Highlights: Ely Cathedral, Oliver Cromwell's House, and Ely itself.
Lunch stops: the Five Miles Inn (2h–3h30 in), or Wren Cafe (3h–5h in).
End-of-walk rewards: the Cutter Inn, the Drayman's Son, the Kings Arms, the Minster Tavern, or the Prince Albert.
White Notley Station to Marks Tey Station (Essex)
45m from Stowmarket, with one change.
Tough: 21km. Moderate ascents. 7h.
Beautiful. Field paths with street sections at either end and flat and easy-going.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
Manningtree Station Circular via Parish Church of Stratford St Mary (Essex)
30m direct from Stowmarket.
17km. 5h.
River valley, water meadows, arable fields, light woodland, estuary embankment, quaint villages, and Constable-painted landscapes. Can flood after rain.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Ely Station Circular via Ely Cathedral (Cambridgeshire)
45m direct from Stowmarket.
18km. 4h.
Open fenland, flat drained farmland, long straight tree-lined farm tracks, hedge-lined meadows, river banks, dykes and catchwater drains, quayside, and historic city. Exposed river banks.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Melton Station to Woodbridge Station (Suffolk)
30m from Stowmarket, with one change.
20km. 4h30.
Lowland heathland, river marshes, estuary walls, reedbeds, poplar rows, quiet lanes, heathland golf course, and compact riverside town. Café in ticketed area.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Wickham Market Station to Felixstowe Station (Suffolk)
45m from Stowmarket, with one change.
35km.
Farmland, Suffolk heathland (Sandlings), river bank, grassy sea wall, shingle beach, isolated coastline, and urban Felixstowe approaches. Long shingle sections.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Wivenhoe Station Circular (Essex)
45m from Stowmarket, with one change.
14km. 4h30.
River estuary mudflats, sea wall paths, woodland, water meadows, saltmarshes, farmland, and quaint riverside villages. Check ferry timetable.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Kelvedon Station Circular via Grange Barn (Essex)
45m from Stowmarket, with one change.
23km. 5h.
Gentle valley, river stretches, country lanes, green lanes, field boundaries, rolling Essex countryside, fields, and woods. Can be muddy.
Documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Melton Station Circular (Suffolk)
30m from Stowmarket, with one change.
17km.
Lowland heathland, river marshes, estuary walls, reedbeds, and return via England Coast Path.
A shorter variant of Melton to Woodbridge via Sutton Hoo – documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.
Wivenhoe Station to Clacton-on-Sea Station (Essex)
45m from Stowmarket, with one change.
24km.
Tidal river estuary, saltings, mud flats, disused railway trackbed, harbourfront, ferry crossing, coastal sea wall, caravan park frontages, sandy beach, and seaside town promenade. Check ferry times.
A longer variant of Wivenhoe to West Mersea or Clacton-on-Sea – documented by the Saturday Walkers Club.