Many readers will have seen pictures of the ancient Ramsholt church, which overlooks a stretch of the lower Deben, and perhaps used the riverside path towards the north.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ramsholt walk - five milesRamsholt walk - five miles (Image: Archant)

A glance at Map 197 reveals other paths in the area. Our walk explores these and goes along some other paths through open country. Sandy tracks and quiet lanes give extensive views of the lower Deben as far as the sea. Lovers of wild flowers will find a variety of species, which were in flower when we visited.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ramsholt walk - Richard TysonRamsholt walk - Richard Tyson (Image: Archant)

Exit the public car park and turn right. In 250 yards take the bridleway on the left going downhill beside a brick wall at the cottage which you passed in the car. As you leave the woods you will see the buildings of the old village, first a thatched cottage then the old school. Once, there were enough children to support the school; now residents number far fewer.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ramsholt walk - Richard TysonRamsholt walk - Richard Tyson (Image: Archant)

Opposite the entrance to the old school is a wooden signpost three yards from the drive taking you off the gravel drive and on to a field path along the valley of a stream directly towards a typical group of Suffolk farm buildings. Reach these and a waymark post directs you left uphill along the edge of Oak Wood. At the top turn right along the tarred lane and turn right when a junction is reached. Continue to the junction for “Ramsholt Dock” but here go left on a signposted grassy bridleway.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ramsholt walk - Richard TysonRamsholt walk - Richard Tyson (Image: Archant)

Go along the field margin and past a wood on the right. At a crossroads of sandy paths keep straight on (waymarked) then curve to the right and go over an open grassy area to reach a lane beside a cottage. Turn left towards Alderton. After some slight bends in the road our route turns sharp right on a sandy track marked by a yellow arrow (the post was topped by blue hosepipe when I visited). Pass two fields then continue straight on where the track becomes grassy at the end of a belt of pines. Pass an old sandpit (perhaps a picnic spot?) then cross a private tarred farm road where waymarks take you straight ahead following a line of electricity poles. A large barn is to the left as the straight route improves and then you reach dark Elm House. Turn right ninety degrees. All along the route here you will see all of the lower Deben as far as the sea from Ramsholt. The track is sandy then tarred. Keep straight on when you meet the road from Alderton and straight on again past the turning to the Dock. A left turn soon takes you onto the lane towards Ramsholt church

East Anglian Daily Times: Ramsholt walk - Richard TysonRamsholt walk - Richard Tyson (Image: Archant)

Allow time to enter the churchyard with its octagonal tower and look inside. There is no electricity in this unrestored little church with its old box pews so candles are sometimes essential.

Now our route descends into a sunken path via steps near the tower. Turn left and in 50 yards go right then pass through two farm gates. Go right then curve round so a broad ditch is on the right and the exit gates are ahead leading to the river wall. Reach the sandy beach and at the pub then go uphill to the start.

• Walked by Richard and Jennifer Tyson of the Alde Valley Ramblers in June 2016