Walking the pretty paths and wild meadows of Wrentham

Wrentham walk map (Image: Archant)

This walk explores some pretty paths in an area near two busy roads but remote from them. Starting from isolated South Cove church, which has some interesting old gravestones, we reach picturesque Frostenden church and continue by paths and green lanes to Wrentham then back to the start.

Start the walk by going down the lane opposite South Cove church, which is signposted to Frostenden. We passed a lovely show of May bushes in flower before spotting a mass of red campion on the right (possibly cultivated for wild flower seed). Ignore two paths to the right and, after the lane crosses a stream, arrive at a junction of four lanes. Turn sharp right and then take the footpath on the right only 15 yards from the junction (1).

Cross the meadow to a metal gate at the left corner of the wood. Counting wild flowers as we walked we found over 20 species on this walk. Keep close to the edge of the wood and go over a stile where our route turns left onto a cart track with young oaks on one side. Cross straight over a tarred lane onto a woodland track (N.B. this is a public path but waymarks are not evident). After five minutes on the track, the route swings left and descends to a footbridge. Continue to the right over grass to a stile (2) where the footpath continues between hedges to redbrick Valley Farm. Turn left on a headland to reach Gipsy Lane beside a house; turn right past the village hall and continue to the A12 road. Turn left along the footway and the walk continues on a well-marked path opposite. Cross the A12 (care please!) and enter the path through a hedge gap about 25 yards before the road junction with a bus shelter.

Now you will see the round flint tower of pretty Frostenden church ahead; the porch makes a good place for a break and has information about the society which cares for the rare round tower churches of the Suffolk/Norfolk border. Continue towards Frostenden Hall Farm. Do not take the drive to the hall (on the right) but go between the farm buildings and straight ahead up to a junction (3) of two concrete tracks – your route is the right hand track (N.b. our map (231) shows a slight difference of route at the hall).

may blossom, eadt walk, richard tyson, june 13, south cove (Image: Archant)

The concrete track goes through two fields then veers left. Keep straight on where it becomes grassy so that a camping site is on the right. In half a mile bear right inside a little woodland. Now the route is straight ahead as it crosses a road and soon continues towards houses with a hedge on your right. Turn left along the backs of the houses then turn right down the road into Wrentham.

Cross the A12, turn right and continue the walk on the pavement alongside the Southwold Road for about 700 yards. Take the green lane on the right immediately past the Five Bells Pub. Follow this lane which soon becomes rural and attractive. A marsh harrier flew low over the trees to complement the pair of buzzards seen earlier near Frostenden.

Finally exit beside a horse-riding centre and turn left towards the start.

sunny lane, eadt walk, richard tyson, south cove, june 13 (Image: Archant)

red campion, richard tyson walk june 13, south cove (Image: Archant)