4 miles walk around Wherstead and Freston on a Bright Sunny day.

This is a lovely circular walk in Suffolk when you don`t want to go far from home (in our case) or you just want a moderate 4-5 miles with some lite elevation, This will take you through picturesque countryside, charming villages, and along the River Orwell. The walk is approximately 4 miles long and not difficult to complete. The starting point is at Suffolk Food Hall near Wherstead and the walk is rated as moderate. Here you can find free parking space and a playground for the children as well as hot food and market for shopping.

The route takes you through the beautiful Stalls Valley, which is an ancient woodland. You can see people riding horses in the woodland and sometimes even practicing with dos for hunting events. Soon you will also pass through the charming village of Freston, which is home to the 18th-century Freston Tower, a Grade I listed building that was once used as a folly. From here following the well marked public footpaths you cross the farms where you can bump into some really nosy, but friendly farm animals and you will arrive to the small creak on the other side of the valley. There is a long orchard like alley before you arrive to the Vicarage lane which will lead you back to Wherstead. On the way down back to the Food Hall, you will see the church on the right hand side. The Church of St. Mary at Wherstead is a beautiful and historic church. One of the most notable features of the church is its impressive tower, which stands at 90 feet high and is one of the tallest in Suffolk. The tower has six bells, which are still in use today. Inside the church, visitors can see a range of interesting features, including a stunning stained-glass window depicting the life of St. Mary, the mother of Jesus. At this time of the year (February) teh whole church yard is cowered in Snowdrops.

Overall, the Wherstead to Freston and back walk is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of Suffolk’s countryside and villages. Boots are recommended!

Here are some photos I took on this February walk. Enjoy: (pictures were taken with phone only)