Stonee one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 83.33% of reviewers

Much of the journey was easily navigable due to following the River Gipping, however multiple of the bridges were broken which we were fortunate enough with the weather that the landscape was dry enough for us to walk over or around the water outlets. I imagine these small broken bridges will be resolved if flagged enough times?

The industrial maltings landscape was super intriguing and very enjoyable as we approach Stowmarket.

A large amount of industrial landscapes on this walk, as well as walking by the river in green landscapes. Please be aware of earlier reviewer Thom Brisco’s coordinates for tricky crossing, as this might be more complicated when wet weather.

With the entire route following the winding path of the River Gipping it is an enjoyable trail of flora, fauna, mills, bridges, boardwalks, and disused locks. The riverside becomes increasingly industrial as you approach Stowmarket but a good deal of this is thrilling stuff with giant silos and machinery on show from the footpath.

As per the previous reviewer, we encountered a closed bridge as we approached the Muntons maltings works on the southern outskirts of Stowmarket; coordinates 52.17250, 1.02633. We were only able to cross the irrigation channel that it was bridging because the channel was running dry that day. Future walkers considering the trail should look to find out whether this bridge has been fixed before setting out as no alternate route was immediately obvious to us.

I walked this route going from Needham Market to Stowmarket in midsummer. I wanted to give it more stars as parts of it are extremely pleasant, running alongside the river Gipping (so you can't get lost!), but unfortunately parts of it are incredibly overgrown and sadly, the path is currently closed due to an unsafe small wooden bridge. Now, I'm fairly light so I gingerly crossed the bridge anyway but that was probably quite foolish. The route would not be passable for some folks due to stiles, steps and undergrowth.

The first part of the walk is obviously used by dogwalkers in Needham Market as it's well-trodden. Lots of river life to be seen - damselflies, banded demoiselles, chasers, dragonflies. No traffic noise, just the river. Very very nice. Then the path starts to get more overgrown with nettles and thistles and very long grass - not really a problem, just take or find a stick. The route is partly open and partly through light woods. It would get muddy in the winter I'm sure - short lengths are boarded.

There are several little wooden bridges to cross (steps and stiles), over tributaries (or drainage ditches) into the River Gipping. Sadliny one of these is unsafe and there is a notice to find an alternative route! This is not far from where the path goes under the railway line. I decided to cross the bridge anyway as I couldn't see an alternative quickly and my phone battery was very low. It was fine - but I didn't especially like doing it!

As you come into the Stowmarket area, the path runs alongside heavy industrial units so it's not so pleasant but is functional. A new path has been laid near these units - although this is also quite overgrown (would be fine outside midsummer I'm sure). It needs more footfall.

Overall I enjoyed the walk as a lot of it is full of wildlife and very quiet, although it took me a lot longer than expected due to having to battle the nettles and thistles. But due to the unsafe bridge, I cannot recommend it - until the bridge has been mended.

The route follows the river Gipping from Stowmarket to Needham Market and is off road. The start is quite industrial with the footpath running between factories and the river. It passes through open countryside and some disused locks.

A mostly off-road walk along the River Gipping, pretty nature mixed with some walking through urban/industrial sections of the river (between/past factories and warehouses etc). Farm & farm shop near Needham Market.

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