I wouldn't recommend it as just a nice linear walk for a full day out, but if it's your only way of making the journey, and you have the fitness, then it's definitely achievable. It might be possible to avoid some of the road sections by making it a bit longer and using public footpaths, but as it's quite long already that might make it too far for many....

hoddog

Completed with my friend as part of the Slow Ways National Parks Challenge 4/6/2025...

Elijah

Completed with my friend during the Slow Ways National Parks Challenge, 3/6/2025...

Elijah

This stretch of the walk had some lovely agricultural landscapes, the majority of the walk was along the edges of open fields....

Pandora

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....

Pandora

Going across larger, wide-open farm fields and closed areas of woods, this is a beautiful path walk with a large variety of landscapes. Make sure to look into earlier reviewer Thom Brisco’s recommendations for adjustments of route, as it can be tricky to stay on track in certain areas....

Tiril Sofie Berg

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....

Tiril Sofie Berg

Setting out from Stowmarket, the route climbs gradually to Stowupland which is an interesting, unusual place with attractive thatch-roofed houses and a number of large open village greens / commons....

Thom Brisco

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....

Thom Brisco

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. 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. There are several little wooden bridges to cross (steps and stiles), over tributaries (or drainage ditches) into the River Gipping. But due to the unsafe bridge, I cannot recommend it - until the bridge has been mended....

billy luton

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....

SueRey

The first 10km of the route into Mendlesham is far easier to follow than the second half....

SteveNeumann

Beware of the A140 crossing and be aware of a lack of signed waymarking on the route....

SteveNeumann

It was not possible to navigate one of the field sections but it had a logical quick connection to the next segment. On the whole a very scenic and enjoyable walk/run....

Mark G

Great route!!...

SteveNeumann

Nice scenic route from the small but busy market town of Stowmarket over many trail paths and quiet roads onto Bildeston, a small quaint village....

SteveNeumann

I completed this route from Stowmarket to Bury St Edmunds with a break point in Woolpit. At just under 24km it is a long route and is better broken up with Woolpit as a mid-point albeit its 9.4km from Stowmarket and 14.3km from BSE....

SteveNeumann

I completed this route from Stowmarket to Bury St Edmunds with a break point in Woolpit. At 25km it is a long route and is better broken up with Woolpit as a mid-point albeit its 9.5km from Stowmarket and 15.5km from BSE....

SteveNeumann

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....

peperkoekdame