Footpaths & Walking in Suffolk

Footpaths are there for the enjoyment of us all so we can benefit from the beautiful countryside around us.

Walkers are reminded to take great care when using the footpaths to shut gates behind them.

At these unusual times of lockdown it is understandable that more walkers than usual will be using the countryside for exercise.  You are very welcome but should be aware that you will be likely to come across fields where livestock are grazing with their young at foot. Dogs must be kept on a lead and gates secured after you have passed through. 

As a matter of courtesy you should always abide by The Countryside Code which is set out below and is a standard set of guidelines for members of the public, to ensure respect for and enjoyment of the countryside. 

Please use this link to access the footpath map of Great Glemham, and this link for a closer up village foopath map. 

Are you fed-up with doing the same old walks? Walking in Suffolk www.walkinginengland.co.uk/suffolk may have what you are looking for. With hundreds of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of walks, contact details for all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place. With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy.

John said ‘There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in Suffolk (part of the Walking in England suite of websites (www.walkinginengland.co.uk)  – one for each county in England) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’.

The five points of the Countryside Code are:

1. Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs

• Take maps/guidebooks
• Be prepared for changes in weather
• Check the weather so you know what to expect
• Let someone know where you are going, how long you plan to be
• Learn signs and symbols used in the countryside

2.  Leave gates and property as you find them

• Farmers may leave gates open to allow their animals to move - so leave an open gate open, and a closed gate closed
• Contact the local authority if you see a sign which may be misleading or illegal (e.g. Private -No Entry on a public footpath)
• Follow paths where crops are growing
• Use gates or stiles if possible, rather than climbing walls or fences, to avoid damage
• Don't disturb ruins or historic sites
• Don't interfere with machinery or livestock

3.  Protect plants and animals and take your litter home

• Litter and leftover food spoils the beauty of the countryside
• Don't damage, destroy or remove features such as rocks, plants and trees
• Give wild animals and farm animals plenty of space as they can behave unpredictably
• Be careful not to drop matches or smouldering cigarettes.

4.  Keep dogs under close control

• By law, you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife
• Farmers are, by law, entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals
• Always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly

5.  Consider other people

• Respect the needs of local people
• When riding a bike or driving a vehicle, slow down for horses, walkers and livestock and give them plenty of room
• By law, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse-riders on bridleways
• Support the rural economy - for example, buy your supplies from local shops