Guided Walks Resume with 28th August Ramble

16 August, 2021
East Suffolk Lines Walks way marker at Parham
An East Suffolk Lines Walks way marker at Parham on the Framlingham – Wickham Market Station route

Note: You must book for this particular walk as it involves the Katch bookable transport service. See below for details.

The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership has resumed its monthly Guided Walks programme after a 17 month gap due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Partnership’s Walks Team has been busy checking and renewing way markers on its Framlingham – Wickham Market Station route for a guided walk on Saturday 28th August.

Framlingham to Wickham Market Station, 7.2 miles – about 4 hours

The route hadn’t been part of the Guided Walk’s programme prior due to a lack of dedicated public transport links between Framlingham and Wickham Market station. The new all-electric, on-demand taxi-bus service ‘Katch’, part-funded by the Community Rail Partnership, began serving the route in May which will enable rail passengers to quickly travel from the station to Framlingham and walk back.

Details

The walk will start at 10.30am at Framlingham. At Wickham Market station ramblers will board Katch just after the 10.05 train arrives (9.05 from Lowestoft, 9.15 from Ipswich, 8.28 from Felixstowe). The ride is about 15 minutes.

Ramblers joining the walk at Framlingham can take Katch home at the end of the walk.

You must book

Normally the Guided Walks are ‘show up on the day’ with no need to book; as the Katch taxi-bus is a bookable transport service those wishing to take part are asked to send an email as soon as possible to . so they can be booked onto Katch by the Walks Team. Space is limited and this walk is on a first-come first-served basis.

The walk is free but the ride on Katch is £4. Contactless card and cash are accepted. Concessionary passes and Endeavour Cards are not.

Route No. 11 in the East Suffolk Lines Walks Booklet – Route Map


From Framlingham, with its magnificent church and historic castle, ramblers will head southeast through varied landscapes, including on a section of the old Framlingham branch line. The route passes two churches and two former railway station buildings along the way, both at Parham and Marlesford. About halfway through and high on a hill is Moat Hall.

Those taking part are advised to bring plenty of drink and some food/snacks. Food is available about three-quarters of the way through at the Farm Cafe and Shop in Marlesford and at the end of the walk at Station House Cafe located in the former railway building at Wickham Market station.

Although it’s no longer mandatory, out of respect for others anyone attending the walk is asked to wear a face covering on busy trains and also on the Katch taxi-bus.

Additional details

  • Stout footwear essential as it could be muddy, waterproofs if wet
  • Bring water/snacks/food for stops along the way
  • Dogs on leads welcome! They travel free on the train and on Katch
  • Check train information before setting out: nationalrail.co.uk , on the mobile apps, or phone 03457 48 49 50
  • This walk involves a staircase at Marlesford
  • No insurance cover – come at own risk

Email sign up

Notice of future walks is available by signing up for our Guided Walks emails

INDUSTRIAL ACTION is taking taking place in early May. Mon 6/5, and Wed 7/5 though Sat 11/5 most services will run but there will be some cancellations. On Tuesday 7/5 there will be a full strike; NO services on the East Suffolk Lines or the other local/regional routes will operate that day. Mainline services to/from London will be reduced.
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