Downs Wood Walk
- 20 minutes
- easy
- 1 mile
About
This short walk takes you through the beautiful Downs Wood. It is great as a nice easy walk for people and dogs. If it has been raining recently the path through the woods might be muddy and slippery in places and if it’s been windy there may be branches across the path.
We don’t have a video of this walk, but the first part of the walk is the same as the Downs Wood and Footpath Walk, until that walk exits the woods. This walk turns left at that T junction and exits the woods closer to Blackthorpe Barn again, where a metalled road takes you back to the Barn.
The walk starts at Blackthorpe Barn, where you can find plenty of free parking as well as Roots Café and the new Garden Room shop. Please remember that the gates to the avenue entrance are locked after the Cafe and Shop close. More details here.
For more general information about this and other walks, see Walks around Rougham Estate. We hope you have a lovely walk.
Use the Google Map below on your phone to follow the path shown or print out a pdf of the walk using the button at the top of this page, if you prefer.
If you can’t access the map through the image, use this google map link
There is no video for this walk specifically, but you can see most of it during the first part of the Downs Wood and Footpath Walk video.
Weather
Today
1.9°C
Tomorrow
6.2°C
Sunday
14.3°C
Waypoints
01
Step 1
From Blackthorpe Barn turn right and pass through the carparks along the concrete road until you reach the Downs Wood on your right.
02
Step 2
A path leads into the wood shortly after you reach its boundary. Follow this path, past some old air raid shelters on your right which are left over from the old airbase located here in Rougham during the Second World War.
03
Step 3
Shortly after the second air raid shelter, bear left and then turning left shortly afterwards. This path winds its way through the wood. Follow through the wood to the far end. Here you will find a junction of the paths.
04
Step 4
Turn left and follow this path through to the edge of the wood. You will see two more air raid shelters in the woodland on your left just before you emerge onto the concrete road.
05
Step 5
Turn left here and be aware that vehicles can come round from the bridge on the right quite fast. Follow this path back to the carparks and then to the Barn and Roots Café where refreshments await.
Important information
Here at Rougham we love dogs and really appreciate the importance that they hold for people in their lives and on their walks and outdoor adventures together.
We ask that you keep your canine friends on a lead when you are walking in Rougham. It is safer for the dog and much safer for wildlife.
Ground nesting birds and other wildlife are seriously threatened by dogs running loose. They can also frighten other people who are less comfortable with dogs, but who would also like to walk.
Finally, you will not be able to see where they poop and so will not be able to clear it up and leave a hazard for future walkers.
Some of the walks shown here include sections on public rights of way over land owned by other people. As a courtesy to them too, please always keep your dogs on the lead.
Thank you!
Please ensure that you carry poop bags with you on your doggy walks. If you don’t have any with you, you can buy some in the Garden Room shop. It is so important that you clear up after your dog and then take the bag away with you.
You will find poop bins located near Blackthorpe Barn and Roots Café. Finding abandoned poop bags hanging in the branches of trees or just left on the ground is very unattractive for future walkers on the route so please do take them with you.
Thank you so much.
The Rougham Estate walks, starting from Blackthorpe Barn, are largely based on existing Estate paths and public rights of way. They mostly pass through woodland and along field-side paths.
Each walk is given a difficulty rating ranging from “easy”, which are the most accessible, to “hard”, which are the most challenging and may include stiles, kissing gates, steps, steep slopes and meadows with cattle.
All these walks follow existing paths and are subject to mud and puddles in wet weather, fallen branches and trees during and after storms, ice and snow during frozen weather. Brambles and nettles are common anywhere and will overhang the paths during the summer. Stinging insects including wasps, bees and hornets may be encountered and midges and mosquitos are common on summer evenings. Adders are rare but do exist and should not be approached.
The Blackthorpe Barn has a defibrillator available for emergency use.
Rougham is located in a very flat part of Suffolk and as such is more accessible than most other parts of the country, but concepts of accessibility are all relative and the final judgement must be the responsibility the visitor themselves.
The Rougham Estate does its best to make public areas as available as possible.
The Estate cannot accept responsibility for accidents or injuries incurred during visits or walks on the Estate, though every effort is made to make them as usable as possible.
We have given each walk a difficulty level, as a guide to the potential walker as to what to expect, from “easy” to “hard”.
The Rougham Estate walks are largely based on existing Estate paths and public rights of way, at times passing through woodland and along field-side paths.
A difficulty rating of “easy” means the path is most accessible.
A difficulty rating of “hard” means the path is one of the most challenging possibly including stiles, kissing gates, steps, steep slopes and meadows with cattle.
A difficulty rating of “medium” is between the two.
None of the walks are very hard as we live in Suffolk, not the Lake District, however some people are looking for something very gentle and others, something a bit more challenging.
We have endeavoured to provide a real variety of walks based on land within the Rougham Estate, however some destinations are a little remote and to achieve circular walks rather than walks which just retrace their steps, where necessary, use has been made of the extensive footpath network and chosen public footpaths on our neighbours’ land, to complete the journeys in more interesting ways.
These walks lead through the Suffolk countryside and so expect to find muddy patches, nettles and thistles. It is important to remember that the weather may change during your walk too, especially if the walk is a long one.
Remember to wear sensible boots and take something waterproof along as well.
A sun hat for warmer weather is important too.
Other routes
Waypoints 4 & 5
01/06
02/06
03/06
04/06
05/06
06/06
Start your walk with a coffee, end with a cake.
Experience a charming and cosy spot located in the heart of the beautiful countryside. The café boasts a tranquil and serene atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
NEVER MISS A THING
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You really know Christmas has started when Christmas tree sales begin! 🎄
Ours start today until the 22nd December.
Nurtured with years of TLC on our Estate, we offer Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce cut trees available in sizes ranging from 6ft to 9ft.
We also have a lovely range of potted trees.
So there’s one to suit every home.
Open daily and no need to book.
Don’t forget to visit our Country Christmas shop too or Roots Cafe.
#RoughamEstate #ChristmasIsComing #Christmas #roughamestatefarms #christmastrees #christmastree #blackthorpebarn
You really know Christmas has started when Christmas tree sales begin! 🎄
Ours start today until the 22nd December.
Nurtured with years of TLC on our Estate, we offer Nordmann Fir and Norway Spruce cut trees available in sizes ranging from 6ft to 9ft.
We also have a lovely range of potted trees.
So there’s one to suit every home.
Open daily and no need to book.
Don’t forget to visit our Country Christmas shop too or Roots Cafe.
#RoughamEstate #ChristmasIsComing #Christmas #roughamestatefarms #christmastrees #christmastree #blackthorpebarn
More marvellous makers who are at Blackthorpe Barn this coming weekend!
From bath salts to coat hooks, scarves and mugs, jewellery, home decor and baskets – you’ll be impressed by the creativity of the craftspeople who are here.
Tickets available online (£2.50 – day ticket, £10 – season ticket for all 8 days) or on the door (£3 and £12).
Children 16 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.
Doors open 10-4 on Saturday and Sunday, 2 minutes south of Junction 45 of the A14, near Bury St Edmunds.
Shown here:
@carola_sme @kgweaves @kateweltonceramics @hazelbaystore @katiemillardartist @j.w.h.mccaughan @tuliphousenorfolk @marytheresahinde @peter.dibble.basketmaker @merrywoodhandmade @kevcolbeardesign
Come along and see them!
All the info and tickets from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in bio
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolklife #suffolkarts #suffolkcrafts #suffolkcountryside #christmasmarket #craftinspiration #artisan #lovehandmade #handmadeintheuk #meetthemakers #suffolkliving
More marvellous makers who are at Blackthorpe Barn this coming weekend!
From bath salts to coat hooks, scarves and mugs, jewellery, home decor and baskets – you’ll be impressed by the creativity of the craftspeople who are here.
Tickets available online (£2.50 – day ticket, £10 – season ticket for all 8 days) or on the door (£3 and £12).
Children 16 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.
Doors open 10-4 on Saturday and Sunday, 2 minutes south of Junction 45 of the A14, near Bury St Edmunds.
Shown here:
@carola_sme @kgweaves @kateweltonceramics @hazelbaystore @katiemillardartist @j.w.h.mccaughan @tuliphousenorfolk @marytheresahinde @peter.dibble.basketmaker @merrywoodhandmade @kevcolbeardesign
Come along and see them!
All the info and tickets from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in bio
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolklife #suffolkarts #suffolkcrafts #suffolkcountryside #christmasmarket #craftinspiration #artisan #lovehandmade #handmadeintheuk #meetthemakers #suffolkliving
Don’t forget this weekend is our second out of five of our Arts & Crafts Fair.
A key highlight of the fair is the chance to ‘meet the makers’ in person, providing an exclusive glimpse and the inspiration behind their remarkable creations.
With a fresh selection of exhibitors every weekend, each visit offers new discoveries and unique finds.
More info and online tickets can be found in the link in our bio.
#Crafts #ArtsAndCraftsFair#RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #UniqueGift #OneOfAKind
Don’t forget this weekend is our second out of five of our Arts & Crafts Fair.
A key highlight of the fair is the chance to ‘meet the makers’ in person, providing an exclusive glimpse and the inspiration behind their remarkable creations.
With a fresh selection of exhibitors every weekend, each visit offers new discoveries and unique finds.
More info and online tickets can be found in the link in our bio.
#Crafts #ArtsAndCraftsFair#RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #UniqueGift #OneOfAKind
The range of curated, quality craftsmanship in the Christmassy thatched barn is astounding.
Here is another selection of artisans coming together for the coming weekend.
Come along and be inspired, as well as ticking off numerous loved-ones from your gift-lists!
Shown here:
@cyndispeer @deeayles @hannahdowdingfurniture @catherine.wynnepowell @kez_print @mariaboydart @lizziebrownceramics @mattbrownmakes @stevegorerowe @shelley.watts @matthewread42 @megancrooktextiles @jagorman2019 @yumyumtreefudgeltd
Just south of Junction 45 on the A14 near Bury St Edmunds, you’ll find everything from fine jewellery, woodwork, ceramics and clothing to recycled robots and fudge at this Christmas fair.
Open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Day tickets £2.50 online (£3 on the door)
Season ticket for entrance to all 8 remaining days £10 online(£12 on the door)
Children 16 and under, free entrance. Only assistance dogs allowed in the Crafts area.
Meet the makers at Blackthorpe Barn
All the info about which craftspeople are here and tickets: roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #burystedmunds #blackthorpebarn #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolkcrafts #suffolkarts #suffolkliving #artsandcrafts2024 #meetthemakers #suffolklife #handmadeintheuk #lovehandmade #artisan #craftinspiration #craftcouncil
The range of curated, quality craftsmanship in the Christmassy thatched barn is astounding.
Here is another selection of artisans coming together for the coming weekend.
Come along and be inspired, as well as ticking off numerous loved-ones from your gift-lists!
Shown here:
@cyndispeer @deeayles @hannahdowdingfurniture @catherine.wynnepowell @kez_print @mariaboydart @lizziebrownceramics @mattbrownmakes @stevegorerowe @shelley.watts @matthewread42 @megancrooktextiles @jagorman2019 @yumyumtreefudgeltd
Just south of Junction 45 on the A14 near Bury St Edmunds, you’ll find everything from fine jewellery, woodwork, ceramics and clothing to recycled robots and fudge at this Christmas fair.
Open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Day tickets £2.50 online (£3 on the door)
Season ticket for entrance to all 8 remaining days £10 online(£12 on the door)
Children 16 and under, free entrance. Only assistance dogs allowed in the Crafts area.
Meet the makers at Blackthorpe Barn
All the info about which craftspeople are here and tickets: roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #burystedmunds #blackthorpebarn #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolkcrafts #suffolkarts #suffolkliving #artsandcrafts2024 #meetthemakers #suffolklife #handmadeintheuk #lovehandmade #artisan #craftinspiration #craftcouncil
It’s really starting to feel like Christmas in this colder weather. Have you been down to Rougham Estate, Blackthorpe barn yet? If not, it’s the place to start off the Christmas spirit!
#ChristmasShopping #MakingMagicalMemories #RoughamEstateBlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasDecorations #TimeWithFriendsAndFamily #LoveChristmas #BuryStEdmndsAndBeyond #suffolklifestyle #RoughamEstate #suffolkchristmas #burystedmunds #ChristmasBarn #gettingintothechristmasspirit
It’s really starting to feel like Christmas in this colder weather. Have you been down to Rougham Estate, Blackthorpe barn yet? If not, it’s the place to start off the Christmas spirit!
#ChristmasShopping #MakingMagicalMemories #RoughamEstateBlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasDecorations #TimeWithFriendsAndFamily #LoveChristmas #BuryStEdmndsAndBeyond #suffolklifestyle #RoughamEstate #suffolkchristmas #burystedmunds #ChristmasBarn #gettingintothechristmasspirit
💍 The second weekend of Arts&Crafts promises to be as good as the first, if not better!
✨ There’s a new mix of makers joining us from around the country, with plenty more beautiful hand-crafted things to be astounded by.
✨ From tiny glass sculptures to garden artworks, fine jewellery to fudge – there are gifts and treats to be found for everyone.
🕰️ Doors open 10-4 on Saturday and Sunday.
🎟️ Season tickets for all remaining 8 days £10 online, £12 on the door.
🎟️ Day tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door.
Children 16 and under, free.
Only assistance dogs in the Crafts barn.
🧑🎨 All the makers shown here are with us this weekend:
@artistcaz @lucyperryart @christine_pike_sculpture @forevergardenmetalartwork GabriellaLane @hassinakhanglass @redbikeleatherworks @michelledanielsobypotter @makeroftinyglassstuff CarolPage @wendytheobaldwildlife @Prochetextileart @allaboutthebeads @birdfeedertree
ℹ️ All the info, including tickets and more information about the makers coming to the Barn from: roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
📍 Find us just 2 minutes’ south of Junction 45 of the A14, a few miles east of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.
✨ This is the Christmas Market to get you into the mood for the festive season!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolklife #suffolkliving #christmasmarket #madebyhand #meetthemakers #handmadeintheuk #artisanmade #handmadeintheuk #suffolkartsandcrafts #artsandcrafts2024 #suffolkchristmas #burystedmundssuffolk #eastanglia #eastofengland #christmasiscoming #craftinspiration #craftscouncil
💍 The second weekend of Arts&Crafts promises to be as good as the first, if not better!
✨ There’s a new mix of makers joining us from around the country, with plenty more beautiful hand-crafted things to be astounded by.
✨ From tiny glass sculptures to garden artworks, fine jewellery to fudge – there are gifts and treats to be found for everyone.
🕰️ Doors open 10-4 on Saturday and Sunday.
🎟️ Season tickets for all remaining 8 days £10 online, £12 on the door.
🎟️ Day tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door.
Children 16 and under, free.
Only assistance dogs in the Crafts barn.
🧑🎨 All the makers shown here are with us this weekend:
@artistcaz @lucyperryart @christine_pike_sculpture @forevergardenmetalartwork GabriellaLane @hassinakhanglass @redbikeleatherworks @michelledanielsobypotter @makeroftinyglassstuff CarolPage @wendytheobaldwildlife @Prochetextileart @allaboutthebeads @birdfeedertree
ℹ️ All the info, including tickets and more information about the makers coming to the Barn from: roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
📍 Find us just 2 minutes’ south of Junction 45 of the A14, a few miles east of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.
✨ This is the Christmas Market to get you into the mood for the festive season!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolklife #suffolkliving #christmasmarket #madebyhand #meetthemakers #handmadeintheuk #artisanmade #handmadeintheuk #suffolkartsandcrafts #artsandcrafts2024 #suffolkchristmas #burystedmundssuffolk #eastanglia #eastofengland #christmasiscoming #craftinspiration #craftscouncil
As you explore the country Christmas shop do you notice the different areas that have a story behind them?
Like the gingerbread house which was designed with much thought and inspiration you can’t miss it #CountryChristmasShop #ChristmasShopping #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #GingerbreadHouse
As you explore the country Christmas shop do you notice the different areas that have a story behind them?
Like the gingerbread house which was designed with much thought and inspiration you can’t miss it #CountryChristmasShop #ChristmasShopping #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #GingerbreadHouse
Don’t miss out on what’s on offer this weekend. This fantastic range of crafts will be here again today. Next weekend there will be some new stall holders showcasing and selling their crafts. #ArtsAndCraftsFair #ShopLocal #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasGifts #ChristmasIsComing #ChristmasShopping
Don’t miss out on what’s on offer this weekend. This fantastic range of crafts will be here again today. Next weekend there will be some new stall holders showcasing and selling their crafts. #ArtsAndCraftsFair #ShopLocal #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasGifts #ChristmasIsComing #ChristmasShopping
Tag us @RoughamEstate
