Downs Wood Walk and Footpath
- 30 minutes
- easy
- 1.2 miles
About
This walk takes you through the Downs Wood and on the far side takes you round some beautiful paths with views of Rougham Church before returning to the Blackthorpe Barn through the wood again. If it’s been raining recently, the paths through the woods may be muddy and slippery in places and there may be some branches across the path if it’s been windy.
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 the route out, if you prefer, using the Download PDF button near the top of the page.
If you can’t access the map through the image above, use this google map link
Go on the Downs Wood and Footpath Walk with George and Bolly in this video, where George Agnew narrates the walk covering interesting information along the way:
Weather
Today
4.6°C
Tomorrow
4.4°C
Thursday
10.3°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. Shortly after the second air raid shelter, bear left and then turning left after about 50 metres. Follow through the wood to the far end.
03
Step 3
At this point turn right at a T junction. Follow this path out of the wood with a hedge on your left. You will see Rougham Church appear through the hedgerow. Follow this path until it meets a path crossing your path.
04
Step 4
Turn right down this path and follow it between the fields until you meet the public road in front of you. Here you will find a poop bin, which might prove useful!
05
Step 5
Turn right here and follow along the edge of the field, with the road on your left until you reach the end of the field.
06
Step 6
Here, turn slightly left and onto the pavement as you approach some houses called The Downs and named after the wood behind.
07
Step 7
Follow this pavement round to the right as you walk down the roadway between the two rows of houses. After passing a pair of semi-detached bungalows and then a pair of semi-detached houses on your left you will find an entrance to the wood on your left behind a garage.
08
Step 8
Enter the wood here and follow the path straight ahead. The path forks as you continue after 50 metres.
09
Step 9
Take the right fork and continue. You then reach an island in the path ahead and can pass either side of it but continue in a straight line further on until you see a small path lead off to the left.
10
Step 10
Follow this small path to the left, out of the wood. You will now have reached one of the further carparks of Blackthorpe Barn.
11
Step 11
Walk slightly right as you approach the road through the carparks. Turn left onto the road and follow through to the end where you will see signs directing you to the Roots Café for some well-earned refreshment.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other routes
Waypoints 4-10
01/07
02/07
03/07
04/07
05/07
06/07
07/07
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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If you haven’t got your real Christmas tree yet, we have Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce on sale from Saturday (7th December).
You can’t beat the fresh Christmas tree smell!
And while you are here, why not pick up a new bauble to add to your collection from our Country Christmas Shop?
#ChristmasTree #ChristmasIsComing #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasTreeSales #DecorateYourHome
If you haven’t got your real Christmas tree yet, we have Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce on sale from Saturday (7th December).
You can’t beat the fresh Christmas tree smell!
And while you are here, why not pick up a new bauble to add to your collection from our Country Christmas Shop?
#ChristmasTree #ChristmasIsComing #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasTreeSales #DecorateYourHome
Don’t miss out seeing these craft makers at the Arts &Crafts Fair today. Open 10-4, with some new craftspeople next weekend.
#ArtsAndCraftsFair #ShopLocal #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasGifts #ChristmasIsComing #ChristmasShopping
Don’t miss out seeing these craft makers at the Arts &Crafts Fair today. Open 10-4, with some new craftspeople next weekend.
#ArtsAndCraftsFair #ShopLocal #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasGifts #ChristmasIsComing #ChristmasShopping
It’s the season for giving! These amazing artisans are only at Blackthorpe Barn for one more day – Sunday 1st December – so come and see them!
The Barn is filled with over 50 talented craftspeople, so you’re sure to find that perfect gift here.
Shown here:
@allaboutthebeads @tim_plunkett_designer_maker @artyactivist_creations @hassinakhanglass @chloescottwovendesign @christine_pike_sculpture @sophiesmithceramics @xuellajewellery @clare_mcewan_artist @waves_of_wood_ltd @kez_print @lizziebrownceramics @matthewread42 @sheilamadder @cpedecorativeglass @ocutterdesign @michelledanielsobypotter @wendytheobaldwildlife @beadedgarden @scofinn RosemarysBears CarolPage @jagorman2019 @megancrooktextiles
Doors open 10-4
Tickets online or on the door. Assistance dogs only.
All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #artsandcrafts #supportindependent #handmade
It’s the season for giving! These amazing artisans are only at Blackthorpe Barn for one more day – Sunday 1st December – so come and see them!
The Barn is filled with over 50 talented craftspeople, so you’re sure to find that perfect gift here.
Shown here:
@allaboutthebeads @tim_plunkett_designer_maker @artyactivist_creations @hassinakhanglass @chloescottwovendesign @christine_pike_sculpture @sophiesmithceramics @xuellajewellery @clare_mcewan_artist @waves_of_wood_ltd @kez_print @lizziebrownceramics @matthewread42 @sheilamadder @cpedecorativeglass @ocutterdesign @michelledanielsobypotter @wendytheobaldwildlife @beadedgarden @scofinn RosemarysBears CarolPage @jagorman2019 @megancrooktextiles
Doors open 10-4
Tickets online or on the door. Assistance dogs only.
All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #artsandcrafts #supportindependent #handmade
😮Can you believe it’s December tomorrow!!!
🎄Christmas is in full swing here at Blackthorpe Barn this weekend🎄
💍 The Arts&Crafts Christmas fair is hosting over 50 fabulous makers selling everything from cheese to furniture – a perfect place to find gifts and treats!
Open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Day tickets £2.50 Season tickets £10 online (£3/£12 on the door)
🛍️ The Christmas Shop has almost every decoration you can dream of, in styles to match every home! With handmade wreaths for sale too, this is where Christmas starts🎄
Open daily 9.30-5 (4 on Sundays)
🌲 Our Rougham Estate Christmas Trees are on sale now. Each one is grown here on the Estate and has only been cut in the past few days. There are pre-cut trees of all sizes – come and find the perfect one for you, with potted trees available too.
Open daily 9.30-5 (4 on Sundays) (Norway Spruce available from 7 December)
🟦🌲 It’s the BLUE weekend for the PYO Christmas Trees, so if you put a blue label on your tree, it’s just been cut and is ready and waiting to be taken home. Find it in the tree sales area, held for you until Thursday 5th at 5pm.
🎄Do send us a pic of your gorgeous tree in its finery😃
👩🎨 In the Meadow Room there are wreath-making workshops with @trudi.edmunds.art and willow-weaving with @the__coddiwomplers
Book online
☕️Roots Café is serving tasty dishes, with an added a marquee to help with seating; at the weekends the Roots Takeaway Hut in the courtyard is open, serving mulled wine and mince pies, sausage rolls, bacon baps and more.
Open every day from 9-5 (4 on Sundays)
🧒 Just beside the play meadow, where there are big straw bales to climb on and benches to sit on, there are visiting food trucks. This weekend we are pleased to welcome:
🥘 @tikka_tonic serving their wonderful New Delhi street food
🌯 @badboiburritos with their marvellous Mexican food
🍕 focaccia toasties and sourdough pizzas
🎄 There’s so much to do at Blackthorpe Barn – come and visit and get your Christmas going!
📍 We’re 2 minutes away from Junction 45 on the A14 – just outside Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
ℹ️ More info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn
😮Can you believe it’s December tomorrow!!!
🎄Christmas is in full swing here at Blackthorpe Barn this weekend🎄
💍 The Arts&Crafts Christmas fair is hosting over 50 fabulous makers selling everything from cheese to furniture – a perfect place to find gifts and treats!
Open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Day tickets £2.50 Season tickets £10 online (£3/£12 on the door)
🛍️ The Christmas Shop has almost every decoration you can dream of, in styles to match every home! With handmade wreaths for sale too, this is where Christmas starts🎄
Open daily 9.30-5 (4 on Sundays)
🌲 Our Rougham Estate Christmas Trees are on sale now. Each one is grown here on the Estate and has only been cut in the past few days. There are pre-cut trees of all sizes – come and find the perfect one for you, with potted trees available too.
Open daily 9.30-5 (4 on Sundays) (Norway Spruce available from 7 December)
🟦🌲 It’s the BLUE weekend for the PYO Christmas Trees, so if you put a blue label on your tree, it’s just been cut and is ready and waiting to be taken home. Find it in the tree sales area, held for you until Thursday 5th at 5pm.
🎄Do send us a pic of your gorgeous tree in its finery😃
👩🎨 In the Meadow Room there are wreath-making workshops with @trudi.edmunds.art and willow-weaving with @the__coddiwomplers
Book online
☕️Roots Café is serving tasty dishes, with an added a marquee to help with seating; at the weekends the Roots Takeaway Hut in the courtyard is open, serving mulled wine and mince pies, sausage rolls, bacon baps and more.
Open every day from 9-5 (4 on Sundays)
🧒 Just beside the play meadow, where there are big straw bales to climb on and benches to sit on, there are visiting food trucks. This weekend we are pleased to welcome:
🥘 @tikka_tonic serving their wonderful New Delhi street food
🌯 @badboiburritos with their marvellous Mexican food
🍕 focaccia toasties and sourdough pizzas
🎄 There’s so much to do at Blackthorpe Barn – come and visit and get your Christmas going!
📍 We’re 2 minutes away from Junction 45 on the A14 – just outside Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
ℹ️ More info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn
It’s the 3rd Arts&Crafts weekend, with over 50 artisans from around the country showing and selling their crafts at the Barn, from small stocking-fillers to impressive statement pieces. ✨
Crafts include metalwork, ceramics, clothing, jewellery, woodwork, textiles, artworks, sculpture, leather pieces and food. Whatever you may be looking for – you’ll find it here! ✨
Open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Day tickets £2.50 online (£3 on the door), Season tickets for all 6 remaining days £10 online (£12 on the door)
Shown here:
@kez_print @j.w.h.mccaughan @sheilamadder @mattbrownmakes @merrywoodhandmade @cpedecorativeglass @shelley.watts @kevcolbeardesign @juliahulmesculpture @yumyumtreefudgeltd HoneybeeNaturalBeauty CarolPage
Children under 16, free entrance. Assistance dogs only.
Just off the A14, J45, outside Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #craftinaction #britishcraftfair #christmasmarket #handmade #lovehandmade #suffolkart #suffolkartistsandmakers #makermovement #supportindependent
It’s the 3rd Arts&Crafts weekend, with over 50 artisans from around the country showing and selling their crafts at the Barn, from small stocking-fillers to impressive statement pieces. ✨
Crafts include metalwork, ceramics, clothing, jewellery, woodwork, textiles, artworks, sculpture, leather pieces and food. Whatever you may be looking for – you’ll find it here! ✨
Open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Day tickets £2.50 online (£3 on the door), Season tickets for all 6 remaining days £10 online (£12 on the door)
Shown here:
@kez_print @j.w.h.mccaughan @sheilamadder @mattbrownmakes @merrywoodhandmade @cpedecorativeglass @shelley.watts @kevcolbeardesign @juliahulmesculpture @yumyumtreefudgeltd HoneybeeNaturalBeauty CarolPage
Children under 16, free entrance. Assistance dogs only.
Just off the A14, J45, outside Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #craftinaction #britishcraftfair #christmasmarket #handmade #lovehandmade #suffolkart #suffolkartistsandmakers #makermovement #supportindependent
When you visit Roots Café, you`ll find a collection of sheds, each with their own unique story and significance.
One of these is The Dove Cote.
It features a small sit-in structure with a roof covered in white doves
This charming, secluded space for four, is perfect for those who find it difficult to hear in busy, open areas, offering a cosy and private atmosphere.
On top of the shed, you will see a weathervane pointing in the direction of Rougham Hall. It`s symbolic of the World War II German Bomber that bombed a wing of Rougham Hall on 23 September 1940. Life at the Hall came to an abrupt halt, and the Hall, exposed to the elements, remains a ruin today.
The doves represent peace and freedom of the Estate which outweigh the terrors of the war.
So, you know where to come for some peace, history and fantastic food!
#RoughamEstate #history #dovecote #war #peace #dove #suffolkhistory #roughamhall
When you visit Roots Café, you`ll find a collection of sheds, each with their own unique story and significance.
One of these is The Dove Cote.
It features a small sit-in structure with a roof covered in white doves
This charming, secluded space for four, is perfect for those who find it difficult to hear in busy, open areas, offering a cosy and private atmosphere.
On top of the shed, you will see a weathervane pointing in the direction of Rougham Hall. It`s symbolic of the World War II German Bomber that bombed a wing of Rougham Hall on 23 September 1940. Life at the Hall came to an abrupt halt, and the Hall, exposed to the elements, remains a ruin today.
The doves represent peace and freedom of the Estate which outweigh the terrors of the war.
So, you know where to come for some peace, history and fantastic food!
#RoughamEstate #history #dovecote #war #peace #dove #suffolkhistory #roughamhall
What are you doing this weekend? There’s plenty on at Rougham Estate to get you into the Christmas spirit. We have Christmas trees, arts and crafts fair, the country Christmas shop and roots café, so don’t miss out! #CountryChristmasShop #ArtsAndCraftsFair #CraftMakers #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #MagicalMemories
What are you doing this weekend? There’s plenty on at Rougham Estate to get you into the Christmas spirit. We have Christmas trees, arts and crafts fair, the country Christmas shop and roots café, so don’t miss out! #CountryChristmasShop #ArtsAndCraftsFair #CraftMakers #RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #MagicalMemories
Yes, this coming weekend at the Barn is going to be amazing!
Each artisan who is coming has crafted their goods with care and love, and these quality handmade goods will have the Oooh! factor if you can bear to give them away at Christmas.
Shown here:
@birdfeedertree @ceramicsbuyanja @wendytheobaldwildlife @beadedgarden @leatherdesigncraft @lindsay_duff_jewellery @lizziebrownceramics @hannahdowdingfurniture @dejaybrinkley @hassinakhanglass @kate_wrigglesworth @trucklecheese @deeayles
From artworks to jewellery, tasty food treats to garden bird feeders, woodwork to ceramics, it’s all going on at the Barn.
Tickets available online and at the door (Day ticket £2.50/£3, Season ticket £10/£12)
Children 16 and under free entry. Assistance dogs only.
This Christmas market is easy to get to, just outside Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk – off Junction 45 on the A14.
All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #suffolkcraftsociety #handmadegifts #christmasiscoming
Yes, this coming weekend at the Barn is going to be amazing!
Each artisan who is coming has crafted their goods with care and love, and these quality handmade goods will have the Oooh! factor if you can bear to give them away at Christmas.
Shown here:
@birdfeedertree @ceramicsbuyanja @wendytheobaldwildlife @beadedgarden @leatherdesigncraft @lindsay_duff_jewellery @lizziebrownceramics @hannahdowdingfurniture @dejaybrinkley @hassinakhanglass @kate_wrigglesworth @trucklecheese @deeayles
From artworks to jewellery, tasty food treats to garden bird feeders, woodwork to ceramics, it’s all going on at the Barn.
Tickets available online and at the door (Day ticket £2.50/£3, Season ticket £10/£12)
Children 16 and under free entry. Assistance dogs only.
This Christmas market is easy to get to, just outside Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk – off Junction 45 on the A14.
All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #suffolkcraftsociety #handmadegifts #christmasiscoming
Tag us @RoughamEstate
