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
11.2°C
Tomorrow
12.4°C
Sunday
12.8°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 dog 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, and creates a problem for wildlife, 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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The Roaming Sauna is back this weekend!
On the 18th & 19th October you can book it out as a group or individually for an hour at a time.
The converted horsebox has been transformed into a traditional, cosy wood-fired sauna crafted for calm and comfort. Step inside, leave daily stress behind, slow down, recharge and discover why sauna culture has been loved around the world for centuries.
Move from chatting on the bench to a heart‑racing cold shower or plunge, then bask in the warm, glowing afterfeel.
It’s an opportunity to embrace simplicity and reconnect with the timeless ritual of heat and cool amid beautiful natural surroundings of Rougham Estate.
Book here…
https://theroamingsauna.as.me/schedule/d472d783
#Sauna #WoodFired #HorseboxSauna #Wellness #ColdPlunge #HeatAndCool #Relaxation #Recharge #SaunaCulture #Nature #SelfCare #Wellbeing
A few words from George Agnew, about the recent awards win.
A thank you to the team and customers who make everyday possible. #roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #award #burystedmunds
Looking for the perfect gift as we approach Christmas?
Why not treat someone special to a Rougham Estate Gift Voucher. Whether it’s a leisurely meal at Roots Café, unique finds at the Garden Room Shop, or festive treasures at the Christmas Shop, our vouchers offer flexibility and choice. Valid for 12 months and redeemable across multiple visits, they make gifting effortless.
Available in denominations from £25, and delivered directly to your inbox or theirs. Personalise your message and even select a future delivery date.
Explore and purchase here: https://roughamestate.giftpro.co.uk/vouchers/rougham-estate-gift-voucher/
#RoughamEstate #GiftVoucher #SuffolkGifts #RootsCafe #ChristmasShop #SuffolkLife #ThoughtfulGifting #SupportLocal
This Sunday there are two main events at Rougham Estate: the wonderfully autumnal Rougham Pumpkins and the inspiring Art Exhibition in the Meadow Room at Blackthorpe Barn.
Just 2 minutes’ drive between them, they are both free to enter with plenty of free parking.
At Blackthorpe Barn you’ll also find Roots Café and the Garden Room Shop (soon to become the amazing Christmas Shop on 20 October)
At Rougham Pumpkins, apart from thousands of pumpkins, gourds and squashes, there are big bale pyramids, football goals, pedal tractors and photo ops.
🌯Food and drink this Sunday provided by:
Roots&Co – sausage & bacon baps until 11am, then loaded hashbrowns, cakes and drinks including beer and prosecco
@whatthe_peck – freshly-prepared Suffolk-reared buttermilk chicken
@samu_kitchen – tasty vegan dishes
@geegeebakes – cheesecakes, crumbles and sweet treats
@kiernanscoffee – coffees, hot chocolates, snacks and treats
@badboiburritos – burritos and Mexican-Japanese fusion food
@tikka_tonic – New Delhi style street food
Facepainting by @faceitfaceart
Open weekends in October and every day 25-31 October, 9-5
In the Meadow Room you’ll be impressed with artworks created by 3 talented artists:
Paintings and cards by @cyndispeer
Metalwork from chairs to pokers by @j.w.h.mccaughan
Ceramics and textiles by @carol.pask also @landtoclothtextiles
All pieces for sale
Open until 15 October 10-4
A perfect trip out on a Sunday!
Find us just off Junction 45 of the A14; the pumpkins to the north, Blackthorpe Barn to the south.
All the details from our website.
#roughamestate #roughampumpkins #artexhibition #suffolkarts #burystedmunds #suffolkpumpkins #daysoutsuffolk
Blown away with last nights awards where we took home Investing in West Suffolk Award and George received the Lifetime Achievement Award 🏆
Well done to all the finalists and winners of each category it really feels like an amazing achievement to be finalists and amongst some fantastic local businesses.
But a massive THANK YOU to all our team and also to each and everyone one of you who support us and have been on the journey with us for all these years. The last few years we’ve made significant developments and changes to the business but it wouldn’t be made possible without you. ❤️
#Buryfreepressbusinessawards2025 #roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #rootscafe #westsuffolk
It’s the second weekend of Rougham Pumpkins already!!
🍁Time to come and get your fix of autumnal colours, pumpkins, squashes and gourds. The weather looks perfect for doing some foraging.
🎃Thousands of pumpkins are waiting to be picked, but many are hiding in the further reaches of the patch – playing a game of hide and seek!
🌯There’s a cracking range of food and drink to keep you going with your quest this weekend:
Roots&Co – sausage & bacon baps until 11am, then loaded hashbrowns, cakes and drinks including beer and prosecco
@whatthe_peck – freshly-prepared Suffolk-reared buttermilk chicken
@samu_kitchen – tasty vegan dishes
@geegeebakes – cheesecakes, crumbles and sweet treats
@kiernanscoffee – coffees, hot chocolates, snacks and treats deep in the patch
@badboiburritos – burritos and Mexican-Japanese fusion food
@tikka_tonic – New Delhi style street food
🎨Face-painting available from @faceitfaceart
🎃Thousands of pumpkins, gourds and squashes of all shapes and sizes
🎟️Free entry, free parking, no need to book
📸Plenty of photo-ops
🐕Dogs welcome in the picnic area and doggy patch but not the main patch
📍Rougham Estate near Bury St Edmunds off Junction 45 of the A14
🔦Don’t forget! Pumpkins by Torchlight on Saturdays 18th and 25th October 6pm-9pm. Headsets for the silent discos going fast. Tickets from our website.
All the details from our website.
#roughamestate #roughampumpkins #pumpkinpatch #suffolkpumpkins #burystedmunds #pumpkinpicking🎃 #pumpkinpatch🎃 #autumnmood
Tickets available but selling fast!
There’s so much on at Rougham Estate in the coming weeks, most of which is free to enter and enjoy, but some events need to be booked.
🕺Silent Disco Headsets for the 🎃Pumpkins by Torchlight evenings
18 & 25 October 6pm-9pm, free entry
🎟️Headsets available to book: Adult £6, Child £4
🌲Pick Your Own Christmas Tree at the plantation
Come and wander amongst the trees to find your perfect one – it’s a great preparation for Christmas to do with the family!
8, 9, 15 & 16 November 10am – 2:30pm
🎟️Booking essential; £15 per tree
🛍️The famous Arts & Crafts Fair in the gorgeous thatched Blackthorpe Barn
With all the feels of Christmas, the Barn is filled with hand-crafted excellence and gifts you’ll want to keep
Open on 5 weekends before Christmas from 15 Nov – 14 Dec
🎟️Season ticket online: £10 for all 10 days
🎟️Day tickets online: £2.50
Tickets also available on the door: £12 and £3
👩🎨Craft Workshops
Many of the Christmas workshops are already sold out, but there are still a few spaces for Wild Weaving, Make Your Own Fairy, Willow Weaving Decorations and Making Your Own Christmas Wreath
🎟️See the website for individual dates, times and prices
For more information and to book, click the ➡️BOOK button on the top right of our website.
Don’t forget that most events here are free to enter with no booking needed.
Open now and free to enjoy:
Art Exhibition in the Meadow Room until 15 October 10-4
The Garden Room Shop 10-4
Roots Café 9-4
The sunken garden, meadow walk and tree trunk sculpture
Walks around the Estate
October weekends: Rougham Pumpkins and daily 27-31 Oct, 9-5
And … the amazing Christmas Shop opening on 20 October 🎉
So much to do here! See you soon!👋😃
#roughamestate #suffolkcountryside #burystedmunds #suffolklife
Come and see the new exhibition at the Meadow Room!
From today until Wednesday 15th October @j.w.h.mccaughan @cyndispeer @carol.pask @landtoclothtextiles are showing some of their latest work.
Not only will you be inspired but you might also walk away with something new; the pieces are for sale.
The Meadow Room is just outside Roots Café, so perfect to combine with a coffee and a bite to eat, or a wander through the Garden Room Shop.
Open every day 10am – 4pm, free entry.
Plenty of free parking.
#roughamestate #artexhibition #suffolkart #suffolkartists #burystedmunds #beinspired
Tag us @RoughamEstate
