Chevins Wood Walk
- 2 hours
- hard
- ca. 5 miles
About
This walk delves deep into the Estate, exploring areas further south and east, with ancient history, green lanes and a taste of a different Rougham.
The walk starts and ends 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 using the Download PDF button file above, if you prefer.
If you can’t access the map through the image above, use this google map link
Go on the Chevins Wood Walk with George and Bolly in this video where George, who has lived here all his life, talks about interesting facts along the way:
Weather
Today
17.2°C
Tomorrow
16.9°C
Wednesday
14.1°C
Waypoints
01
Step 1
From Blackthorpe Barn turn right and pass through the carparks along the concrete road until you reach a wood on your right.
02
Step 2
A path leads into the wood shortly after you reach its boundary. Follow this path bearing left at a fork and then turning left after 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. Follow this path until it meets a path from the right.
04
Step 4
At this point follow round to the left heading for Rougham Church which appears dramatically in front of you. At the far end of this path cross the school and church carpark. Cross the public road with care.
05
Step 5
On the far side, turn left and walk along the pavement passing the splendid sight of Rougham Church on your right side. Shortly afterwards you pass the magnificent lychgate with carvings and seats within. You might like to take a short pause here. This structure was built in 1901 in memory of the previous rector Morton Shaw, whose name appears on the inner side of the structure.
06
Step 6
When you are ready to continue, turn right out of the lychgate, walk along the pavement for a few metres before following the footpath along the edge of the field as it peals away from the public road. This footpath has a tarmac surface but tree roots below the surface make it uneven in parts so take care as you walk.
07
Step 7
This path leads you to Kingshall Street which gradually appears ahead of you as you leave the church behind. At the far end of the path, you will see a convenient poop bin on your left which might come in handy.
08
Step 8
You are about to cross one of the busier roads in Rougham so take care. Cross the road and turn right for a few metres before you see a gap in the hedge on your left with a clear path leading through. Take this path.
09
Step 9
Follow this path and on the far side continue straight on with some houses set back on your left and the field on your right. Ignore various left turns. This pathway follows the edge of the field. At the far end follow it round to the right and it continues to skirt the edge of the field.
10
Step 10
Shortly after this you will see a small turning to the left which brings you immediately onto an official footpath where you turn left.
11
Step 11
Follow this footpath in a straight line to the house line. Here, follow the path through to the public road. Just before this, you descend 5 steps. There is a convenient poop bin here and a handrail for the steps.
12
Step 12
Once on the public road turn right and walk for 20 metres. At this point a private road runs off to the left and the footpath follows this for a distance of ca 100 metres. There is a footpath sign at the start on the left side to reassure you that you are in the right place! Look out for a homemade wooden sign pointing to the right for the footpath.
13
Step 13
This follows the fence line on the right and rapidly gets very narrow as you squeeze your way between the backs of the houses. This continues for maybe 200 metres, then you encounter a stile. There is a hole for your dog to pass through.
14
Step 14
Then follow the path along the left-hand side of the meadow to the next fence and into the second meadow. Leave the gate here as you find it.
15
Step 15
Partway through this second meadow the path turns left and goes over another stile before passing through the hedge and out onto the edge of the field on the far side.
16
Step 16
The path follows on to the right, so now you have the hedge on your right side. Follow this through to the edge of the field where you pass through an extended piece of hedge before you appear on a bend on the public road.
17
Step 17
You are now in another part of Rougham called Nether Street. Turn right and follow the public road with care, past a few houses and then past a field on your left. Then a track leads off to the left. Ignore this but continue down the road for another 50 metres.
18
Step 18
As you approach a sharp right bend on the public road, a second footpath heads off to the left, which immediately crosses a ditch with a footbridge. Take this route.
19
Step 19
Follow along this track with the hedge on your right until you reach Chevins Wood in front of you. Somewhere here was the Manor of Chevaunts which was mentioned in Doomsday Book in 1086 and which seems to have been the residence of the important Drury family in Rougham too during the Middle Ages. Further round the wood there are very deep and wide ditches which suggest the possible presence of former buildings of importance. For now, we turn left and follow the edge of the wood for a short distance on our right side, before we cross a short section of path between two fields and then reach a green lane where we turn right.
20
Step 20
Follow this path to the far end as it curves to the left. This area is known as High Rougham and is slightly higher than Nether Street which we have just left behind. Turn left into the public road in High Rougham and walk along it with care. It is usually a quiet road but still be careful.
21
Step 21
After a few hundred metres you pass the last house on the right-hand side of the road. At this point you will see a trackway heading off to the right. Follow this track away from the public road. After a while it turns left and runs along the edge of New Wood, turning right as it rounds the corner of the wood. You may encounter some bee hives here. Just walk by without hanging around!
22
Step 22
This track then reaches a hedge line and turns left and heads for the public road. Turn right onto this road and exercise great care as traffic can move along here at some speed.
23
Step 23
It is best if you cross the road fairly soon, as you get better visibility here. Walk along the side of the road until it turns slightly to the right.
24
Step 24
At this point a footpath heads off to the left across the field. The crop has been cleared along the route of the path. At the far side of the field, you meet the metalled footpath that you walked on earlier on in this journey. Turn right here and follow this to the public road at the end.
25
Step 25
Use the pavement to continue your walk past the lychgate and the church. As a small gate into the churchyard appears on your left, turn right across the road with care. Enter the carpark.
26
Step 26
Turn left here and follow this carpark to the far end where a footpath heads off along the hedge line on your right-hand side. This path emerges from the carpark to give a fine view of the Rougham landscape as it falls away in front of you. It is full of roadside oak trees, hedges and the great Suffolk sky!
27
Step 27
Follow this path, keeping the hedge to your right, until you cross a ditch, often with running water depending on the time of year. At this point, turn right and head back towards the Downs Wood which you came through at the beginning of this walk, continuing to keep the hedge on your right.
28
Step 28
You will enter the wood and shortly afterwards find the path leading off to the left. This will take you through the wood to the far end where you turn right.
29
Step 29
This path leads you to the edge of the wood. Turn left at an angle as the path approaches the Blackthorpe Barn carparks. Follow these through to the left and then follow the signs to the Roots Café where a welcome awaits you (and your dog).
Important information
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.
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.
Stiles enable people to cross stockproof fences safely. Our stiles are built to Suffolk County Council standards.
If you have a dog with you then you should look for a small dog gate at the base and to the side of the stile. This may have a flap on a spring or a sliding door. Encourage your dog through first, then pass the dog’s lead through and take hold of it from above the fence. Then cross the stile yourself. This enables you to cross the stile without taking your dog off its lead.
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 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.
Our ancient meadows are a wonderful sight and well worth a visit on one of our walks. The reason they remain like this is that they provide grazing for cattle as they have done for many hundreds of years. You must assume that there may be cattle in any meadow that you visit.
Leave all gates how you find them and ensure that any dog you have is on a short lead and kept close to you. Cattle are curious creatures and may well approach you to see who you are. They are also herd animals, so they tend to move together with one taking the lead. They are also frightened of dogs. This is an inherited memory linking back to the times of wolves. Just walk steadily through the meadow. Don’t let anyone chase the cattle or make loud noises.
If you or anyone in your party is uncomfortable about cattle it may be best to choose another walk.
Other routes
More Waypoint Pictures
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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Not sure how to find Rougham Pumpkins, because we’re not in the same field as last year? We’ve got you covered!
Finding the Rougham Pumpkin Patch is easier than you think, just follow this reel and you’ll know exactly where you’re going before you even leave the house.
We’re about 3 miles east of Bury St Edmunds, just south of Junction 45 on the A14, in Elderstub Lane.
(This is the same junction as last year, but south of the A14 instead of north.)
SatNav: IP30 9HX
What3words: others.flaunting.anchorman
Open 9am – 5pm at the weekends in October and daily 24-31 October.
Free entry, free parking, no booking needed.
Thousands upon thousands of pumpkins.
Games, bale pyramids, sand pits and more.
A fabulous festival selection of street food trucks.
Evening openings and SEN hours.
One golden pumpkin to be found in the field each day, winning the finder a free barrow-load of pumpkins.
All the info from our website, link in profile.
See you at the patch! 🎃🧡
#RoughamEstate #RoughamPumpkins #PickYourOwnPumpkins #SuffolkAutumn #BuryStEdmunds
The wait is over – Rougham Pumpkins opens today 🎉🎃 Just look at all these pumpkins on this year’s field!
Thousands upon thousands of pumpkins, squashes and gourds are waiting for you to pick them. Prices range from 75p to £10.
If you find the GOLDEN pumpkin hidden on the field, you win one wheelbarrow of pumpkins for free!
The patch is open 9am-5pm each weekend in October, and until 9pm on Saturdays 17th and 24th, and then daily from 24th to 31st.
There’s plenty of room to play and wander, enjoy games and photo-ops and food, glorious food!
🎃These wonderful food trucks are bringing the festival vibe here this weekend:
Roots&Co – coffee, bagels, crumble, drinks including wine, beer and cocktails
@whatthe_peck – Suffolk-reared fried chicken
@BadBoiBurritos – toasted burritos
@Pigs_In – all your pork favourites
@GeeGeeBakes – cheesecakes, milkshakes & coffees
@KiernansCoffee – coffees, drinks & snacks keeping you going at the “Pitch in the Patch”
@FullThrottleCoffeeCo – coffees & snacks
@Tikka_Tonic – New Delhi style street food (Saturday only)
@TheCreperieShack – sweet & savoury crepes
Or bring your own picnic if you like.
🎃NEW FIELD! The pumpkins are in a new field this year, the same as the sunflowers were, south of J45, A14 on Elderstub Lane.
SatNav: IP30 9HX
Maps and directions on our website
🎃Free entry, free parking, no booking needed – there’s no reason not to come
Grab a wheelbarrow, explore the patch, pick your favourites.
Come and feast and enjoy this glorious late summer sunshine.
Don’t forget:
🎃Pumpkins by Torchlight and Silent Disco on 17th and 24th October – headset tickets available from 5th October,
🎃 the quieter SEN-hours where there is ticket-only entry on 27th and 29th October 9am-10am.
Due to the very dry summer, most of the pumpkins are standard size.
Well-behaved dogs welcome on a lead in the picnic area, but not in the main patch because of problems in previous years.
All the details and almost every question answered on our website.
We can’t wait to welcome you here!! See you in the patch! 🧡
#roughampumpkins #roughamestate #burystedmunds #autumnfestival #suffolkevents
There’s something rather lovely about autumn leaves when they first start to turn.
On Saturday 10 October, the Canvas Club returns to Rougham Estate for an afternoon of painting inspired by the colours of the season.
Artist Sarah Rawlinson will guide you step by step as you create your own autumn leaves painting using acrylics. No previous painting experience is needed, and everything you need is provided, including your canvas, paints and brushes.
It’s a relaxed, social afternoon, with tea, coffee and sweet treats included. And, of course, you get to take your finished artwork home with you.
Saturday 10 October
1pm–4pm
£45 per person
The Meadow Room, behind Blackthorpe Barn
Age 16+
Booking is essential.
Find out more and book your place on our website or via the link in our bio.
#RoughamEstate #CanvasClub #PaintYourOwn #AutumnLeaves
Goodbye September.
As we say goodbye to September, we’re looking back on a month full of moments here at Rougham Estate. From time at Roots Café, to events at Blackthorpe Barn, to quiet walks through changing fields.
And now, we turn the page to October.
Hello, October. We’re looking forward to crisp mornings, autumn colours, and all that’s ahead this season.
#SeptemberAtRougham, #HelloOctober. @noelleescreative
Take a little inspiration from the garden and turn it into something you can keep.
On Saturday 17 October, join textile artist Caroline Hyde-Brown for our Stitching the Sunken Garden Workshop.
The day begins in the Sunken Garden, taking inspiration from the colours, textures and shapes around you before learning the Japanese botanical printing technique of Hapa-Zome.
You’ll then use your prints as inspiration for slow stitching and embroidery, creating your own unique piece of artwork to take home.
No previous experience is needed, so whether you’re already a keen stitcher or simply fancy trying something different, you can join in.
Saturday 17 October
10am–4pm
Meadow Room, Blackthorpe Barn
Tea, coffee and sweet treats are included, and all materials are provided.
Places are limited and booking is essential. Find out more and book your place on the Rougham Estate website.
#RoughamEstate #StitchingTheSunkenGarden #SuffolkWorkshops
As the weather gets cooler, we turn our attention to warmer dishes at Roots Café.
This week’s special is our sweet potato and chilli soup with Rougham honey. A warming combination of sweet potato, a little chilli and our own Rougham honey, perfect for an autumn day.
Our brunch special is our oven-baked nachos with cheddar, mozzarella, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and cowboy caviar (crunchy veg salsa in case you were wondering). Perfect for sharing, although we won’t judge if you keep them all to yourself!
Pop in after a walk around the Estate or simply come along for a cosy lunch.
Roots Café is open daily from 9am–4pm.
#RoughamEstate #RootsCafe #WeeklySpecials
You may notice the Rougham Estate Shop looks a little different at the moment…
As we start to transition towards our Christmas Shop, which opens in mid-October, we’ve downsized the shop for a short while as we make room for all the festive treats to come.
There’s still plenty to discover, with beautiful homeware, gifts and seasonal pieces, including some lovely autumnal touches and pumpkins.
Roots Café is open as usual, so why not combine a browse around the shop with a coffee, lunch or something sweet?
The shop and café are both open daily, and we look forward to seeing you.
#RoughamEstate #RoughamEstateShop #RootsCafe
Believe it or not, the 2027 harvest is already underway!
The first crop to be planted this season is our Oilseed Rape (OSR), which means those famous sea of yellow fields will be back before we know it.
OSR is usually planted in early to mid-August, but after such a dry summer, we had to wait for the right conditions. Planting was delayed until late August and into early September.
One of the challenges with growing OSR is the Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle, a pest that can cause significant damage to young plants. Rather than relying on broad-spectrum insecticides, we’ve sown a companion crop of buckwheat alongside the OSR. The idea is to confuse the beetles and hopefully reduce their impact on the crop.
It’s early days, but we’ll be watching it closely as it gets established. The yellow fields of 2027 might seem a long way off, but the work starts now!
#RoughamEstate #Farming #SuffolkFarming
Tag us @RoughamEstate
