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
Friday
4.8°C
Today
6.8°C
Tomorrow
4.2°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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After Christmas, Roots Cafe will be back open on the 28th December from 9am til 4pm – daily.
Serving great coffee, festive treats, snacks or hearty meals.
You can fill you day with a lovely walk around our grounds and then refresh at the cafe. Dogs are also welcome! 🐾
#ChristmasIsComing #RootsCafe #ShopLocal #ChristmasTime #roughamestate #DogWalkers #GoodFood #blackthorpebarn
After Christmas, Roots Cafe will be back open on the 28th December from 9am til 4pm – daily.
Serving great coffee, festive treats, snacks or hearty meals.
You can fill you day with a lovely walk around our grounds and then refresh at the cafe. Dogs are also welcome! 🐾
#ChristmasIsComing #RootsCafe #ShopLocal #ChristmasTime #roughamestate #DogWalkers #GoodFood #blackthorpebarn
Roots Café will be OPEN between Christmas and New Year – from the 28th and thereon into the New Year from 9-4pm.
Whether you’re looking to unwind after Christmas activities or fuel up for your New Year’s adventures, we’ve got just what you need. You could also tie it in with a walk on the Estate with the family and your furry friends. 🐕🐾
So… join us for a warm and inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and comforting drinks to keep the festive spirit alive.
We can’t wait to see you!
Roots Café will be OPEN between Christmas and New Year – from the 28th and thereon into the New Year from 9-4pm.
Whether you’re looking to unwind after Christmas activities or fuel up for your New Year’s adventures, we’ve got just what you need. You could also tie it in with a walk on the Estate with the family and your furry friends. 🐕🐾
So… join us for a warm and inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and comforting drinks to keep the festive spirit alive.
We can’t wait to see you!
Last Call for Christmas Shopping?
Online shopping in the UK is wrapping up, pardon the pun! If you haven’t placed your order yet, you might miss out on getting those perfect gifts in time! But don’t worry—there’s still a chance to snag something special here on the Estate.
In our Country Christmas Shop we still have unique gifts for that special someone and don’t forget to stop by the Pantry at Roots Café for some delicious goodies to make your celebrations even sweeter – perfect for a hamper.
Support local and find that perfect present for your loved ones! 🎅❤️
We look forward to seeing you soon!
#ShopLocal #LastMinuteGifts #RootsCafe #ChristmasShopping #ChristmasShopping #ChristmasTime #ChristmasIsComing #lastminuteshopping #GotYouCovered
Last Call for Christmas Shopping?
Online shopping in the UK is wrapping up, pardon the pun! If you haven’t placed your order yet, you might miss out on getting those perfect gifts in time! But don’t worry—there’s still a chance to snag something special here on the Estate.
In our Country Christmas Shop we still have unique gifts for that special someone and don’t forget to stop by the Pantry at Roots Café for some delicious goodies to make your celebrations even sweeter – perfect for a hamper.
Support local and find that perfect present for your loved ones! 🎅❤️
We look forward to seeing you soon!
#ShopLocal #LastMinuteGifts #RootsCafe #ChristmasShopping #ChristmasShopping #ChristmasTime #ChristmasIsComing #lastminuteshopping #GotYouCovered
The Maintenance Shed is another hidden gem within our Roots Café, providing a quiet and private space away from the hustle and bustle of the cafe.
It’s ideal for those seeking a more exclusive and intimate setting, whether you`re catching up on work, enjoying a quiet meal, or having a confidential meeting.
What makes the Maintenance Shed even more special is its unique décor. The space is filled with tools, antiques, and artefacts gathered from the Estate over the years, each with its own story to tell. These items offer a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Estate, adding character and charm to the space.
Whether you`re looking for a quiet retreat or a cosy spot with a touch of nostalgia, the Maintenance Shed is the perfect place to escape, relax, and soak in the history.
#RootsCafe #EstateHistory #ExclusiveSpace #SecludedRetreat #QuietEscape #RoughamEstate #history #suffolkhistory #NostalgicCharm #UniqueDecor #PrivateDining #HeritageTreasures
The Maintenance Shed is another hidden gem within our Roots Café, providing a quiet and private space away from the hustle and bustle of the cafe.
It’s ideal for those seeking a more exclusive and intimate setting, whether you`re catching up on work, enjoying a quiet meal, or having a confidential meeting.
What makes the Maintenance Shed even more special is its unique décor. The space is filled with tools, antiques, and artefacts gathered from the Estate over the years, each with its own story to tell. These items offer a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Estate, adding character and charm to the space.
Whether you`re looking for a quiet retreat or a cosy spot with a touch of nostalgia, the Maintenance Shed is the perfect place to escape, relax, and soak in the history.
#RootsCafe #EstateHistory #ExclusiveSpace #SecludedRetreat #QuietEscape #RoughamEstate #history #suffolkhistory #NostalgicCharm #UniqueDecor #PrivateDining #HeritageTreasures
We are only 8 days away from Christmas!
Many of us now have our trees up and will keep them up until the New Year. So how do you keep them fresh for as long as possible?
Here are some top tips 🎄
Half of your tree is made up of water so you need to keep it hydrated. So keep your tree watered and check it regularly.
Before you put your tree up, cut an inch off the bottom for optimum water absorption.
Make sure the stand can be filled with plenty of water and that your tree fits comfortably without having to whittle down any of the sides of the trunk. These parts of the tree are the most efficient absorbing water.
Keep your tree away from heat and direct sunlight. Lowering your room temperature by a degree or two will help.
In the meantime, enjoy that fresh Christmas scent and if you haven’t got your tree yet, we have them on sale until the 22nd of December.
#Christmas #ChristmasShopping #ChristmasTreeSales #ChristmasIsComing #ChristmasTime #ChristmasTree #roughamestate #BlackthorpeBarn
We are only 8 days away from Christmas!
Many of us now have our trees up and will keep them up until the New Year. So how do you keep them fresh for as long as possible?
Here are some top tips 🎄
Half of your tree is made up of water so you need to keep it hydrated. So keep your tree watered and check it regularly.
Before you put your tree up, cut an inch off the bottom for optimum water absorption.
Make sure the stand can be filled with plenty of water and that your tree fits comfortably without having to whittle down any of the sides of the trunk. These parts of the tree are the most efficient absorbing water.
Keep your tree away from heat and direct sunlight. Lowering your room temperature by a degree or two will help.
In the meantime, enjoy that fresh Christmas scent and if you haven’t got your tree yet, we have them on sale until the 22nd of December.
#Christmas #ChristmasShopping #ChristmasTreeSales #ChristmasIsComing #ChristmasTime #ChristmasTree #roughamestate #BlackthorpeBarn
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported local talent at our Arts & Crafts Fair – it’s been an incredible success!
But the festivities don’t stop there. Here’s what’s on at the Estate over the next few weeks:
Christmas Shop
Open daily until 22nd December, 9:30am–5pm (closing at 4pm on the final day). Explore a delightful selection of Christmas decorations, gifts, and more.
Estate-Grown Christmas Trees
Find your perfect tree, grown right here on the Estate! Available daily until 22nd December. No booking needed—just pop by.
Roots Café
Serving festive treats daily until Christmas Eve. After a short break, we’ll reopen on 28th December (9am-4pm) onwards in the New Year!
Scenic Estate Walks
Enjoy walks through Suffolk’s stunning countryside, ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Don’t miss the new trail to Tummel’s Grave in Rougham Park.
Garden Room Shop
Reopening 6th January with an exciting new range of items to explore.
Make the most of the rest of the festive season with us—we look forward to welcoming you.
#ChristmasGifts #ShopLocal #RoughamEstate #Christmas #ChristmasShopping #makingmagicalmemories #RoughamEstateBlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasTree #ArtsAndCraftsFair #walks #goodfood #localbusiness
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported local talent at our Arts & Crafts Fair – it’s been an incredible success!
But the festivities don’t stop there. Here’s what’s on at the Estate over the next few weeks:
Christmas Shop
Open daily until 22nd December, 9:30am–5pm (closing at 4pm on the final day). Explore a delightful selection of Christmas decorations, gifts, and more.
Estate-Grown Christmas Trees
Find your perfect tree, grown right here on the Estate! Available daily until 22nd December. No booking needed—just pop by.
Roots Café
Serving festive treats daily until Christmas Eve. After a short break, we’ll reopen on 28th December (9am-4pm) onwards in the New Year!
Scenic Estate Walks
Enjoy walks through Suffolk’s stunning countryside, ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Don’t miss the new trail to Tummel’s Grave in Rougham Park.
Garden Room Shop
Reopening 6th January with an exciting new range of items to explore.
Make the most of the rest of the festive season with us—we look forward to welcoming you.
#ChristmasGifts #ShopLocal #RoughamEstate #Christmas #ChristmasShopping #makingmagicalmemories #RoughamEstateBlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasTree #ArtsAndCraftsFair #walks #goodfood #localbusiness
This weekend is a cracker at Blackthorpe Barn!
The talented makers in the festive Barn are having a blast: it’s the last day of Arts&Crafts 2024 so come and join them and find that perfect gift.
From jewellery to leather bags, tiny teapots to recycled robots, artworks and garden art, cheese to ceramics, hats to big glass flowers, wool coats to pinafores, chocolates to soaps, and so much more! What more could you possibly dream of? Tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door.
Next door, the Christmas shop has decorations too many to count, and the freshly-cut Christmas trees outside are waiting to be taken home and dressed up.
Roots Café is warm and comfortable, the Takeaway Hut is serving tasty treats and the fabulous food trucks include @tikka_tonic with delicious New Delhi street food, @badboisburritos making Mexican food to die for and pizzas and focaccia toasties too…
Rougham Estate is where you’ll find Christmas this weekend!
All the details from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
Don’t miss out! Can’t wait to see you here!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #christmasshop #christmasmarket #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolk #burystedmunds #christmasiscoming
This weekend is a cracker at Blackthorpe Barn!
The talented makers in the festive Barn are having a blast: it’s the last day of Arts&Crafts 2024 so come and join them and find that perfect gift.
From jewellery to leather bags, tiny teapots to recycled robots, artworks and garden art, cheese to ceramics, hats to big glass flowers, wool coats to pinafores, chocolates to soaps, and so much more! What more could you possibly dream of? Tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door.
Next door, the Christmas shop has decorations too many to count, and the freshly-cut Christmas trees outside are waiting to be taken home and dressed up.
Roots Café is warm and comfortable, the Takeaway Hut is serving tasty treats and the fabulous food trucks include @tikka_tonic with delicious New Delhi street food, @badboisburritos making Mexican food to die for and pizzas and focaccia toasties too…
Rougham Estate is where you’ll find Christmas this weekend!
All the details from roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in profile
Don’t miss out! Can’t wait to see you here!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #christmasshop #christmasmarket #suffolkcraftsociety #suffolk #burystedmunds #christmasiscoming
Christmas is just around the corner!🎄
✨ This is the last big weekend of Christmas at Blackthorpe Barn, and there’s no storm to dampen the mood🎉
💍 It’s the very last Arts&Crafts weekend for 2024 with a bumper group of marvellous independent makers gathered in the fabulous festive Barn. Still looking for a gift? This is where you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door. Children 16 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.
🌲 Freshly-cut Christmas trees and potted trees are available to take home with you to make your home look beautiful.🎄
Open every day until 22 December, 9.30-5 (until 4 on Sundays). Dogs welcome.
🛍️ The magical Christmas Shop is open daily for all your decoration and last-minute gift needs… and wants😁
Open every day until 22 December, 9.30-5 (until 4 on Sundays). Dogs welcome, no paws on the floor.
🍽️ Roots Café is open every day serving home-cooked sit-down meals and snacks; the Takeaway Hut in the Courtyard is open at the weekend, serving warming tasty snacks like mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls and much more!
Roots Café is open every day 9-5 until 21 December, then 9-4 until 24 December. Dogs welcome, paws on the floor.
Beside the Play Meadow, we are joined by:
🥘 @tikka_tonic serving their wonderful twist on New Delhi street food
🌯 @badboisburritos making their delicious Mexican burritos
🍕 Sourdough pizzas and focaccia toasties available too
📍 We’re just outside Bury St Edmunds, 2 minutes from Junction 45 on the A14.
ℹ️ All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome – link in profile
👋 We’re looking forward to seeing you here!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolkchristmas #suffolk #suffolklife #suffolkcrafts #suffolkarts #suffolkcraftsociety #christmasshop #eastofengland #eastanglia
Christmas is just around the corner!🎄
✨ This is the last big weekend of Christmas at Blackthorpe Barn, and there’s no storm to dampen the mood🎉
💍 It’s the very last Arts&Crafts weekend for 2024 with a bumper group of marvellous independent makers gathered in the fabulous festive Barn. Still looking for a gift? This is where you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Open Saturday and Sunday 10-4
Tickets £2.50 online, £3 on the door. Children 16 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.
🌲 Freshly-cut Christmas trees and potted trees are available to take home with you to make your home look beautiful.🎄
Open every day until 22 December, 9.30-5 (until 4 on Sundays). Dogs welcome.
🛍️ The magical Christmas Shop is open daily for all your decoration and last-minute gift needs… and wants😁
Open every day until 22 December, 9.30-5 (until 4 on Sundays). Dogs welcome, no paws on the floor.
🍽️ Roots Café is open every day serving home-cooked sit-down meals and snacks; the Takeaway Hut in the Courtyard is open at the weekend, serving warming tasty snacks like mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls and much more!
Roots Café is open every day 9-5 until 21 December, then 9-4 until 24 December. Dogs welcome, paws on the floor.
Beside the Play Meadow, we are joined by:
🥘 @tikka_tonic serving their wonderful twist on New Delhi street food
🌯 @badboisburritos making their delicious Mexican burritos
🍕 Sourdough pizzas and focaccia toasties available too
📍 We’re just outside Bury St Edmunds, 2 minutes from Junction 45 on the A14.
ℹ️ All the info from roughamestate.com/welcome – link in profile
👋 We’re looking forward to seeing you here!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #burystedmunds #suffolkchristmas #suffolk #suffolklife #suffolkcrafts #suffolkarts #suffolkcraftsociety #christmasshop #eastofengland #eastanglia
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