Green Lanes
- 1 hour
- medium
- 2.5 miles
About
This walk passes Rougham Church and some of the really lovely green lanes that we have on the Rougham Estate. It’s an attractive area to visit at any time of year. The walk goes through woodland and includes a kissing gate.
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 pdf button above, if you prefer.
If you can’t access the map through the image above, use this google map link
Go on the Green Lanes 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
Tuesday
18.2°C
Today
22.2°C
Tomorrow
26.8°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 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
Enter the churchyard and walk up to the great western tower. Turn right here.
06
Step 6
Follow this path to the west and leave the churchyard by a metal pedestrian gate made to commemorate the Rougham Harvest Fair which was one of the Tree Fairs which were a feature of life in Rougham during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Continue down this path, through the kissing gate, until you reach a hedge in front of you.
07
Step 7
Turn right and follow the path along with the hedgerow on your left. At the end of this path, you reach a small wood ahead of you.
08
Step 8
Turn left here and follow the path through to the public road.
09
Step 9
You turn right onto the public road and will remain on it for approximately two to three minutes (about 200 yards). Take care as traffic can move quite fast. Stay on the right side of the road.
10
Step 10
You will see on your left front a double hedgerow approaching with a footpath sign pointing down the green lane and a 3-way road signpost. This is where you turn left. Cross the road with care and enter the green lane. The hedgerow here was planted in 2000 to commemorate the millennium and follows the route of an old right of way which links up to the ancient green lanes further on. They help to form a wildlife corridor to enable wild animals to move around more easily and safely.
11
Step 11
Follow this lane until it joins the ancient lane at a field edge. Continue straight on, down the ancient lane for several hundred metres before you encounter a right turn into another green lane. This next one is called Mouse Lane.
12
Step 12
Take Mouse Lane and follow it as it narrows to a single track before emerging at the far end by some mid-century houses. These houses are named after the green lane and are also called Mouse Lane.
13
Step 13
When the path meets the metalled public road, turn left onto the pavement and follow down to the junction where it meets a larger and faster road.
14
Step 14
Cross the larger road here with care and enter the footpath on the far side.
15
Step 15
This will take you to meet the Blackthorpe Barn avenue.
16
Step 16
Turn right on the avenue and walk down until you see Blackthorpe Barn on your right.
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.
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.
Waypoints 8-15
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08/08
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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A little taste of autumn has arrived at Roots Café.
These delish Oak Farm apples have just been picked here on Rougham Estate and delivered straight to the café, ready to be turned into some delicious dishes.
There’s something rather lovely about knowing exactly where your food has come from – from our land to the Roots kitchen.
If you want to taste the dishes they go in to, you know where to head 😉
#rootscafe #roughamestate
One last evening in the sunflowers and an afternoon of finding your inner Van Gogh…
What an evening this last sundowner is going to be! We had a great time with @runvibes.events last weekend – now it’s open to everyone!
This Saturday, as the season draws to a close, we’re opening the field again for a special summer sundowner. Come and enjoy the golden hour in the sunflowers with a BBQ, music, drinks and a proper festival feel. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to the sunflowers.
🍔 Summer BBQ with meat supplied by @thurstonbutchers : beef burgers, chicken, hot dogs, halloumi and vegan options as well as salad options. Book your tickets now; they’re limited and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Children’s meals are cheeseburgers or hotdogs.
🎵 Easy summer tunes from @solismusicuk as the sun goes down
🍹 Beer, wine, cider, Prosecco and cocktails from the Roots&Co bar
🍓 Snacks, traybakes, strawberries, ice creams and sweet treats from Roots&Co
✨ Face painting and a glitter bar for that festival touch from @faceitfaceart
🌻 Sunflowers to pick and take home
Entrance and parking are free as always. Book your BBQ ticket if you’d like us to cook for you. Picnics welcome too.
📅 Saturday 15th August
🕕 Gates open 6pm – Last entry 8:30pm – Field closes 9pm
🎟️ BBQ sittings: 6–7pm or 7–8pm
Menu details and more info from our website.
And the following day, the last day of Rougham Sunflowers this year, join artist Sarah Day @_day_design_ for a relaxed afternoon of painting in the sunflower field. No experience needed.
🎨 Canvas Club: Paint Your Own Sunflower
Sunday 16th August, 2–5pm.
No experience needed. Your ticket includes everything you need – canvas, paints, brushes, as well as a cocktail or mocktail and a couple of sunflowers to take home.
Ticket numbers are limited for both events. Book your tickets now from our website – link in profile. All the details on our website.
Come and send the sunflowers off with a flourish!
The sunflower field is open as usual, every day 9am-5pm until 16th August.
Pics from the RunVibes event by @noelleescreative
#roughamsunflowers #sunflowersundowner #suffolksummer #burystedmunds #suffolkdaysout
The Rougham Sunflowers are entering their last week and we’re sending them off in style. 🌻
Next weekend we have two very special finale events in the field and whether you fancy a paintbrush in your hand or a drink at sunset, there’s something for you.
☀️Sunflower Sundowner: Saturday 15th August, 6pm–9pm
An evening at the sunflowers with summer tunes, a BBQ, drinks and the sun setting over the field. Entry is free, just book your BBQ tickets if you’d like to be cooked for, or bring your own picnic.
Adult BBQ ticket £15, Child £6.50
🎨 Paint Your Own Sunflower: Sunday 16th August, 2pm–5pm
A guided painting workshop with artist Sarah Day @_day_design_ happening right here at the sunflowers.
No experience needed, just come and enjoy, and be impressed with what you create.
Ticket includes all materials, a cocktail or mocktail and 1–2 sunflowers to take home.
£45 per person, ages 16+.
Sunday 16th is the last day of the Rougham Sunflowers for 2026.
The sunflower field is open as usual every day 9am – 5pm until then, with 2 SEN-friendly hours on Tuesday and Thursday. So whether you come for one event or both, or just to wander through the flowers at another time, we’d love to see you.
🔗 Book tickets and find all the details on our website – link in profile.
#roughamestate #suffolksummer #sunflowersundowner #burystedmunds #suffolkdaysout
The sunflowers are looking fabulous! Now is the time to come and visit because the sunflower field is only open for 1 more week. The last day will be on Sunday 16th August.
But before the sunflowers close, why not come to these two summer events:
How about an evening in the sunflowers? Just before the sunflowers close, we’ll be opening the field for a Sunflower Sundowner on Saturday 15th August. Come and enjoy the evening light.
The field will reopen from 6pm until 9pm (last entry at 8:30pm) for you to wander through the flowers and enjoy a summer’s evening with some easy summer tunes, a BBQ, drinks, snacks, all in the glorious Suffolk countryside.
BBQ tickets are limited so book quickly. You are also welcome to bring your own picnic.
Entry is free as always. You only need to book your BBQ tickets.
Enjoy the festival vibe with face painting and a glitter bar.
You are welcome to pick and buy sunflowers.
Dogs are welcome as always in the grassy area on a short lead and in the dog path but not in the main maze.
All the information from our website – link in profile.
And on Sunday 16th, find your inner Van Gogh and come to the sunflower field to paint your own sunflower.
From 2pm to 5pm you can join the Canvas Club led by Sarah of @_day_design_ to be guided through the process. No previous art experience necessary.
Ticket price includes all the artist equipment needed, a cocktail or mocktail and 1 or 2 sunflowers that you can take home with you as well as your finished artwork.
All the info from our website – use the link in our profile. Ticket numbers limited.
These are the last days of the Rougham Sunflowers 2026 – come and enjoy them while they are still here!
These pictures were all taken on Friday 7th August.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
#burystedmunds #suffolksummer #roughamestate
Looking for a reason to get outdoors next week?
Join us on Monday 17 August for Ramble and Roots, our free monthly guided walk around the beautiful Rougham Estate.
Whether you’re looking to meet new people, enjoy some fresh air or simply take a break from the everyday, everyone is welcome.
Our relaxed 45-minute walk starts at 10am from Blackthorpe Barn before returning to Roots Café, where you’re invited to stay for a coffee, breakfast or lunch and continue the conversation.
The walk is free to join, but please book your free place in advance so we know you’re coming. You can do this via our website.
We look forward to seeing you there!
#blackthorpebarn #roughamestate #rambleandroots
And the winner is… the photo by Howard King of rye on Rougham Estate 🎉
Well done! What a wonderful picture of the Estate.
The Through Your Lens competition has been the last part of Rougham Estate In Bloom which started way back in May and celebrated the beauty of all parts of the Estate.
Thank you to everyone who entered the photography competition and a special congratulations to those who made it to the finalist stage. All your photos were amazing!
Thanks also go to everyone who took the time to vote. It was your votes, on Instagram, Facebook and in-person at Blackthorpe Barn, that determined who the final winner was.
@howardking2468 well done again, and we will be in touch about your gift voucher prize!
#photographycompetition #roughamestateinbloom #suffolkcountryside
With the warmer weather encouraging more visitors to the Estate to enjoy the outdoors, including the sunflowers, we wanted to drop a gentle reminder that the grounds are extra dry, making the risk of fire exceptionally high.
To help us protect the Estate, wildlife, and each other, please be extra cautious with:
Cigarettes: please dispose of your cigarettes safely in a bin and ensure that they are completely out.
Glass items and rubbish: dispose of waste properly, especially glass, which can focus direct sunlight and ignite dry grass.
Parking: Try not to park on areas of long, dry grass, as hot exhaust pipes can easily spark a fire.
Please report any issues or fire straight away.
In the meantime we look forward to welcoming you to the Estate.
Check out our brunch special starting from today…
A zesty and filling dish of a hash brown topped with salmon mousse, poached egg, chopped chives, chilli flakes and drizzled with lemon and dill oil.
Great for al fresco dining in our courtyard or the sunken garden ☺️☀️
Available this week only so don’t miss out!
#brunchspecial #roughamestate
Tag us @RoughamEstate
