Hare Farm Walk
- 45 mins
- easy
- 2 miles
About
This walk explores the green lane system and passes the outlying Hare and Maltings Farms, returning to the Barn via quiet public roads. There are no gates or stiles on this walk.
The walk starts at Blackthorpe Barn where you can find plenty of free parking as well as Roots Café and the 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 Hare Farm Walk with George and Bolly in this video, where George Agnew narrates the walk covering interesting information along the way:
Weather
Today
20.3°C
Tomorrow
18.2°C
Monday
18.9°C
Waypoints
01
Step 1
Set off from Blackthorpe Barn carpark turning left up the avenue, walking for about 300 metres.
02
Step 2
Then take the footpath branching off to the left. When you reach the end use caution as you emerge onto a busy public road.
03
Step 3
Turn left here by a poop bin and then turn right immediately and walk up Mouse Lane. Use the right-hand pavement. Follow this until you approach the first mid-century house ahead of you.
04
Step 4
At this point the footpath leads off at an angle to the right and follows along behind some further houses. Continue on this path as it narrows and becomes a green lane. Follow this until you meet a junction in the green lanes.
05
Step 5
Turn right here and walk along this beautiful lane, flanked by veteran trees and ancient hedges which meet over the top.
06
Step 6
At the end of this green lane you emerge on the public road called Elderstubb Lane. This is normally quiet but do take care. Turn right and follow this road as it passes through a tunnel of hedges. Keep any dogs on short leads.
07
Step 7
At the far end of this tunnel, you emerge into more open country with Hare Farmhouse on your right which is a charming little thatched Estate cottage. Continue down the road until you come to a T junction.
08
Step 8
Turn right here and follow this tree- and hedge-lined road for half a mile, until you reach a junction.
09
Step 9
On your left front you will see the entrance to the Blackthorpe Barn avenue. Cross into the avenue with care.
10
Step 10
Continue down the avenue to the Blackthorpe Barn and the Roots Café where refreshments await.
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.
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.
Other routes
More Waypoint Pictures from Point 6
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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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It’s going to be cooler at the weekend!
They are predicting a very pleasant mid-20s for Saturday and Sunday, making it just the perfect temperature to visit the sunflowers for the last time. And it’s spot-on timing for our two final events of Rougham Sunflowers 2026.
🍔On Saturday evening, the Sunflower Sundowner opens at 6pm.
Free entry for everyone, with summer tunes from @solismusicuk , drinks, desserts, snacks and good company as the sun goes down.
BBQ tickets, with meat from @thurstonbutchers , are still available but must be booked by Friday 14th. You don’t need a ticket to come, just to book your meal.
The 6pm-7pm sitting is virtually full, but we still have a few tickets left for the 7pm-8pm sitting. We’ve extended the ticket sales window, to close today, on Friday 14th.
£15 for the adult ticket, £6.50 for the child meal.
All the info, including the menu, from our website – link in profile.
🎨On Sunday afternoon, the Canvas Club: Paint Your Own Sunflower with Sarah Day @_day_design_ brings the season to a close in the best possible way.
From 2pm-5pm enjoy a pleasant afternoon surprising yourself with what you can create, being guided in your painting by Sarah. She’s posted a great little video so you can see how your painting might progress.
Enjoy relaxing company (come with friends, or come and make friends), spoil yourself with a cocktail (or mocktail) included in the price and go home with your finished artwork to remember the day. £45 includes all the materials you need and a cocktail. Tickets from our website – link in profile. Ticket sales close on Friday 14th.
📣The field closes for good at 5pm on Sunday 16th August.
Until then, we’re open every day, 9am-5pm.
🌻The sunflowers have been feeling the heat and many are drooping and are past their best now. However there are still some sunflowers that have just opened, so there are still flowers worth picking. The photos of the sunflowers in this reel were taken on Wednesday 12th.
Come and enjoy the space, the cooler air and the last of the sunflowers. 🌻
#roughamestate #roughamsunflowers #burystedmunds #suffolkdaysout
📣Last chance to get your BBQ tickets – sales close on Friday 14th.
This is your final opportunity to book a seat at the Sunflower Sundowner BBQ this Saturday. Once tickets are gone, they’re gone, and there won’t be another evening like this one.
Join us in the sunflower field as the sun goes down, with food by Roots and supplied by @thurstonbutchers , music provided by @solismusicuk , drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, face painting, glitter bar and a wonderful summer evening vibe.
Free entry for everyone, but if you want us to cook for you, book your BBQ ticket now.
🌻Saturday 15th August
🌻Gates open 6pm-9pm, last entry 8:30pm
🍔 BBQ sittings: 6–7pm or 7–8pm – menu on our website
🎟️ Book now on our website, link in profile.
The sunflowers are nearly over. Make the most of them. 🌻🥂🎉
#roughamestate #roughamsunflowers #burystedmunds #suffolksummer #suffolkdaysout
🌒 LOOK UP TONIGHT…
Something rather special is happening in the skies over Rougham this evening.
Tonight, the UK will experience its most impressive solar eclipse in years and here in Suffolk, around 90% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon at its peak.
The partial eclipse begins at around 6.16pm, reaching its maximum at approximately 7.11pm, before coming to an end shortly after 8pm.
And the good news? Clear skies are forecast. ☀️
So find yourself a good view towards the western sky and enjoy what should be a rather extraordinary summer evening. 🌒
One important thing: please don’t look directly at the Sun. Ordinary sunglasses aren’t enough … proper eclipse glasses should be used to view it safely.
Who’s going to be watching from Suffolk tonight? 👀
#RoughamEstate #SolarEclipse #SuffolkSkies #Suffolk #BuryStEdmunds
EastAnglia … LookUp
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
Tag us @RoughamEstate
