Walking at Ickworth Estate
With miles of paths taking you to all corners of the 1,800 acre estate, there are plenty of trails to entice all visitors. Many are fully accessible for both wheelchairs and buggies and offer you the chance to explore the magnificent parkland.
The whole estate is stunning at this time of year. Low light throws long shadows across the parkland and the first green shoots are starting to appear. Whether you want a gentle amble through the woodland amongst emerging spring bulbs, a crips circular walk to get the blood pumping, or a longer trail to seek out those frosty far-reaching views, Ickworth can offer something for all occasions.
If you haven't visited before, there are some ideas below, or you may want to pop into the Welcome Point in our main car park where you will find the friendly team are always keen to give advice and directions.
Visitor favourites
The multi-use trail
The multi-use trail is a surfaced path, perfect for wheels, feet and paws. It can be split into two separate circular routes (the 4.5k Linnet Valley Trail, or the 9k Monument Trail), or tackled as one long walk. It's a good one for getting your steps in, working up an appetite and seeing some fabulous views along the way.
The Albana Wood
A number of paths loop their way through the Albana woodland and the first portion is surfaced and safe for wheels. This is a good one for little legs as you can circle back or change course whenever youngsters get tired and make it as long or short a walk as you like. Here you are likely to hear a lovely array of birdsong and will catch cheeky squirrels darting this way and that.
Geraldine's and Erskine's Walk
Behind the Porter's Lodge Café you can amble into the Geraldine's and Erskine's walks which will weave you through peacful trees and shrubberies to occasional views of the Rotunda across the North Lawn. It is in here that our first spring bulbs make theirselves known and where you are most likely to spot early snowdrops.
We have tried to cater for all abilities with our walks but if you are unsure of which walk suits you or would like some advice then please contact us by calling 01284 735270 or by emailing us at ickworth@nationaltrust.org.uk
Walks at Ickworth Estate
Ickworth Estate | Linnet Valley Trail
This route forms the first ½ of the Multi-use track (the 2nd is the Monument Walk). Taking you past Ickworth Lodge and along the River Linnet and up past the Walled Garden and St. Mary’s Church. Buzzard and Kingfishers frequent this area of the park; Roe Deer can be seen at Dawn and Dusk.
Ickworth Estate | Monument Trail
This route forms the second ½ of the Multi-use track (The first half is the Linnet Valley trail). Taking you to the Monument at the southern end of the park, passing St Mary’s Church, The Walled garden and returning past the Fairy Lake. One of the highlights is the spectacular view across the Linnet Valley to the Rotunda.
Ickworth Estate | Albana Walk
A short circular walk through some of the woodlands around Ickworth. If you have the energy when you walk along the Trim Trail try your hand on various fitness objects, ranging from pole climbing to ladder walks and leap frog.
Ickworth Estate | Walled Garden and Canal Walk
A circular walk taking you to the Walled Garden, and Canal lake, which is a haven for wildlife. There is a great view of the Walled Garden from the far side of the Canal lake, with St. Mary’s church, and the Rotunda behind.
Ickworth Estate | History Walk
With its history traced back to Domesday, Ickworth Estate has quite a story to tell. Originally managed as a working estate, its status today as a pleasure ground dates back only as far as the early 18th Century. Walk with us around this beautiful parkland and let your imagination fly with our stories of its development over the centuries under the care, love and sometimes eccentric attentions of the Hervey’s and St. Edmundsbury Abbey.
Ickworth Estate | Lady Hervey Walk
A four mile circular route taking you to the outer reaches of the estate, woodland and visiting Ickworth's two lakes.