Melford Hall Windmill Hill walk
Get away from the traffic and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Take in the Suffolk countryside on this circular walk with hidden gems, woodland, open fields and spectacular views of Melford Hall and the church of Holy Trinity (take a peek at the stained-glass windows).
Total steps: 12
Total steps: 12
Start point
Melford Hall, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9AA. Grid ref: TL866483.
Step 1
Leave Melford Hall, cross over the road and turn left.
Step 2
Very shortly, turn right down the bridleway (see signpost) between the car park and the village hall. Follow the wide grassy path.
Step 3
Go straight over the distinct track junction, with Long Lane track on your right.
Step 4
Follow the track straight ahead and at the next track junction, observe the three houses at the top of the hill on your right along the A1092.
Step 5
Pass by the sewage works along the concrete road.
Step 6
At the barn with the partly hidden thatched Cranfield Cottage on your left, turn left down the track, ignoring the road to your right.
Step 7
With a metal gate a short distance in front of you, turn right by the small signpost, walking along the fence line, with the open field to your right.
Step 8
When you reach the telephone post right beside the fence, with a wood line 218yd (200m) in front of you, turn right and walk uphill on the right-hand side of the tree line. There's no signpost here. As you move uphill, the path diverts into the wood line by a small signpost on the left-hand side of the wood.
Step 9
At the end of the wood line, go forward and left across the busy A1092 and walk along Cranmore Green Lane, passing Bridge Farm cottage immediately on your right.
Step 10
Directly opposite Parsonage Farm on your left, follow the signpost on your right entering a wood. Follow the path along, turning left across a small bridge, walking uphill in the open. The path then goes right and then left through a hedge line. At the end of the hedge, which is now on your left, follow the path straight across the field until you reach the B1066.
Step 11
Turn right and walk on the left-hand side of the road around the double bend for some 330yd (300m). Virtually opposite a field entrance on the right-hand side, across a field to your left you will see a tree line a short distance away running parallel with the road, with a distinct gap at the start of the treeline. A footpath leads off the road to your left straight to the gap. Take that path to the left going straight through the gap or archway.
Step 12
Follow the track downhill, heading for Holy Trinity Church in the near distance. Turn right at the hedgerow, then cross the stream to your left facing an open wooden fence line. Follow the fence line to your left and head straight on up, go over two stiles and through a gate. Go through the churchyard, then passing the almshouses on your left, with Melford Green in front of you, it's a very short walk across and back to the start.
End point
Melford Hall, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9AA. Grid ref: TL866483.
Trail map
More near here
Melford Hall countryside walk
Enjoy views of open fields, gently rolling hills, beautiful vistas, distant churches and clear running brooks on a walk through Suffolk countryside.
Lavenham to Long Melford railway walk
Walk amid wild flowers, birds and animals along the disused Great Eastern railway line between two medieval ‘wool’ villages, starting at the Guildhall and finishing at Melford Hall, Long Melford.
Flatford and Constable country walk
Explore the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale, captured on canvas by artist John Constable, on this relaxing walk with short and long options.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Eating at Melford Hall
The tea-room at Melford Hall in Suffolk is the ideal place to treat yourself to a cuppa and a tasty treat before, during or after your visit.
Walking in Suffolk
From strolls around famous historic sites to wanders through patchworks of purple heather, these are some of the best winter walks in Suffolk.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.