Whichever direction you walk from Clare there is some beautiful countryside interspersed with pretty villages to explore. Our compass walks are linear, so you will need to arrange transport back to Clare: bus services, where available, are very limited.
Go West along the scenic route of the River Stour and now disused railway line, arriving after 7 miles at Haverhill’s East Town Park. The walk is graded as moderate and takes about 140-160 minutes to complete.
Head East to Melford Country Park and if wished the Nethergate Brewery at Rodbridge near Long Melford. This is a very rural 8 mile walk with only a small amount of walking on minor roads. This walk is moderate and takes approximately 150 to 180 minutes.
Head North for 8 miles through arable fields and woods to the beautiful Glem valley and the historic hillside village of Hawkedon. This walk is also moderate at 150 to 180 minutes.
To complete the compass points, go South along the 8.5 mile Magna Carta trail, so called because it links the Norman castles of Clare and Hedingham and celebrates their leading role in the Magna Carta. Gilbert and Richard de Clare and Robert de Vere, influential noblemen of Clare and Hedingham, were 3 of the 25 powerful English barons who forced King John to sign the Magna Carta on 15 June 1215. The walk takes in farmland, an ancient drovers’ route and the Great Park of the de Veres, lords of the manor of Castle Hedingham.
Walks leaflets are available from the Park’s visitor centre and cafe and may also be downloaded from Clare Walks Group’s website.