Hadleigh Railway Walk
This walk takes you along the trackbed of the old Hadleigh Railway line from Hadleigh to Raydon Wood railway station in Suffolk. It's a 2 mile stroll on flat paths which are also suitable for cyclists.
The walk starts from the now closed Hadleigh railway station, in the centre of the ancient market town. The station was the terminus of the Hadleigh Railway, a short branch line from Bentley Junction, which opened in 1847. The station building still stands and is in use as a private residence.
The route heads south east along the old line, passing Raydon Great Wood before finishing at the old Raydon Wood railway station. There's a car park at this end of the route so you could also start from here if you prefer.
To continue your walking in Hadleigh you could enjoy a stroll along the River Brett in the town centre.
The path is located a few miles west of Ipswich where there's nice trails to try along the River Orwell and the River Gipping. The town is also located close to the Dedham Vale AONB where there's lovely walks around Constable country.
Hadleigh Railway Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Hadleigh Railway Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Hadleigh Railway Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hadleigh Railway Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Kings Head does good food and has a nice garden area to sit out in. You can find the pub at 90 High St with a postcode of IP7 5EF for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The walk is a nice one to do with your dog but it might be best to keep them on leads with cyclists using the trail.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just a couple of miles north west of Hadleigh you'll find the delightful village of Kersey. It's one of the prettiest places in the county with medieval cottages, the famous Water Splash and a fine old timber framed pub. The circular Kersey Walk explores the countryside around the village and visits the little village of Lindsey on the way.
To the south west there's Stoke By Nayland and Polstead to explore. Both are pretty villages with historic features such as a 15th century church and 17th century inn.
Just a mile to the north east there's Wolves Wood to explore. The RSPB owned site includes some peaceful woodland trails, pretty ponds and lots of wildlife to see.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Suffolk Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
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Shops On Hadleigh High Street
Sign on the Hadleigh railway walk sign at the start of the walk.
Nice view of the tree lined path in June 2009
Bridge over the path
Late summer 2007
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Raydon Station, as was (known as Raydon Wood after October 1895) Now a coal merchant's.
St Mary's Deanery Tower, Hadleigh. The tower was built in 1495.
River Brett at Hadleigh. Looking towards the road bridge from a footbridge linking the town to the Babergh Council Offices for pedestrians. The riverside path through the town is another good walking option.