This walk through ancient woodland and open, upland country, links two of the prettiest river valleys in High Suffolk. There are fine views, interesting and aged vernacular buildings, and a stretch of Roman road, making this an interesting walk, with or without company.
c.5.5 miles; 2.5 hours
St Peter’s Church, Ubbeston (now a private home)
Map of Two Valleys Walk, OS Explorer Map 231, 1:25,000 (Arrows are photograph sites)
The Walk
Park in a layby just beyond the former Church of St Peter, Ubbeston, and take the signed footpath below the church, heading west along the lovely Ubbeston valley and the headwaters of the River Blyth (often dry in summer) through ancient woodland and out onto the road (the Low Road between Heveningham and Laxfield). In half a mile turn left on a track to Grove Farm and continue on a signed path to the B1117. Here turn right along the road and soon left on a farm track to impressive and beautiful Boat Hall (GR324726). Continue on the same line across fields until, going through a hedge, the footpath is diverted eastwards and then south for some distance round Wood Farm between electric fences. The path is clearly signed but tends to be a little overgrown in summer.
On regaining the footpath on the map, continue to the top of a ridge overlooking the wide and open Yox valley with views across to Peasenhall. Here (GR327702) ignore the footpath sign and turn left along the right hand side of the hedge, through a wood and continue along the ridge above the Yox to a shaw through which you join a main track, turning left for Low Grange Farm appearing between the trees, with its fine pargetting.
From Low Grange Farm follow down the metalled track to cross a stream and climb gently to the left reaching Heveningham Long Lane after a mile. Turn left along the Roman road (a busy road, so take care), crossing the B1117 to continue uphill on the Roman road (now a grassy track) and descend back into the Ubbeston and Blyth Valley. In regaining the road, turn left and return to the car.
BE AWARE: the last field before regaining the road usually has cattle; if they are at the ends of the field you are safe! Check before starting the walk.
The path in Ubbeston Wood, with dry river bed
Looking over the meadows beside Ubbeston Woods
Beside the path
The Ubbeston Valley, just before joining The Low Road
Fruit in the hedgerow
Grove Farm
Laxfield Church tower peeping out above the fields
Bullaces in the hedgerow
Boats Hall is a Grade II listed Manor Farmhouse dating back to the 16C, and moated. The listing mentions an ‘..intact slatted cheese room..’.
Old barn with pigeon roosts at Boats Hall
Boats Hall
Ditch crossing just beyond Boats Hall
Diversion at Wood Farm
On the top, walking away from Wood Farm
Lonely fields on the top of the hill
Looking towards the Yox Valley
And another view
It was hard to leave the view!
Walking towards Low Grange Farm
Looking down the Yox Valley just before Low Grange Farm
Low Grange Farm
A tributary of the Yox River, just after Low Grange Farm
Ploughing at Iron Gate Farm
A dink in the Roman Road before continuing up the hill, towards the wood
On the top of the hill, overlooking the Ubbeston Valley
The concealed stile where the path crosses into the neighbouring field
The stile on The Low Road, with the path going up the hill on the right side of the line of trees, towards the wood on the brow of the hill
Ubbeston Hall Farm
Ubbeston Hall is a Grade II listed early 18c building with important historical connections.
Ubbeston Hall
The final stretch of The Low Road, towards the Church
And just for fun, here is an extract from Joseph Hodskin’s map of 1783 showing the same area.
Joseph Hodskin’s map of 1783
