Laxfield Circular Walk ~ Griffmonsters Great Walks

Monday, 7 February 2022

Laxfield Circular Walk

Author: Griffmonster | Monday, 7 February 2022 | No comments |

A walk that encapsulates the Suffolk countryside around Laxfield

Laxfield is one of those Suffolk secrets, a village of wonders. This walk provides a little wander around the countryside around the village but there is more to be seen in the village, where the church, the museum and the two village pubs are all well worth visting.

NOTE

This is a walk summary intended to provide the user with just the essential information in order to navigate the walk route. Fully detailed information notes, refreshment stops and walk features are not included in this. A full write up will may be included in the future.

Essential Information

Walk Statistics

Start location: Laxfield
Distance: miles ( km)
Total Gain: ft ( metre)
Total Descent: ft ( metre)
Min Height: ft ( metre)
Max Height: ft ( metre)
Walk Time:
Walk Grade: Easy
Terrain: Footpath, Country Lane

Maps:

The following maps and services can assist in navigating this route. There are links to printed maps and links to downloadable GPX route data for importing into navigational software and apps.

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map: OS Explorer 231 - Southwold & Bungay
GPX Route File

Walk Notes

Laxfield is full of history. It was where John Noyes was martyred at the stake in 1557 for his protestant views. It is the birthplace of iconoclast William Dowsing who went on to destroy many religious works of art across East Anglia during the 17th century. There probably isn't a church in the county that his hands did not desecrate, apart from Laxfield itself. Although he was born in the village, he had moved away by the time the Earl of Manchester tasked him to carry out the destruction, according to the records which can be seen in his diary. Even though Laxfield church is not listed, it nonetheless bears all the hallmarks of the puritan destructiveness with the carved figures that adorn the ends of each pew all beheaded.

In the first decade of the 20th century the Mid Suffolk Light Railway was built and terminated at Laxfield, lasting until the early 1950s. The station is long gone although the platform lurks in the undergrowth just outside the village.

All in, this walk is a great accompaniment to exploring the village. A visit to the museum is essential and the two historic pubs provide fascination as well as the opportunity of refreshments. The Low House, also known as The Kings Head is an unspoilt 16th century building where the drinks are served from a tap room at the back of the building.

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