Clare and Chilton Street: Upper Common, Sheepgate Lane and streamside circuit

Start at Clare Castle Country Park’s public pay-and-display car park on Malting Lane. This countryside circuit leaves through Malting Lane and High Street, then follows public footpaths towards Upper Common. It uses the town’s recorded paths rather than the short waterworks permissive approach in the park’s Chilton Street leaflet.

Cross the gently rising fields, continue through the small wooded section to Sheepgate Lane, and turn west towards Leys Farm. Before the farm, take the signed path north beside Cold Weather Plantation, with open views towards Chilton Street. The narrow descent reaches Clare Road; follow the lane east through the hamlet. At the Folly Road junction, cross carefully and take the signed footpath behind the houses. Cross the stream footbridge, follow the fields, then use the second bridge and kissing gate into Goose Croft Meadow. Rejoin Clare Road and return through Callis Street and the town centre to Malting Lane.

Allow about two and a half hours for the field paths, gates and gentle climbs. Arable ground and woodland can be muddy or slippery, especially in winter. There is roughly 800 metres of narrow lane walking, plus road crossings; face approaching traffic where there is no pavement. Keep dogs on leads around livestock in the meadows. The park has toilets and a café when open. Parking charges apply from 9am to 7pm; check the machine for your stay.

Route based on Clare Castle Country Park’s Chilton Street walk, with the departure variation checked against Suffolk County Council’s public footpath map.