Hadleigh Railway Walk: Raydon Great Wood and back

Follow the former railway from Hadleigh to the edge of Raydon Great Wood, then return along the same trackbed. The route alternates between sheltered cuttings and raised embankments, with views over fields and woodland. It covers the full railway nature reserve rather than the adjoining countryside circuits.

Start at the small Railway Walk North public car park off Station Road, Hadleigh. Walk through the southern end of the parking area onto the old railway path. Keep to the main trackbed past The Fuzz nature reserve and over the bridge above Hook Lane. Continue southeast along the tree-lined railway corridor, passing the edge of Raydon Great Wood. Turn back within the Railway Walk South parking approach before Woodlands Road; this route does not cross the road or enter the former station premises. Retrace the trackbed to the Hadleigh car park.

The route is gently graded, with a paved town end and mostly unpaved railway path beyond. Mud, puddles, roots and uneven surfaces are possible after rain. Share the path considerately with cyclists and horse riders, and keep dogs under control. Stay on the railway corridor rather than taking side paths down to the river or across fields. Allow about two hours and fifteen minutes for the 7.1 km return, including short pauses for the countryside and railway remains.

Parking is limited; check the current signs for charges and maximum stay. Hadleigh has shops and refreshments, but these are outside the plotted route. Carry water for the woodland section.

Route based on Hadleigh Town Council’s Walking Around Hadleigh leaflet and the complete Railway Walk map in its neighbourhood plan, updated December 2025. Access and Suffolk County Council closure information checked in October 2026.