Image shared for Ickworth Lady Hervey Walk: Adkins Wood, Fairy Lake and Canal Lake
Park / Green space Circular

Ickworth Lady Hervey Walk: Adkins Wood, Fairy Lake and Canal Lake

Suffolk

Distance
4.4 mi
Est. time
2h 30m
Difficulty
Medium
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

A woodland and lakes circuit from the main National Trust visitor car park at Ickworth, near Horringer. Walk out along the estate drive, enter Adkins Wood beside the main gates, then follow the pink Lady Hervey waymarks through Fontainebleau Grove and Lady Hervey's Wood to Fairy Lake. The return follows the Linnet valley past Canal Lake, crosses the river on the estate bridge and climbs back past the Walled Garden and St Mary's Church to the visitor area.

Allow about two and a half hours. Expect woodland and grass paths, muddy stretches after rain, roots, gates and a narrow wooden boardwalk by Fairy Lake. The estate roads are shared with vehicles, so use the walking margins on the entrance drive. The final climb out of the valley adds some effort. This route is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Use the signed vehicle entrance from Horringer on the A143, stopping at the welcome kiosk for directions to the main visitor car park. Estate admission is required for non-members; National Trust members enter free. Dogs must remain on leads, with extra care around livestock. Toilets and refreshments are available near the visitor car park; check opening times before travelling. The Rotunda and West Wing are closed from 5 to 9 October 2026, while parkland and Porter's Lodge remain available.

Route checked against the National Trust's Lady Hervey roadbook and 2026 estate map. Follow current waymarks and any local notices.

Walk details

County
Suffolk
Walk type
Circular
Category
Park / Green space
Distance
4.4 mi (7.1 km)
Est. time
2h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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