Long Melford: Kentwell Hall, Chad Brook and Hare Drift countryside circuit

A countryside circuit from Long Melford’s Old School car park, using the National Trust’s full countryside route past Kentwell Hall and along Chad Brook. The car park is run by the parish council and asks for a suggested donation. Follow the parking signs and leave room for other users.

Leave by the driveway and School Lane, then follow the High Street pavement north with views towards Melford Hall and Holy Trinity Church. At the Kentwell entrance, take the public path up the avenue. Before the hall gates, follow the signed route left around the outside of the grounds, then north on the farm track towards Kiln Farm. Turn east along the paths by Kiln and Ashen Grove woods, follow the field-edge bends and descend towards Bridge Street. The walk passes the halls’ surroundings; admission to either house or garden is separate.

At Bridge Street, descend the signed steps to Aveley Lane. Use the short road link to the A134, cross carefully and follow Bridge Street Road over the brook to the southbound footpath. Continue beside Chad Brook and cross on the footbridge with handrails. Use this bridge rather than the nearby fords. Follow the field paths south, passing the corner with the pillbox, before turning west up the hill towards Hare Drift. Cross the A134 again at the signed path entrance and follow the concrete bridleway through the garden-centre approach back to the High Street. Return on the pavement to School Lane and the car park driveway.

Allow about 3 hours 15 minutes for the 10.5 km route, including short pauses. Expect muddy or uneven grass and earth paths, roots, gates, stiles and some steps. Both A134 crossings are uncontrolled, with fast traffic; wait for a clear gap in both directions. There are short stretches on minor roads without a pavement. This is not a step-free route. Keep dogs on leads near livestock and roads. Cafés are available in the village; Melford Hall facilities depend on opening times.

Route reference: National Trust, Melford Hall countryside walk. Suffolk County Council’s current path closure list was checked on 6 October 2026. This route stays clear of the closed Lavenham railway footpath.