With the snow falling heavily these past few days the panoramic views from our local countryside footpaths look even more magnificent than normal. Our resident photographer, John Schwarz, has been out with the camera trying to capture some of our local heritage assets from the public footpath network we enjoy here.
This first photo is taken from footpath W-472/022/0. Near to the top of Blood Hill, Somersham but a bit more towards Flowton there is a 90o bend in the road, followed by an avenue of black poplar trees. The view from that bend is well known because of how spectacular and unspoilt it is. But anyway on the bend there is a footpath that heads down into the valley across a few fields, towards Valley Farm, Flowton. The footpath continues into the next field, but this photo is taken from within that first field along the bottom hedge line. Valley Farm, a grade 2 listed heritage asset, is shown in the photo.
This next photo is taken from footpath W-472/021/0 in Somersham. This runs from the western side of Somersham Park in a north westerly direction towards Flowton Road. Bleak Hall, a Grade 2 listed heritage asset, is prominent on the landscape. This is a very popular footpath for walkers.
And lastly for now, from the same place as the photo above but looking in a NNE direction, there is the western side of Somersham to the right of the photo, and in the distance around 2.7km away you can see High Hall, Nettlestead, which is a Grade 2* listed heritage asset.
Somersham has some very beautiful views along their footpaths, these being just a tiny snapshot. And this is well recognised by Somersham Parish Council and Suffolk County Council for it’s contribution, not only to the wellbeing of local residents, but of those further afield too.
As Somersham is in a valley all the footpaths go ‘up’ and give splendid views over the village and surrounding countryside. Most of our paths have remained unchanged for years and link up with neighbouring villages so good circular walks can be planned. Every year rambling groups from Ipswich, Stowmarket and other local towns come out to Somersham just to walk our paths. A walk, short or long, benefits health in all age groups.
Somersham Parish Council Website
Thank you to John, and his dog, for such fabulous photos and allowing us to share them.