The Cornard section of The Gainsborough Trail was officially launched on the 7th May!
The Great Cornard section explores 7 miles of varied landscapes from riverside paths, open glades and woodlands to viewpoints overlooking the landscape that inspired Thomas Gainsborough. Discover historic Bakers Mill and Mill Tye Gallery, opposite the mill pond, beside the meandering Stour, ancient Danes Hole where Boudicca’s army defeated the Romans (possibly!), and chalk cliffs that gave rise to Sudbury’s brick-making industry. The views over Sudbury and the surrounding landscape are breath taking and a rare treat in an otherwise flat Suffolk.
GAINSBOROUGH TRAIL Cornard Walk
DURATION: 3 hours
Circular route - 7 miles / moderate, hilly in parts.
Start Point: Kingfisher Leisure Centre Car Park, Sudbury, CO10 2SU
Starting at point A: With the Kingfisher Leisure Centre behind you and Waitrose on your right, walk to the far-left corner of the car park to enter the Valley Trail, a former railway line that once ran from Sudbury to Bury St Edmunds. Follow the trail for approx. 50m, turn left over a metal bridge into Friars Meadow, then simply follow the red Great Cornard Walk waymarkers.
Interpretation panels can be found at:
- Valley Trail at the entrance to Friars Meadow
- Cornard Riverside Walk, near the lock and overlooking St Andrews
- Cornard Country Park, near the allotments
- Shawlands Wood
With wayfinding discs throughout the route.
Download the official map and guide here: sudburytowncouncil.co.uk/walking
Or pick one up from the gift shop at the Mill Tye Gallery in Great Cornard.
The gallery is open Thursday to Sunday 11am to 4pm, plus over the Spring Bank Holiday.