A historic pilgrimage through Suffolk’s river valleys, wool towns, and open heathland
St Edmund’s Way runs from Manningtree on the Essex border to Brandon near the edge of the Brecks, linking riverside meadows, medieval towns, and woodland tracks across the breadth of Suffolk. For those exploring the county through self-guided travel, the route connects places, landscapes, and history into a continuous walking journey shaped as much by heritage as by terrain.
The early miles follow the River Stour through the water meadows of the Dedham Vale National Landscape, sharing ground with the Stour Valley Path as fields, mills, and church towers line the valley. From Sudbury the trail turns inland, moving through gently rolling farmland towards Long Melford and Lavenham, two of England’s best-preserved wool towns where timber-framed houses and wide churchyards speak of centuries of trade and pilgrimage.
Further north the route reaches Bury St Edmunds, historically the spiritual centre of the walk and home to the ruins of the Abbey of St Edmund. From here the character shifts again. Lanes and field paths give way to the sandy soils, heath, and forest of the Brecks, where the landscape opens into quieter stretches beneath pine and birch.
The final stages through Thetford Forest feel calmer and more enclosed, with long straight tracks leading towards Brandon and the River Little Ouse. The overall experience is one of gradual transition — from river valley to farmland to woodland — with settlements spaced naturally along the way.
Although rooted in pilgrimage, the appeal of St Edmund’s Way lies less in distance or challenge and more in continuity. It is a route that rewards a steady pace, linking towns, churches, and open countryside into a reflective journey across Suffolk.
Trail Overview
Distance
Approximately 79 miles / 127 km
Typical time on foot
5–7 days
Start
Manningtree
Finish
Brandon
Terrain
Farmland paths, river valleys, quiet lanes, woodland tracks, heathland, and market towns
