Broom Hill Short Walk
Coddenham to Hemingstone – just 3 miles from Woodfarm Barns.
Having been told by a friend that there were positive sightings of millions of Snowdrops, we went in search of them.
This great little walk is a community project winding through the woods from Coddenham to Hemingstone in the heart of rural Suffolk. Many of our guests walk down to Coddenham as it’s only a 3-mile ‘lane walk’ from our holiday cottages but until now I was unaware of this ‘extension’.
It starts opposite the Dukes Head pub up Love Lane. There’s a public footpath running through between the houses and up to the top of Broom Hill.
The sight that greets you as you go over the top is fantastic as it drops right down towards Hemingstone and Claydon and you can see the grounds of Shrublands Hall.
Following the footpath down there are several rustic benches to stop and take in the view, as well as a little picnic table at one point too! This really is a well-thought-out project that has not spoilt the natural surroundings in any way.
We certainly found the Snowdrops (mid-Feb) as you can see!
There’s a house along the bottom of the path and this was in the garden. It’s about 3ft tall. Anne said it was a Dragon’s egg but I maintain that it’s an alien landing. Either way, very exciting!
As you reach the bottom of the hill, the path winds round to the right and then along the side of Hemingstone Hall, coming out on the road. Turning left and walking along the edge of the stream you are greeted by the sight of what I think is one of the most stunning houses I’ve ever seen. This is still privately owned so please don’t go wandering in there!
You can keep heading East if you want to extend your walk but we doubled back shortly after and headed back to Coddenham to the deli & coffee shop! The first thing you’ll see as you hit the village along the bottom path is the church as you round the bend.
There are a couple of great signs up telling you what you might encounter en route;
Small Copper Butterflies can be found between late April and October, though they are on the decline and Pyramidal Orchids can be seen in June, July and August. The Green Woodpecker is also a keen resident here.
The Broom Hill walk itself would only take about 45 minutes to an hour, ambling along so next time we’ll definitely go from here and make it a 7 or 8-mile round trip.
