Walks On Your Doorstep

Burn off some of those extra holiday calories

words & pictures by Bruce Richardson

After polishing off a great meal, there is nothing better than getting outside for a brisk walk to ease your full belly. So here's a small list of countryside gems you might not know of. Get outside, exercise whilst exploring your local surroundings and you might even spot some of nature's beautiful creatures. If you'd like to venture further afield then contact the Outdoor Recreation team. They have great knowledge and maps of more great places to visit around the UK. Where do you enjoy walking? We'd love to hear of any hidden adventures. Please let us know on our facebook page @100FSS.

LAKENHEATH FEN NATURE RESERVE

The RSPB reserve has 400 hectares of thriving wetland, recreating some of this region's original landscape. Home to kingfishers, otters and the elegant cranes, which have recently been reintroduced to the UK. ADDRESS Station Road, Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9AD

BRANDON COUNTRY PARK

Enjoy miles of walking, nature and cycle trails through acres of forest and wide horizons of open heathland. On your journey uncover a 'haunted' mausoleum, lawns, lake, playareas, a café and a historic walled garden. ADDRESS Bury Road, Brandon, IP27 0SU

MILDENHALL WARREN

After a short drive to the small car park just past the Recycle Center, you'll find a nice marked out woodland full of pines and an array of birch, chestnut and oak trees. Follow the Warrener's Walk around the two-mile path to learn about the 17th-century warrens, where the riches of rabbit meat and fur would be too much for poachers to resist. The route is a great all-year-round family stroll with a variety of wildlife to try and spot. ADDRESS Mildenhall Warren, Suffolk, IP28 7JQ

Pirate Ship in the Playground at Aspal Close Nature Reserve

ASPAL CLOSE NATURE RESERVE

This hidden Breckland landscape is just a stone's throw away from RAF Mildenhall in Beck Row. It's a medieval wood with ancient oak trees, open grassland and home to a wide range of wildlife. A playground with a fun pirate ship and more is also within the reserve for the kids. ADDRESS St. Johns Street, Beck Row, Suffolk, IP28 8AP

HIGH LODGE

A rich wilderness of winding trails dotted with great play areas throughout the forest. Take the kids around the "Gruffalo Trail" and find random wooden carvings that make great photos. The site is also great for mountain bikers if you'd like to heighten your thrill levels. Social distancing measures are in place, but there is still plenty for you to see and do. ADDRESS Brandon, Thetford, Norfolk IP27 0AF