Newmarket may be best known for its horseracing heritage. But did you about the range of country walks around Newmarket? Newmarket actually sits on the borders of two counties – Suffolk and Cambridge, and both counties are rich and full of history to see and learn about along the way!

With such beautiful country walks around Newmarket. It would  seem foolish not to mention them whilst the sun is still shining. We’ve collected our top countryside walks in the Suffolk and Cambridgeshire countryside, but this list isn’t exhaustive . There is so much to see  in the area around us. So, get on those walking boots, grab some water and start your own adventure in our town.

At Discover Newmarket, we really do love an activity that involves some walking. Our tours are all about getting out there and exploring the hidden and best known gems of Newmarket. If walking is right up your alley, then don’t forget our History and Heritage Walking Tour of Newmarket. This tour takes you on a journey through history and time where you will visit;

• Palace House
• The Jockey Club Rooms
• All Saints Church
• Tattersalls Bloodstock Auction House

With of course, time to indulge in some of Newmarket’s finest food. And the chance to meet some of the horsey heroes along the way!

To find out more information or to book your place on our next Newmarket town History and Heritage Walk then click HERE .

Now, onto our favourite country walks around Newmarket!

Stour Valley Path

The Stour Valley Path spans a 60 mile trail, which trickles its way besides one of England’s best-loved rivers, the Stour of Suffolk and Essex.  The Stour was made famous by the great landscape painter John Constable. His work such as Flatford Mill and Haywain clearly depict the beautiful landscape that we can still see today. In fact, much of the countryside is still as it was when he captured the landscape so vividly. Today, this area is still classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The first stretch of the journey starts in our hometown of Newmarket at the clock tower. It leads you through pretty villages and past the heathland gallops  towards Stretchworth. This part of the route is 5 miles , and makes for a lovely afternoon activity.

Newmarket makes for a brilliant start and finishing point on this walk with many attractions and eateries to enjoy in our beautiful market town before and after your walk.

Icknield Way Path

As country walks around Newmarket go, The Icknield Way Trail is the perfect option for those looking to ride their horses,  cycle or walk. Well suited for those residents of Newmarket!

One of the oldest roads in Britain, it first appeared 5,000 years ago when man was learning how to grow food and keep animals. It is part of an ancient trading route that followed the chalk ridge across southern England.

Today, the trail is still waymarked with distinctive Neolithic flint axe emblems. Great to mark your milestones with a photo opportunity! Emblems No.209 – Cambridge,  No.210 – Newmarket and Haverhill, No.226 – Ely & Newmarket will be some of your many stops on this fascinating walk.

Crossing six counties, the Icknield Way Trail is a 170 mile route linking the Peddars Way National Trail in Suffolk with the Ridgeway National Trail  in Buckinghamshire to the Wessex Ridgeway.

Devils Dyke

Devil’s Dyke is one of the best surviving examples of Anglo-Saxon earthwork in Britain. With such a wonderful piece of surviving history nearby, this is certainly one to add to you to-do-list.

This intriguing walk nestles within a triangle created by Cambridge, Newmarket and Ely. Starting in the village of Reach, it forms an almost completely straight line over 7 miles in length and up to 10 meters high. Because of the height, you will see, as you make your way up,  fantastic panoramic views across the countryside to Burwell and Swaffham Prior.

After a couple of miles of walking, you will eventually drop down off the dyke where you will  be guided through the picturesque village of Swaffham, with it’s two windmills and two churches to see on your journey. From there  a country track takes you back towards Reach, running along the edge of a newly planted wood.

Historians believe that Devils Dyke was once used as a way of controlling the traffic that passed through the area.   

Bishops Way, Ely

Whilst Ely sits a little further outside of Newmarket. Bishops Way is a wonderful medieval track once used by the Bishops of Ely as a route to their palace in Downham. Today, you can walk through what was once the monastic settlement of Aethelwold, Bishop of Winchester. Hundreds of years ago, before the fens were drained, this place was called Downham-in-the Isle, a once real island set amongst flat and boggy reed fen land.  When the roads were good in the summer months, the Bishops travelled on horseback to what is now Hurst Lane.

This is one of the best routes for getting the perfect glimpse into our medieval history where the modern meets times gone by. On your walk, journey past cattle grazing, orchards and vineyards and in the summer days, Peacock Butterflies can be seen between July and September. Which means you are just in time for spotting some on your country walks around Newmarket.

So, now you’ve read what we think makes for a great walking experience. Now it’s time to put down that mobile phone, tablet or laptop and get out in that sunshine for some exploration!