FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS The area is fortunate in having an extensive web of public footpaths and bridleways, many of which follow the routes of the old drove roads which followed the river valley. These footpaths can still be freely used by ramblers and nature lovers and provide excellent circular walks, some of which are described below. To gain full benefit of all the public footpaths and bridleways, the acquisition of a local Ordnance Survey Map is a must. The Nine Stiles Walk - Footpaths N o 4, 5, 6, 7 & 12, Brandon This route begins at the corner of Coulson Lane close to the centre of Brandon. Originally named after its nine identical wrought iron stiles which allowed walkers to traverse fences bordering fields, sadly only one remains. The route heads north west, passing through meadows close to the river Little Ouse, over the Staunch Meadow, the site of the Middle Saxon town of Brandon, now part of the Remembrance Playing Fields. Then, it passes over a Junior Football pitch to the boundary with the Sewage Works. Crossing a ditch, by way of a bridge, the walker now bisects a large field, known as Leeches Meadow, to enter Small Fen Lane adjacent to a lone Scots pine tree. Turning right, the walker follows Small Fen Lane northwards for a quarter of a mile, turning left just short of a coniferous plantation. The route passes through a dry ditch and along a headland from where the “New” Railway Bridge can be seen, until it reaches a signposted junction. At this point, the walker may choose to go straight on towards Pit Cottage. However, this is a dead end. By turning left, the route goes south then east until meeting Sandy Lane. Here, a short uphill climb brings the walker to the junction with Chalk Road, close to Foord House, one of Brandon’s former Rectories. At this point the Nine Stiles Walk is completed and the fainthearted will wish to turn left down Chalk Road then strike south east across Hall Meadow, Footpath No. 13, towards the Church and return to the town centre by way of the Victoria Avenue. The more intrepid will turn right up Chalk Road (Footpath 7) then, after a third of a mile, turn south between Home Wood and Brandon Field Wood on Footpath 12. Shortly, the path turns left for the downhill slope into Town Street, an area which, until a generation ago, was a community separated by green fields from the rest of Brandon. Upon entering Town Street, intrepid walkers may wish to slake their thirsts with a visit to one of the nearby public houses, prior to returning to the Town Centre by way of Manor Road, the Churchyard and Victoria Avenue. Approximate distance: 4½ miles. The Ouse Valley Walk - Footpath N o 16 Weeting to Santon Downham Starting beside The Maltings in Riverside Way, close to the bridge in Brandon, this walk quickly joins the former towpath used by horses which pulled the barges up river to Thetford during the 18th and 19th centuries. The route meanders along the north bank of the river passing close, at times, to the railway line and passing over some recently constructed wooden footbridges. Parts of the walk pass through tall poplar plantations. The route is very distant from any human habitation. There is one very straight section of river and pathway, approximately half a mile in length, which, it is said, was dug out in order to re-navigate the river after the great sand storms of the 1600s. It is often possible to see kingfishers here. Following a sharp “S” bend the walker will spy the white lattice iron bridge at Santon Downham. Turning right over the bridge, walkers soon find themselves in Santon Downham village. Turning right at the Post Office Stores and leaving the Forestry Commission offices on the right, walkers traverse Mark Lane then past the former Coach House, shortly to turn right in a westerly direction, off the metalled roadway into Hereward Way. Passing between Forestry plantations, the route opens out on its right to pastures where horses often graze. The path then enters Gas House Drove close to Laundry Cottages. Peldon Estate is passed on the left and then the site of the former Gas Holder. After a further quarter of a mile, the route is met on its left by Lode Street and, on its right, is the former quay, known as The Lode. The route traverses White Hart Lane, named after a former nearby Inn, to enter High Street, the principal shopping centre of Brandon. Approximate distance: 5½ miles. Footpath No 2 Brandon and N o15 Weeting From its junction with Brandon High Street, take Coulson Lane westwards between tall, ancient garden walls. At a bend in the road, close to the rear of the Rectory, take the earth track to join Victoria Avenue. Proceed to the bottom of this fine avenue of lime trees to its junction with Church Road. At this point, enter the gateway to the Remembrance Playing Fields, passing the Leisure Centre and Sports and Social Club by way of a narrow metalled road, cross a small bridge leaving the Saxon archaeological site of Staunch Meadow on the right, to arrive at the Staunch on the River Little Ouse. Recent footbridges have been provided to cross the river and the lock. On the Norfolk bank, turn right alongside the river, on the former towing path, taking a slow left hand bend until a clear view of the Brandon Bridge can be seen. Here the route leaves the river bank and strikes off diagonally to emerge next to the ancient Ram Inn. Turning right, the walker crosses the Bridge, taking High Street to the starting point, passing several of the oldest remaining houses in the Town. Approximate distance: 1½ miles.