St. Botolph's Way
A 10 Mile Circular Walk

St.Botolph was a Saxon monk who lived in the seventh century. He died in 680AD. Saint Botolph has been recognised as the Patron Saint of sailors and of agricultural workers but he is more usually recognised as the Patron Saint of travelers. Churches with his dedication were often built at city and town gates, where people would go to pray for a safe journey, or to give thanks for having just made one.
A total of 64 ancient parish churches in England are dedicated to him, almost all of them near the sea, and mostly in East Anglia and the south coast. London churches are at Aldgate, Bishopgate Without and Aldersgate. A fourth at Billingsgate was destroyed in the Great Fire of London.

St. Botolph is Boston's Patron Saint and it is from him that the city of Boston derives its name.

The feast of St. Botolph is celebrated June 17.

The Image above shows St. Botolph as depicted on the Botesdale Village Sign.
For more information on the Village sign, click on the image.
St Botolph’s Way is a 10 mile circular walk around the public footpaths of Rickinghall and Botesdale. Although the walk covers approximately 10 miles, it can be walked in two parts. The Botesdale section covers 6 miles and the Rickinghall section 5 miles.

This walk was established in 2004 as a joint venture by the Parish Councils of Rickinghall and Botesdale, supported bt the

St. Botolph’s Way is well signed and walkers can negotiate it by following the distinctive purple markers.
A leaflet describing the walk has been produced and this can be obtained from the Botesdale Post Office, the Rickinghall Newsagents, the Bell Inn and the White Horse Inn. Copies of the leaflet are also available from the Tourist Office, Diss.

Rickinghall Ramblers. Assistance in funding was provided by the Suffolk County Council.





 

 

 

Parking in the two villages is restricted and visitors travelling by car are advised to park at the Rickinghall Village Hall Car Park or at the Car Park behind the White Horse Inn. The White Horse Inn is particularly welcoming to walkers and good quality, inexpensive, bar food is available at most times.

To view a map of St. Botolph's Way, click on the above image of a Saint Botolph's Way marker.