Shimpling is a village and civil parish in south Suffolk, England, characterized by its ancient, undulating farmlands and a rolling, shallow valley landscape. This area is shaped by the Chad Brook, part of the River Stour's headwaters, and features remnants of ancient woodlands. Parts of Frithy and Chadacre Woods and Kentwell Woods, both Sites of Special Scientific Interest, are located within the parish, contributing to its ecological significance. The region offers opportunities for several sports like hiking, road cycling, mountain…
61
Routes
4.7
(69)
Average rating
577
People visited

4.7
(9)
63
hikers
12.8km
03:19
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.7
(15)
73
hikers
9.08km
02:21
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(9)
40
hikers
4.29km
01:07
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
31
hikers
7.67km
01:59
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
9
riders
24.3km
01:44
180m
180m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
17
riders
84.1km
05:41
450m
450m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(3)
6
riders
26.6km
01:49
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
5
riders
32.4km
02:20
180m
180m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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20
riders
34.5km
01:30
280m
280m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.5
(2)
26
riders
62.0km
02:38
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
13
riders
25.5km
01:18
200m
200m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

13
riders
42.3km
01:54
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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6
riders
37.7km
02:18
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
riders
46.5km
02:46
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
riders
44.4km
02:43
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
3
riders
19.5km
01:11
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
runners
8.69km
00:54
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
runners
10.5km
01:05
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
7.66km
00:48
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
10.3km
01:04
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Shimpling offers opportunities for hiking, road cycling, mountain biking, touring cycling, and jogging. The region features an extensive network of footpaths and quiet country lanes. More than 7,000 visitors have explored the area, contributing to an average rating of 4.59 out of 5 stars for its routes.
Shimpling is known for its undulating ancient farmlands and a rolling, shallow valley landscape. The Chad Brook, part of the River Stour's headwaters, flows through the area. Remnants of ancient woodlands and parts of two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are also present.
Yes, Shimpling boasts an extensive network of footpaths, offering around 100 designated hiking routes. These range from gentle, short strolls to more challenging long-distance treks. For easier options, explore Easy hikes around Shimpling.
Popular hiking routes in Shimpling include the 5.6-mile (9 km) "Bluebell Woods – Kentwell Hall loop" and the 4.5-mile (7.2 km) "Jubilee Wood loop." The Gipping Valley River Path also provides pleasant riverside walking opportunities. More options are available in Hiking around Shimpling.
Yes, the broader Suffolk region, including Shimpling, is conducive to cycling. The South Suffolk Cycle Route guides cyclists through idyllic villages and landscapes. National Cycle Route 1 also passes through Suffolk, offering diverse scenery. Find routes in Road Cycling Routes around Shimpling and Cycling around Shimpling.
While specific mountain biking trails are not detailed, the combination of rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and extensive rural paths suggests potential for off-road cycling. Information on routes can be found in MTB Trails around Shimpling.
Spring and autumn are particularly recommended for hiking in Shimpling. Spring brings vibrant bluebell displays in the woodlands, while autumn offers crisp air and colorful foliage. The weather during these seasons is generally favorable for outdoor exploration.
Shimpling's extensive network of footpaths includes options suitable for families. Many routes are gentle and short, catering to various fitness levels. Consider exploring the easier hikes available in the region.
Komoot offers several guides for Shimpling, including Hiking around Shimpling, Easy hikes around Shimpling, Road Cycling Routes around Shimpling, MTB Trails around Shimpling, Cycling around Shimpling, and Running Trails around Shimpling.
The official website for the village, providing local information and news, is https://www.shimpling.onesuffolk.net/. For inquiries related to the Shimpling Parish Council, the Parish Clerk can be contacted at 07940 223200.
Shimpling's appeal lies in its blend of ancient history, agricultural heritage, and serene natural beauty. It is an area where ancient, agricultural landscape meets rolling topography. The presence of organic farming at Shimpling Park Farm adds to its unique character, offering farm walks that explore restored ponds and local wildlife.

