Westleton Quarry – Leiston Abbey Chapel Ruins loop from Westleton
Westleton Quarry – Leiston Abbey Chapel Ruins loop from Westleton
5.0
(37)
175
hikers
Westleton Quarry – Leiston Abbey Chapel Ruins loop from Westleton
03:24
13.1km
70m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 22, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
408 m
Westleton Quarry
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
3.41 km
The Eel's Foot Inn
Highlight • Pub
Tip by
4.65 km
View Over Minsmere
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
4.96 km
5.78 km
Leiston Abbey Chapel Ruins
Highlight • Monument
The chapel and surrounding land is an important Scheduled Ancient Monument, protected by law and managed by the RSPB as part of their conservation work. The only visible remains of the original Premonstratensian Abbey are a small chapel that was thought to have been used until the dissolution in 1537.
Research has shown that this chapel was built upon the site of the original church and wider precinct of Leiston Abbey which was founded in 1182 by Ranulf de Glanville, Lord Chief Justice to King Henry II. The Abbey was moved to its current location 2 miles away in 1363, and these ruins can still be seen today.
Geophysical survey has shown that buried remains include cloisters, living quarters and many other buildings, now preserved for the long term by reversion from arable cultivation to pasture. Grant aided by English Heritage and Natural England, the RSPB has stabilised and restored the chapel to preserve it for the future with a permissive path to the chapel opened in 2016.
Tip by
6.40 km
Minsmere Sluice
Highlight • Natural Monument
Minsmere Sluice is tidal and allows the river to flow into the North Sea. The river has been rerouted to make way for agricultural fields so it comes to the sluice via a manmade drain.
Tip by
8.65 km
Dunwich Heath
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
9.02 km
Dunwich Heath and Woodland
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
13.1 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.03 km
3.42 km
1.82 km
1.67 km
181 m
Surfaces
4.96 km
3.12 km
2.74 km
2.05 km
170 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Friday 26 June
31°C
20°C
26 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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