July 2026 – Rattlesden
July again saw an increased number of attendees, which was celebrated on our arrival with bell ringing from the St Nicholas Church. This Mario-inspired walk had the company doing a circular route from Rattlesden northwards to Woolpit and back round. The merciless sun once again beat down on the group as they negotiated parking for four cars outside the Five Bells pub. There followed a rare glimpse of the fabled Pheasant initiation ceremony as Initiate Steve became a fully badged member of the ancient Order.
Rattlesden was a picturesque setting and an understandable conservation area. Beautiful houses with thatched roofs and winding narrow lanes passed the church, with the welcome bonus of two pubs. Leaving the village and its hotbed of Puritan sentiment from the 16th and 17th centuries and with the bells ringing in their ears, it was straight out into the rolling countryside. The weather broke for ten minutes with a short yet refreshing soaking of rain on a steep uphill climb. The newly badged Pheasant then produced sandwiches for everyone, comprising home-farmed eggs and chorizo and watercress offerings. This allowed a welcome break and chance to repack waterproofs. With spirits revived, it was downhill towards Woolpit Heath.
Woolpit proved to be an attractive little settlement and provided an opportunity for restocking provisions in the local shop. From there, it was onto Drinkstone and the turn for home along with a second uphill climb before finally dropping back down into Rattlesden and the finish line.
Post-walk discussions took place in the Five Bells, which was pleasantly full of locals and sported a good selection of beers and snacks. A large tree in the pub garden tempted the group outside with its welcoming shade and the presence of several little dogs and a local dice game to keep the group occupied. Several Pheasants needed severe encouragement to leave.
