🥾 Walking route
Fir Trail (5km route)
Suffolk
- 📏 5 km · 3.1 mi
- ⛰ +88 m
- ⏱ 1 hr 15 min
- 🐕 On lead
Walk stats
- Distance5 km · 3.1 mi
- Elevation+88 m
- Duration1 hr 15 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Route typeLinear
- TerrainLevel forest tracks and gentle undulations
- Best seasonYear-round, especially spring and autumn
- DogsDog-friendly on leads
About this walk
The Fir Trail is a gentle 5km linear route through the pine-scented landscape of Suffolk's Thetford Forest area, setting off from High Lodge and following well-marked forest tracks through stands of tall conifers. With just 88 metres of ascent spread across the route, it makes for an easy hour-and-a-quarter's walking suitable for most abilities.
From the trailhead at High Lodge, the path winds its way past Horseshoe Pit and on to Squirrel Scamper Pit, two of the shallow depressions that characterise this corner of the forest. The route rolls gently through mixed woodland, with fir trees dominating the skyline and glimpses of heathland clearings between the trunks.
High Lodge itself is the natural hub for the walk, with The Pantry and the High Lodge Cafe on hand for refreshments before or afterwards. Madgett's Pit lies close by for those wanting to extend their exploration, and the treetop adventures of Go Ape are just a short stroll from the start, making this a straightforward outing to combine with a wider day in the forest.
Route map
Route line drawn from OpenStreetMap footpath data. Numbered markers are waypoints on the route; amber star markers are points of interest a short detour away.
Waypoints along the route
3 waypoints along the way
- 1
High Lodge
- 2
Horseshoe Pit
- 3
Squirrel Scamper Pit
Worth a short detour
Points of interest just off the route, look for the amber markers on the map.
The Pantry
~188 m off the route
High Lodge Cafe
~197 m off the route
Madgett's Pit
~309 m off the route
Go Ape
~195 m off the route
Route & waypoint data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).