The Nine Stiles Walk & Steel Band Performance
Join a guided tour of Suffolk’s Nine Stiles Walk, a classic Brecks trail (with no stiles)! On this walk, you will be led by an experienced local guide to discover this historic trail, ending with a live performance from local Steel Band, Panache, in Brandon Orchard.
The walk follows part of the historic ‘Beating of the Bounds’ route. Over time, the route’s name was changed to ‘The Nine Stiles Walk’, but the stiles have long since been removed leaving a very pleasant and easy to follow trail through the countryside.
The centuries old tradition of ‘Beating the Bounds’ relates to the practice of beating local landmarks with branches to remind local people of parish boundaries. People would carry slender willow branches and swat landmarks that separated the parishes. As they walked, they sang songs, carried flags, told stories, and created memories, gathering on the village green at the end of the walk for a celebration. In the spirit of keeping this tradition alive, this special guided walk (to mark the closing of the Brecks Outdoor Festival) will end with a live performance from local steel band, Panache, under the tranquil canopy of Brandon Orchard.
The Nine Stiles Walk & Steel Band Performance
When: Sunday 24th August
Where: Brandon, Suffolk
Meeting Point: This event will start and end at Brandon Orchard, IP27 0HT
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Time: Gathering at 12.30pm for a 1pm start. The walk itself will take roughly 2 hours, followed by a performance in Brandon Orchard by local steel band, Panache.
Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles / 5.6km
Cost: The walk and performance are fully funded with thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Light refreshments will be available for cash purchase in Brandon Orchard following the event, to enjoy while listening to the steel band.
Booking: No booking required
Further Information
What to wear: Please wear sturdy footwear, with sun/rain protection as required. Long trousers are recommended to protect you from nettles/brambles/ticks. It’s advised you bring some water to keep hydrated.
Accessibility: The route involves a variety of terrain, including pavement, grass, and sandy tracks. The route may be uneven or muddy underfoot, and narrow in places. Unfortunately, the route is not accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and buggies, due to kissing gates, and bridge steps.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome to join
Transport: Free parking is available at Brandon Church Institute (WhatThreeWords///harmlessly.breakfast.exile) and Brandon Leisure Centre (WhatThreeWords///canines.ghost.catchers), both a short walk from the meeting point.
The closest bus stop is Old Forge Court, located on London Road a few minutes walk from Brandon Orchard. The stop has bus links to Thetford and Bury St Edmunds.
Brandon train station is located approximately 20 minutes walk from Brandon Orchard, with trains between Norwich and Cambridge.
For further information, please contact: office@brandontc.co.uk