The River Gipping is a river of contrasts, from quiet backwaters to industrial dockland. A run along its banks will reveal an abundance of plants, birds, fish and insects associated with freshwater. You will also encounter historic features including old watermills and navigation locks. Park in the Stowmarket railway station pay and display car park. In front of the railway station is the Pickerel Bridge and Old Maltings; from here the 17-mile river path meanders south to Ipswich, through Needham Market, from where return trains can be caught