The Orford Loop, Tales of Castles and Mermen

A 16 mile walk around the Orford Loop section of the Suffolk Coast Path

The main Suffolk Coast Path cuts through Tunstall Forest from Iken Cliff to Chillesford. However, more recently, a path has been added which allows access to Orford by following the Alde estuary. This then cuts back across Gedgrave marshes and Sudbourne Hall to return to the main path at Chillesford.

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In Search of the Mysteries and Legends of Iken and St Botolph

A 7 mile walk along the Alde estuary, following the Suffolk Coast Path from Snape to Iken

There are disputes as to whether Iken is the land of Icanho that St Botolph was granted by King Ethelmund to build his minster in the 7th century. If it was then there were marsh demons in these parts during those time and one can still feel the eeriness of the area with the mysterious Yarn Hill where Botolph reputedly drove away the ghosts and marsh demons in order to build his minster. It was eventually completed on the site of the historic church at Iken which still bears his name. The church is a fascinating place to visit - be sure to spend a little time here and see St Botolphs stone cross which was unearthed in 1977 and is on display within the church.

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The Sandlings Walk - Bromeswell to Snape

A 16 mile walk along the Suffolk Sandlings Path between Bromeswell and Snape taking in Rendlesham and Tunstall forests

The route leads across gorse covered heathland and through forest which typifies the modern landscape of the Sandlings. The forests are a modern development, set up with the founding of Forestry Commission during the 1920's to provide Britain with a sustainable source of timber. One cannot fail to notice the twin airbases of Woodbridge and Bentwaters, the scene of a infamous military encounter with a UFO during December 1980.

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Suffolk Coast Path - Orford to Butley Ferry

A 6.5 mile Suffolk circular walk along the banks of the Ore and Butley rivers between Orford and the Butley Ferry river crossing at Gedgrave.

The Suffolk Coast Path Orford Loop has two routes back onto the main trail, the first returns from Orford up to Chillesford but an alternative is to follow the lane from Orford to Gedrgrave and down to Butley Ferry. Although this crossing only operates from April to October, a pleasant and easy circular walk can be made from Orford returning along the top of the river defences.

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Suffolk Coast Path - Snape to Felixstowe

A 20 mile walk along the Suffolk Coast Path between Snape and Felixstowe

This is the most remote section of the Suffolk Coast Path and follows the Butley River down to Shingle Street and then continues along the coast to the ferry at Bawdsey. There is an eerie sense of foreboding when walking this section. The solitude. The windswept landscape. The distant silhouettes of the Orfordness Pagodas. The lonely river. One can walk virtually the entire distance without seeing a soul and the only company is the decaying remains of WWII defences and the looming martello towers from Napoleonic times.

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Suffolk Coast Path

An overview of the Suffolk Coast Path, a 60 mile long distance path following the coast of Suffolk

A 60 mile long distance footpath from Felixstowe to Lowestoft in easy stages through some of the characteristic landscapes of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The path also includes the Orford Loop which provides access through to Orford and the Butley Ferry. Alternative beach walks, providing the tide is right, can be undertaken throughout.

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