recommended route
Orford Explorer - Across the Marshes to the Castle
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View from Orford QuayPhoto: Ben Heather, Discover Suffolk
Cross the mysterious marshes before returning to Orford to visit the castle and church.
Orford is a beautiful town on the Suffolk Coast. Streets of red brick cottages surround the dramatic Norman Castle and the ancient church of St Bartholomew. Beside the river Ore, the quay faces mysterious Orford Ness.
Author’s recommendation
Orford Castle is currently closed for essential conservation works and will reopen on Saturday 3 December 2022.
Track types
Safety information
Terrain: Paths and tracks, which can be muddy. The path along the river wall is exposed. Part of route on public roads. Please be aware of traffic.
Tips and hints
Orford Ness nature reserve can be accessed seasonally from Orford Quay (closed in Winter). Booking is required. Find out more at the National Trust online here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/orford-ness-national-nature-reserve
Start
Turn-by-turn directions
Leave car park and turn left. Walk to quay and turn right along path beside river. Follow this path along river wall towards Chantry point. Round point and follow path as it leads along winding river wall. Ignore path that leads back across Chantry point.
Follow river wall around to left until path turns right and drops down off river wall towards gate. Go through gate and follow track inland. When you reach road, turn right.
Just before you reach houses on right, take track that leads off left. Just past barn, take path on right up steps through hedge. Follow path across fields to castle.
Walk past impressive castle keep until you reach road. Turn left up tarmacked road, passing hotel.
Walk across Market Hill and enter churchyard beside King’s Head Inn. Walk up to church porch and turn right. Leave churchyard by second gate and turn left along lane (if you want to shorten route, walk straight down road to quay). Follow lane for short while, before taking first turning right. At end of lane, turn left.
Note
Public transport
There are limited scheduled bus services to Orford. For public transport information visit www.suffolkonboard.com.
Getting there
Orford is situated in the East of Suffok on the coast, 12 miles east of Woodbridge.
Access via the B1078 or B1084 from the A12.
Parking
Orford Quay Car Park (Pay and Display) - IP12 2NU - Parking can be limited on very busy days.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
Ordnance Survey Map No. 212 (Woodbridge and Saxmundham)
Equipment
Sturdy footwear and high visibility clothing for suitable for road walking.
Statistics
- 6 Waypoints
- 6 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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