This walk explores the Orwell and Stour estuaries. Enjoy superb views of Harwich Haven and the Port of Felixstowe.
(S/E) Start at the Pier, walk with river wall on your right, to Shotley Marina. Past the marina and turn left at next path junction and follow path behind marina. Take next right and continue beside fence to road.
(1) Cross road and turn right. At end of row of houses, take track left. You are now briefly on the Stour & Orwell Walk way marked path.
(2) At cross tracks beside Shotley Cottage, turn left towards River Stour. When you reach houses turn left. Follow directions back to the Pier.(S/E)
Paths and tracks can be muddy after rain. Cattle are often grazing on the marshes, so please keep dogs on leads. Some sections are near deep water. This walk takes you onto public highways. We recommend high visibility clothing.
In winter, the estuaries are home to rare birds feeding and nesting in the area. They are easily disturbed and fly off, but you can help during these sensitive months by;
• Keeping your dog on a lead when walking on the paths by the river
• Avoiding the river paths as a running route at low and high tides
• Keeping a respectful distance from groups of birds if you’re on the water
• Reducing noise in general
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Overall rating : 4.7 / 5
Date of walk : 20/11/22
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Although it was an overcast day, we enjoyed this easy walk with good views. Despite recent rain, it wasn't very muddy. Ending at a pleasant pub was also a nice feature.
Overall rating : 5 / 5
Date of walk : 23/10/21
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
We really enjoyed this circular walk. Such a variety of sceneries to walk through. Easy terrain, a couple of slopes/hills but easily manageable even for my unfit 66 year old husband. Mostly dry underfoot but could get muddy in winter.
Loved the river views, Marina (with HMS Ganges museum), farmland and heritage woodland. Very well signposted, particularly in the heritage woodland where there are stunning viewpoints and seating/picnic areas. We started and finished at the Bristol Arms pub which does tea/coffee/snacks as well as pub grub. Marina also has a bar/restaurant. Can highly recommend and would love to run this route at some point.
Overall rating : 4 / 5
Date of walk : 07/09/21
Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
A pleasant and diverse walk - not very long but with plenty of interest. Gives a good impression of the area in a round walk - We did it anti-clockwise - walking alongside the marina to begin with and then up the hill in an hedged / enclosed path to the upper part of the village on the hill ridge where seating is available - looking up the Orwell - very nice - just at the western end of the Shotley village. The walk then continues over field with good views of the Stour before dropping to the edge of the Stour through a little hamlet. Make sure you seek out the opportunity to walk actually alongside the waters edge rather than along the 'inside' of the tree belt - its much more interesting and makes a good place to stop. There is a pub at the end of this walk (well two actually - one in the marina and one older one to the south western side of the village on the waterfront)
Two Rivers Walk
Walker 8.64 km
+31 m
-32 m
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Shotley (Suffolk)
This walk explores the Orwell and Stour estuaries. Enjoy superb views of Harwich Haven and the Port of Felixstowe.
Church End & Erwarton from Shotley GateWalker 9.68 km
+23 m
-23 m
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Shotley (Suffolk)
A Suffolk circular walk that starts from Shotley Gate on the confluence of the Stour and Orswell Rivers. The route offers an interesting insight into the operation of the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich together with a lengthy section of the Stour and Orwell Walk. The walk follows the shore for much of the way but ventures inland via Church End and Erwarton Hall to complete the circuit.
Farms & Rivers WalkWalker 12.11 km
+35 m
-35 m
3h 35
Easy
Departure from Shotley (Suffolk)
This walk explores the Orwell and Stour estuaries. Enjoy superb views of Harwich Haven and the Port of Felixstowe.
Trimley WalkWalker 10.25 km
+33 m
-31 m
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Trimley St Mary (Suffolk)
Trimley Marshes make for a wonderful day out with some beautiful scenery, fascinating history and one of the best wildlife sites in the county.
A walk from Trimley to Languard Fort via Felixstowe FerryWalker 
15.72 km
+15 m
-33 m
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Trimley St Martin (Suffolk)
This walk navigates from the village of Trimley down to Kings Fleet and along the banks of the River Deben to Felixstowe Ferry, the setting of an old Black Shuck tale from many years ago which is a feature to this walk. A coastal walk follows, along the seafront of Felixstowe through to the where the River Orwell meets the sea, a strategic point of defence against attacking enemies attempting to sail up the estuary. Key to that defence is Languard Fort which has stood here for many centuries and has played key parts in the world wars of the 20th centuries. A fascinating place to visit with a certain eeriness within its confines.
Stour and Orwell Walk - Felixstowe to IpswichWalker 
27.51 km
+89 m
-97 m
8h 05
Difficult
Departure from Felixstowe (Suffolk)
This walk goes along the banks of the Orwell River in Suffolk starting at Felixstowe and ending in the centre of Ipswich. The Stour and Orwell path is an extension to the southern end of the Suffolk Coast Path and follows the coast along the estuaries of the Orwell and the Stour.
The start of the walk is characterised by the earthen river defences along which the footpath navigates. From Levington Creek an alternative route is used to pay a visit to the 13th century Ship Inn before proceeding through Broke Hall Woods to rejoin the official route through to Ipswich.
An Amble up the Deben EstuaryWalker 
20.76 km
+34 m
-47 m
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Felixstowe (Suffolk)
A walk along the River Deben in Suffolk, starting at Felixstowe and ending in Martlesham. The lovely walk along the Deben estuary. Although parts are inaccessible due to breaches of the flood banks, the mix of riverside paths, country lanes and footpaths provides an ideal mix of landscapes to keep any walker fascinated. The May bush pub offers a perfect place to take a rest and refreshment, its riverside location unbeatable.
Erwarton, Church End & River Orwell from Pin MillWalker 12.91 km
+40 m
-39 m
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Chelmondiston (Suffolk)
This circular walk through the countryside of Suffolk includes a section alongside the River Orwell. The route takes you inland passing Erwarton Hall and the fine church at Church End to the banks of the Orwell from where you can see Felixstowe Docks. The walk then heads north along the Orwell following the Stout and Orwell Walk.
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