Sunday, 20 August 2000

Coastwalk

Orwell Country Park → Felixstowe Ferry

[The Orwell]

Distance: 13.8 miles
Ascent: unknown
Duration: unknown

Nettles, docks, ferries
« Shotley Gate | Woodbridge »

Matt's gone, but I was keen to keep going. By walking the north Orwell today I've closed the gap I'd opened yesterday between the Orwell Bridge and Bawdsey.

It's been another beautiful day, but I packed full waterproofs just in case. They came in handy in an unexpected way; near Levington Marina nettles interlocked across the path for 100m or so. Running through clad head-to-toe in Gore-Tex did the trick, but the looks I received emerging from the undergrowth sweating and panting suggested others didn't quite understand.

Round the Port of Felixstowe the path heads inland, eventually reaching the seafront some way north of the river mouth, Landguard Fort and landing site of the Harwich/Shotley ferry. I made my way along the beaches to Felixstowe Ferry and crossed the Deben to Bawdsey Quay, linking up with a previously walked segment.

A stunning day, and exhausting walk and a long taxi ride back to the car. I feel on top of the world.

Update, 10 July 2004
I've decided to walk both sides of the Deben so I'm no longer counting the river crossing today as part of my coastwalk.

Posted by pab at 22:32