Coastwalk

Shotley Gate → Orwell Country Park

Distance: 11.2 miles
Ascent: unknown
Duration: unknown

Across the Orwell
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A reminder: I'm allowed to take ferries across river-mouths, but only when the coast path does so. My plan to cross the Stour and Orwell estuaries by ferry was scuppered recently when not only was it announced that the ferry might soon stop running, but also that the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Path has been extended to Manningtree, running inland to the point where each river is bridged.

With Matt visiting on a glorious day, today was the ideal opportunity to start my assault on this extension.

We chose the south bank of the Orwell. Of the four segments, this is the one with least road-walking. It takes in the postcard-popular Pin Mill, winding round sea walls, through woods and fields before finally climbing up to cross the Orwell Bridge.

Approaching the bridge by car is exciting: it's a majestic crossing above what's clearly a beautiful river. Sadly though, the bridge walls are built too high to afford a view to car passengers. Walking across is a different matter, and it's hard not to linger and appreciate the view even though the thundering traffic just inches away doesn't provide a great deal of comfort.