Coastwalk

Orford → Aldeburgh

Distance: 20.2 miles
Ascent: 302 metres
Duration: 6 hours 55 minutes

Marathon
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The reasons why aren't important. Just note that today's walk is the furthest distance I've covered in one day.

I'm knackered. But the good news is that with this write-up, I've completed the East Anglia coast for the second time. Draw a long line round the edge of the country from The Thames to The Wash and be impressed.

Jon was walking with me today. It's so much easier to do long distances with a companion. Also helping was the clear view of our destination after only five miles' walking. Aldeburgh sits a short distance from Sudbourne Marshes across Westrow Reach. There used to be a ferry here, but there was no sign of a boat today so we headed inland to Snape Maltings, where the river can be crossed without getting wet.

At Snape the decision was easy. We'd walked eleven miles, and Aldeburgh was four or five further. It was a glorious day; who wouldn't walk on? Perhaps us: we underestimated the distance, and after lunch the sun began to make its strength felt.

On the outskirts of the town, we took a quick drink in the Railway Inn, where a band sang about alleged infidelities viewed through the local police station window.

After a three mile circuit of Aldeburgh Marshes, we finally reached our destination, and with impeccable timing the taxi we'd booked in Snape rolled up to take us back to Orford.

An exhausting, rewarding day. And in time, my legs will forgive me for the nettles and thistles, and not smothering them in sun lotion.