Country:
District:
Start: Orford Quay (IP12 2NU) Grid ref. TM 424 495
The majority of the path is clearly marked with the distinctive circular blue 'Suffolk Coast Path' way markers.
(S/E) From Orford Quay take the riverside path South to the Chantry Marshes.
(1) After 930m, just before Chantry Point the path descends from the river defences and cuts across the marsh to the southerly side. Rejoin the river defences until the river bends where a track heads inland.
(2) Turn right (North-West-West) and walk to a small country lane. Turn right and continue up to Richmond Farm.
The official loop returns to Orford and then heads back out of the town North-Westwards.
(3) An alternative is to take the sandy track opposite Richmond Farm up to Gedgrave Broom, then follow the tree boundary and continue North-East until the Orford Loop crosses this track. Turn left and follow the track to Sudbourne Hall. At the far end of the large lawn beside the Hall there is a white footpath marker pointing to the right alongside a small wood.
(4) This will then lead through the trees on a path locally known as the Friars Path and continues across fields to join the B1084 at Chillesford. Here it joins the main Suffolk Coast Path.
The Froize pub is a few yards along the road from where a track heads up the hill to a group of cottages.
(5) At the cottages turn right and follow the track which turns left and heads up into Tunstall Forest. Keep to the main track North-East through the forest, crossing over the B1078 and continue until it soon joins a broad track.
(6) When this broad track branches off to the left continue straight on along a smaller path which comes out at the edge of the forest on the B1084. Cross the road and follow the trees to the end of the field.
The main route turns left here but a short-cut through to Iken can be made by continuing straight on following the edge of a small wood and then down to a lane. As the footpath comes out onto the lane continue straight ahead until it comes to a T-junction at Iken.
(7) Turn right following the lane up the hill where some fantastic views can be had of Yarn Hill and the Alde estuary.
(8) When the lane turns a sharp right at High Street you can continue and a footpath will lead you down to the rivers edge - although the marshes here are liable to flooding which will involve taking shoes and socks off and wading!
Alternatively you can follow the lane around to the right and take the next left turn. Keep to lane until it meets with the river.
(9) Return to Orford is now merely a case of following the River defences for 9.7 Km. Be wary of a waymarker pointing across a meadow as you head to the river turn at Slaughden. This path, as depicted on OS maps leads across the meadow and rejoins the river edge at the tip of the turn in the river - however, the footbridge across the ditch is no longer there, so keep to the River defences throughout. (S/E)
Walker
Easy 
Moderate 
