(S/E) Start at the Pier, walk with river wall on your right, to Shotley Marina. This walk begins by using the Stour & Orwell Walk, a way marked route (grey with yellow arrow). Cross inner lock gate and continue around seaward side of marina. Turn right along river wall, following the Stour & Orwell Walk signs for some time (ignore path to left and steps near sluice).
(1) Turn left at a footpath sign, away from the river, where the path curves around saltmarsh (Crane’s Hill). Follow this footpath along field edge, onto a track. Pass St. Mary’s Church, Shotley, and continue straight at crossroads. Opposite Shotley Hall, take path left. Follow path through trees, across footbridge and along field edge. At houses, turn left along path to road. Turn right and follow road to junction with main road.
(2) Turn right until opposite Rose Farm. Cross road and take ‘Restricted Byway’ to right of farm. At cross tracks beside Shotley Cottage, continue straight towards River Stour.
(3) When you reach houses turn left. Follow path beside gardens, along field edge. At the coastal footpath sign you can either take a right turn and continue back along the river to the Pier. Alternatively, you can walk up the hill and follow a woodland path through the Heritage Park. Emerge from woodland, turn right into Estuary Road. Continue down to main road and turn right to the Pier.(S/E)