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The water levels on the east coast have changed considerably over the centuries, during Roman times Carlton Marshes would have been a wide estuary of reed and mud flat. Major drainage has been taking place since the 18th century and prior to this the annual cycle of vegetation growing and dying created large reed beds with trees only growing on the higher ground. As a result of drainage, vast areas of peat lying on top of the clay soil were created, providing a source of fuel for the marshmen who lived here. Some of the diggings have been found to be 27 feet deep, the resulting holes filling with water to become the Broads that are used for recreation today. Carlton Marshes is one of the best places in the UK for a range of freshwater snails, which reflects the good water quality in the dykes. The reed and sedge beds along the river wall make ideal nesting cover for reed and sedge warblers, bearded tit, Cetti's warbler and marsh harrier. An astounding 15 kinds of dragonfly have been spotted here including the rare Norfolk hawker. In early summer wet fen meadows around Sprat's Water are bursting with ragged-robin, & southern marsh orchid, lesser and greater spearwort and bogbean. Both Sprat's and Round Water are the result of the peat digging carried out long ago. This is a 3 mile circular walk and begins at the Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Visitor Centre on the edge of Carlton Marshes. Part of the route has been developed as an easy access trail and the gates can be easily opened from a wheelchair. A short specially surfaced trail provides an ideal opportunity for people with mobility difficulties to experience the sights and sounds to be found on the marsh. Following the main route, the path passes through a landscape of arable fields, river and pastures, intersected by drainage dykes where wildlife flourishes. Follow the continuation of Burnt Hill Lane down from the Visitor Centre to a combination of gates. Ignore the gate to the left and continue straight on through a kissing gate along the track. People with disabilities may use the small gate at the side for access to the easy access trail, please ask at the Visitor Centre if you need help. Follow the track ahead and look out for a turning to the left after about 100 metres over a footbridge and a kissing gate. Pass through a number of kissing gates and along a long straight path at the side of a dyke to a junction marked with public footpath sign and an information board displaying a map of the marsh. Turn right (north) on a grassy track, first curving round to the left to a field gate and then sharply right following a line of electricity poles, straight towards the River Waveney at Share Mill. The power line provides electricity for the drainage pumps that control the water levels on the marsh. At the site of the mill bear left to a metal foot bridge over the dyke and up the bank to join the Angles Way footpath along the river. There is a fine view from the river wall across the marshes towards the visitor centre and across the busy river into Norfolk. Turn right along the riverside path for about 250 metres to a point where a fence is placed across the river bank. Turn right down a few steps to a long field edge path and a section of track. Where the track reaches the river bank turn left by a gate and up onto the bank, turn right along the riverside path towards Oulton Broad. For a short cut continue straight along the main track to return to the Visitor Centre. Otherwise follow the well worn path through the bushes along the top of the embankment and passing close to the Visitor Centre at a left bend. After a long straight the raised path turns left to continue along the river embankment at the edge of the reserve. Look out for a concrete sluice on the river side of the path, at a point close to the trees at Ivy House Country Hotel. Turn right on the path away from the river and along the edge of the trees to reach a pasture. The hotel complex includes the Crooked Barn Restaurant, an eighteenth century thatched barn with high white walls, exposed beams and natural wood floors. To return to the Visitor Centre, turn right with the dyke on the right and follow the path back to the car park and the start of the walk. InformationLocation: Carlton Colville is 2 miles south west of Lowestoft, 40 miles from IpswichStart: Suffolk Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre, Burnt Hill Lane, Carlton Marshes, Ordnance Survey map reference TM 508920 Length: Circular route 3 miles. Easy access route 800 metres Conditions: Mostly flat, tracks and river wall path, often damp and muddy. 2 stiles on main route, wheelchair friendly kissing gates on easy access route How to get there: - Public Transport: For details telephone Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine - 0870 6082608 Road Route: From Ipswich north on A12 and A1117 to Oulton Broad. Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve is left on the A146 Beccles Road turn right after 800 metres Public Toilets: Nearest at Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad or in the visitor centre when open Parking: Free at the visitor centre Refreshments: Hot drinks, light snacks and sweets at the visitor centre, Ivy House Farm Crooked Barn restaurant or pubs and shops in the area Map: Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure sheet 40 The Broads Visitor Centre: Opening hours often depend on volunteer manning, telephone 01502 564250 Information: http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/suffolk/nr/sites/carlton.htm Suffolk Country Walks: http://www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk
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