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Orford lies on the banks of the River Ore and until the 16th century
it was a bustling riverside port trading in fish and wool, during
this prosperous era the original Norman Church was rebuilt. Orford
castle dominates the village and surrounding area and was commissioned
by King Henry II in the 12th century as a fortified residence, it
once marked the centre of medieval Orford. At this time the village
extended to the south and west of the Castle where there are fields
today. By the end of the 16th century the shingle spit of Orfordness
had extended south, blocking the entrance to Orford Harbour. Trade
decreased and the village went into decline, losing its Borough status
in 1883. From the Quay Street car park opposite the Jolly Sailor pub turn left towards the quay, turning right at the quay along the riverside path. After a short distance pass through a gap in the fence and up left along the river wall path. Across the water the red and white lighthouse and strange pagoda like buildings of Orfordness can be seen of the former Ministry of Defence Nuclear Research Station. The island has now been purchased by the National Trust and details of access are available on the quay. To the right there is a good view of the castle which can be seen from most parts of this walk. After a stile and an usual Rambler gate that can be parted to let you through, continue along the open river wall around Chantry Point. Where the river wall turns sharply left, just before another stile on the river wall, turn right down to a field gate and stile leading to a grassy track inland. Follow this track out to Gedgrave Road and turn right. After about 400 metres, after passing Richmond Cottages on the right, turn left on the first track, just before reaching Richmond Farm. Keep to the track to the left of the buildings, walking up the hill (Look out for a short cut across the fields to the castle on the right if required). Follow this track up past the trees on the left and then as it bears right along the edge of Gedgrave Broom. After passing Newton Broadway Cottage on the left turn right through a gap in the hedge marked with a footpath sign. This leads across the field on a crop break strip towards the conifer trees on the other side and the yellow and black hose drying tower of Orford Fire Station. At the track on the other side of the field turn right to the village sign pass the front of Orford Primary School and then join the footway of Mundays Lane, the road to the right of the village sign, along the side of the recreation ground. Turn right on a grass track at the end of the recreation ground fence, heading now towards the castle and then, at the corner, left between a brick wall and the black railings marking the edge of the castle grounds. At the Armada Beacon you will find the castle's visitor's car park and a path to the entrance, this is also the point where the short cut rejoins the walk. The walls of the castle are three metres thick and inside there is a maze of rooms and passages and even a two-seater loo. There is a spiral staircase to the top of the tower where there are fine views over Orford Ness and the sea. From the Armada Beacon on the village green follow the road left past the Crown and Castle pub to Market Hill. Walk along the right edge to join Quay Street towards the church. Follow the road round to the right, taking great care as there is no footway on the bend. Continue on down to the start at the Quay Street car park. Fact FileLocation: Orford is 18 miles east of Ipswich (9 miles east of Woodbridge)Start: Orford's Quay Street car park, Ordnance Survey map reference TM 424496 Length: 4 miles Conditions: River wall, tracks, road and a short stretch of field path, two stiles How to get there: - Public Transport: Check details with Suffolk County Council's Public Transport Information TraveLine - telephone 08459 583358 Road Route: From A12 Woodbridge by-pass take A1152 and B1084, signposted to Orford Car Parking: Pay and Display (4 hours 50p) at Quay Street Refreshments: Several pubs, shops and restaurants in the village Public Toilets: Quay Street car park Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheet 212 Woodbridge and Saxmundham Orford Castle: Open 1 April - 30 September daily 10am - 6pm, 1 October - 31 October daily 10am - 6pm (or dusk if earlier), 1 Novemeber - 31 March Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 4pm (closed from 1 - 2 pm), closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day Walking on the web: http//www.anderton.btinternet.co.uk
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