Carlton Marsh
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Oulton Broad is served by two stations, Oulton Broad North on the Lowestoft to Norwich line and Oulton Broad South on the East Suffolk Railway from Lowestoft to Ipswich. Only one platform is in use today, the former station buildings now privately owned and occupied by commercial businesses. Climb the steps at the end of the platform to the road bridge and turn left. Turn left again down the steps to Marsh Road at the other side, turning left and then sharp right down the leafy lane. Where the lane turns sharp right continue straight on, marked with a Public Footpath sign to Burnt Hill Lane, walking between hedges and fences and out into an open meadow. Cross the lane at the entrance to the Ivy House Country Hotel and into another meadow. After crossing the next stile turn right and follow the path around the meadow to the Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre car park. 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. Part of the route here 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. Turn right and follow the continuation of Burnt Hill Lane down 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 through 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 which 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. After a long straight the raised path turns left to continue along the river embankment at the edge of the reserve. After passing a concrete sluice on the river side of the path, the path continues behind the Ivy House Country Hotel. The hotel complex includes the Crooked Barn Restaurant, an eighteenth century thatched barn with high white walls, exposed beams and natural wood floors. A gate in the rear fence allows access for customers. When you reach a boatyard, pass through the gap in the fence and straight on to a path between fences to reach the Nicholas Everitt Park. Turn right and follow the lane through the car park to emerge onto Bridge Road opposite St. Mark's Church. Turn right and walk down Marsh Lane to the station. Turn left up the steps to the roadside footway, across the bridge and down the steps at the other side to return to the platform. Fact FileLocation: Carlton Colville is 2 miles south west of Lowestoft, 40 miles from IpswichStart: Oulton Broad South Railway Station, Ordnance Survey map reference TM 519922 Length: Circular route 4 miles Conditions: Mostly flat, tracks and river wall path, often damp and muddy, 7 stiles on main route, wheelchair friendly kissing gates on easy access route How to get there: - Rail Information: National Rail Enquiry Service tel. 08457 48 49 50 General public transport information: telephone Suffolk County Council’s TraveLine - 08459 583358 Refreshments: Hot drinks, light snacks and sweets at the visitor centre, Ivy House Farm Crooked Barn restaurant or pubs and shops in the area Public Toilets: Nicholas Everitt Park, or in the Carlton Marshes visitor centre when open Map: Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure sheet 40 The Broads Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre: Opening hours often depend on volunteer manning, telephone 01502 564250 Information: http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/suffolk/nr/sites/carlton.htm
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