Shingle Street Circular Walk

River Ore. The shifting shingle ridges support specialist coastal flora, including sea kale, yellow horned poppy, and thrift, which add seasonal bursts of colour. Marram grass and sea pea help stabilise the dunes, while salt-tolerant plants like samphire grow in the nearby marshes. The lagoons and brackish pools attract wading birds such as redshanks, oystercatchers, and little egrets, while terns can often be seen diving for fish offshore. The wider area is home to barn owls hunting over the rough grasslands, and in the summer, butterflies such as common blues and small coppers can be found among the wildflowers.

Yacht heading into Orford Haven. The River Ore is a tidal river in Suffolk, forming the final stretch of the Alde-Ore Estuary before it reaches the North Sea. It begins near Orford, where the River Alde changes its name to the Ore, and runs south parallel to the coast, separated from the open sea by Orford Ness, a long, shingle spit. The river widens as it approaches Orford Haven, its mouth, before flowing into the sea. The estuary is dynamic, with shifting sandbanks and shingle deposits continually altering its shape.
Orford Haven, the river’s entrance to the sea, was once a significant harbour, but centuries of coastal changes have made it more challenging to navigate. Historically, it provided access to the important medieval port of Orford, which has since lost much of its maritime prominence due to silting and the growth of Orford Ness. The shifting nature of the haven has influenced the surrounding coastline, contributing to the isolation of Havergate Island, which lies within the estuary.

Martello tower, Shingle Street, Suffolk Beyond its natural appeal, the area has a mysterious history. During World War II, Shingle Street was reportedly evacuated, and rumours persisted of a failed German landing, although no concrete evidence was ever confirmed. The Martello Tower, part of a series of early 19th-century defences against potential Napoleonic invasion, stands as a reminder of the coast’s strategic importance. The combination of expansive coastal views, unique wildlife, and intriguing history makes this a rewarding walk, especially for those interested in Suffolk’s wilder landscapes.

Three Towers. Fire control tower at East Lane Battery with two Martello Towers further up the coast towards Shingle Street. The river and its estuary are rich in wildlife, particularly birdlife, with mudflats, saltmarshes, and shingle banks providing important habitats. Avocets, redshanks, and curlews feed along the mudflats, while marsh harriers and barn owls hunt over the reedbeds. Grey seals are often spotted basking on the sandbanks, and the river supports a variety of fish, including bass and mullet. The area is protected as part of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with Orford Ness and Havergate Island managed as nature reserves, preserving their unique landscapes and ecosystems.