Text contributed by Barbara, pics by Peter
Peter’s last minute invite for a 9-mile walk exploring three of Ipswich’s parks led to 13 people, both newcomers and long standing members, meeting at St. Peter’s Dock car park in Ipswich. We set off just after 11.30am and headed along Ipswich’s waterfront, past Noah’s Ark and uphill towards landscaped Holywells Park. Our first convenience stop was at the charming Stables Cafe. We then left the park and took Cliff Lane downhill and entered Landseer Park at its most northerly tip. We traversed the park and followed Raeburn Road southwards to the entrance of Orwell Country Park where most of these pictures were taken.
Peter first showed us the most westerly part of the park which gives a good view of the Orwell Bridge from the north and we did a loop along a top-secret (aka very overgrown) path. We then rejoined the main pathway and passed under the impressive Orwell Bridge. Walking along the pebbled shore of the River Orwell was most scenic. As this part of the walk was rather windy we had our packed lunch in a more sheltered area amongst trees. We then continued for a bit along the river and turned inland until we reached the path along the A14 from where we turned back towards Orwell Bridge. As it was getting chilly we opted for the short route back and ended our walk at Cult Cafe at the waterfront just after 3pm.
https://my.viewranger.com/route/details/Mjc5ODA5Mg==
Thank you to Peter for a most enjoyable walk!