Text and pics contributed by Simon
Fourteen people, one dog and (briefly) a herd of horses enjoyed our recent 12 mile walk from Orford.
We started the day with 13 of us (and the dog) at the Orford Quay Car Park before heading along the raised path beside the River Ore. It was a bright, clear day. We could see another walker silhouetted against the sky behind us. We passed the towering radio masts of Orford Ness Transmitting Station.
Just before the path turned inland opposite Aldeburgh, the mystery walker caught up with us – it was Julian, who had arrived late at the car park.
We were 5 miles into the route at this point and had our lunch along the bank where it was sheltered from the wind. Some of our group took advantage of the break and had a little nap.
We left the river path and went through a field with a large herd of friendly horses who decided to join us on the walk. We dashed to the gate to leave the field and said goodbye to our new four-legged friends.
We continued through Tunstall Forest to Sudbourne Church, where a variety of benches provided a great spot for an afternoon drink stop.
We could soon see Orford Castle on the horizon. Four of us cut the walk slightly short and headed straight back to the car park. The remaining ten took a slightly longer route but soon arrived at Orford Castle. English Heritage have used lime mortar to protect crumbling areas of the stonework, so the castle looked a bit different to how we remembered it.
The Jolly Sailor pub opposite the car park provided a cosy spot for after-walk drinks. Thank you to everyone who joined us; we had a great day.