Angles Way - Oulton Broad to Beccles
Angles Way - Oulton Broad to Beccles
A 9 mile walk along the Angles Way between Oulton Broad and Beccles in Suffolk
The path between Oulton Broad and Beccles doubles up as both The Angles Way and the East Suffolk Coast Line walk. There is not much to this walk other than following the winding path alongside the River Waveney. It is a pleasant enough stroll but without much activity on the river it can become a little monotonous until Beccles approaches. Nonetheless, what better way is there to spend a sunny afternoon than strolling by the river.
Essential Information
Walk Statistics:
Total Walk distance: 13 miles
Walk difficulty: Easy
Maps:
OS Map: OS Explorer Map 231 Southwold & Bungay
OS Route Map: Available here
Google Route Map: Available here
GPX file for walk: Available here
Transport:
Train Service
Operator: National Express
Service Number: East Suffolk Line
Timetable: Available here
Train from Beccles to Oulton Broad South - two hourly service by National Express Trains
Operator: National Express
Service Number: East Suffolk Line
Timetable: Available here
Train from Beccles to Oulton Broad South - two hourly service by National Express Trains
Walk Data
Date of Walk: 2010-05-20
Start Time: 13:00:00.0Z
End time: 16:00:00.0Z
Walkers: Griffmonster, Kat
Weather Conditions: Cool - glimpses of sunshine
Equipment: 40 litre daypack
Start Time: 13:00:00.0Z
End time: 16:00:00.0Z
Walkers: Griffmonster, Kat
Weather Conditions: Cool - glimpses of sunshine
Equipment: 40 litre daypack
Walk Notes ToC
The start of the walk was very pleasant, strolling through the meadows out to the River Waveny from Oulton Broad South railway station. Once up on the river bank it is pretty much the same scene throughout which became a little monotonous as there was little activity on the river. At the site of the Great Yarmouth to Beccles Railway Swingbridge we encountered a young couple with a rather large doberman dog which was off the lead. The beast came hurtling at us and was not looking very playful either which was a bit disconcerting. The chap did manage to call the beast to heel but it did give a moment of apprehension.
One big disappointment about the walk was the lack of pubs along the route. We did stop off at the Ivy House Country Hotel but felt a little out of place sitting in a rather lavish lounge. I have since been told that The Swan Inn at Barnby is just off route with a track leading from the footpath. Maybe another time.
Directions ToC
Both Angles Way and East Suffolk Line waymarkers provide a well signed route, though it is hard to get lost as the path follows the River Waveney
From Outlon Broad South railway station take the track on the north side of the line and follow the waymarkers through the caravan park, past Ivy House Country Hotel and through a meadow to the marshes. Here a track heads down towards the river. I have to admit that it was unclear exactly which way to proceed to get to the river and I think the path we took was not the actual Angles Way when referenced against the map. Nonetheless, what ever route you take, you will end up by the river and walking along the river defences all the way to Beccles
Buttercups cover a meadow on the way down to the river from Oulton Broad South station
Pubs ToC
Ivy House Country Hotel, Outlon Broad View in OS Map | View in Google Map
A mixture of converted farm buildings and new build, this country Hotel tucked away down a quiet country track advertises itself as a the perfect place for barn weddings and civil ceremonies. Attached to the hotel are four acres of Country gardens and lily ponds that go out to the broadside footpath.
Review
A rather plush country hotel with a bar. No cask ale but the barmaid was quite happy for us walkers to come in and sit down for a drink.
On the left A drainage ditch looking out to Share Marsh; On the right Oulton Broad South station
Features ToC
Beccles Fen View in OS Map | View in Google Map
Beccles Fen and Marsh is located on the eastern side of Beccles. It was given to the people of the town by Queen Elizabeth I in 1584 who granted a charter. This event is depicted on the Town Sign. The Town Council, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the Broads Authority maintain the marsh as a haven for wildlife and have provided three waymarked trails of 1½ (white walk), 3 (red walk) and 4 miles (green walk).
In 2006 flood defence work on the fen unearthed three long rows of wooden posts inserted into the ground. Initial thoughts were that the posts were to mark a causeway, but the real purpose of the site remains a mystery, it could be that of a ritual gathering point, similar to the one discovered at nearby Barsham. Experts have used tree rings to date the wood to the spring of 75 BC. An information board by the river details the findings.
Great Yarmouth to Beccles Railway Swingbridge: View in OS Map | View in Google Map Wiki article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarmouth_to_Beccles_Line
Just before the river bends round towards Beccles there is the remains of the brick supports to the old Yarmouth to Beccles Railway swingbridge. The line was opened in 1859 and closed 100 years later in 1959. The swingbridge was one of a pair, the other being between Haddiscoe and St Olaves. These were crossed at walking pace and were, until 1927, operated by signal boxes, with pilotmen on the footplate for the crossing. This line carried express services from Liverpool Street to Yarmouth, covering the distance in as little as 2.5 hours in 1904. Eventually the cost of maintaining the Yarmouth to Beccles line to express standards became prohibitive and reports of the line's closure surfaced in 1955, yet it was not until 2 November 1959 that the Beccles line finally closed to regular traffic.
One of the few boats encountered on the river
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