The Bogtrotter

I’ve never been a big bird watcher but some birds just have a magical appeal. The Avocet is one of these, and Minsmere is the place to see them.

Possibly the hardest part of this 5 and a half mile walk is finding your way to the start. The tiny village of Eastbridge is just a few miles north of Aldeburgh. Park at The Eel’s Foot pub, and then start the walk by heading a hundred yards south back along the road. From there turn left and take the public footpath towards the coast. After 20 yards take the right fork (signed F.P.) along a narrow path until you come out into a field. Follow the edge of the field until the far corner then carry straight on through the gap in the hedge. The track now follows a small water channel with signs suggesting that otters can be seen.

As you walk the expanse of Minsmere RSPB reserve opens out on your right. The track continues all the way to the sluice gate next to the dunes. On your right you will also see the ruins of an old chapel. From the sluice gate turn left and follow the path behind the dunes. Along this path are two bird hides where you can watch the action in the reserve. The first is open to the elements but the second is a two storey wooden hide perfect viewing across the wet mud flats.

After you’ve had your fill of watching the birds, rejoin the path behind the dunes. At the end of the reserve the path rises through a car park to the National Trust property and tea rooms (don’t take the path through the reserve signposted for the reserve centre).

From here you turn inland and take the path alongside the toilet block that leads to the heather moor. Pick the right time of year and this area is awash with violets and purples – a marked contrast to the beige of the sand dunes behind you. As you approach a small wood, drop off the main track and take the small path through the woods. This small woodland provides some shade and shelter – again in stark contrast to the rest of the walk.

From the woods you exit to a small road. Go straight across and take the path which follows the fence across some grassland. Here you can often see a blur of rabbits ears bouncing off in all directions. THe path once again goes through a small wood, this time joining a tarmac road. Follow this to a T junction, where you turn left and continue for 600 yards back to the Eels Foot pub. Now you can rest and enjoy a well earned lunch in the beer garden.