GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Oulton Broad and Carlton Marshes

5 miles (8 km)

This is a lovely waterside walk visiting Oulton Broad, the River Waveney and the pretty Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve near Lowestoft. The walk uses part of the long distance Angles Way and a series of other footpaths to explore the area. As well as the lovely Suffolk Broads scenery there's a huge variety of interesting wildlife. Look out for birds of prey including marsh harrier, barn owl and hobby. There's also lots of interesting plants including marsh orchid, marsh marigold and ragged-robin.
You can start your walk from the Oulton Broad car park or from Oulton Broad South railway station. From here you can pick up the Angles Way footpath which will take you into the reserve. Trails then take you along the waterways including various dykes and the River Waveney. There's also nice views across the large expanse of water and marsh that is Oulton Broad. Look out for a variety of watersports taking place on the water. The broad is a popular tourist spot with lots of restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars and shops.
You can extend your walking in the area by following the Angles Way along the northern side of the broad. The path then continues to Flixton Wood and Flixton Lake before coming to the delightul model village of Somerleyton. Continuing west along the Angles Way will take you along the River Waveney into Beccles.

Postcode

NR33 9JR - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Oulton Broad and Carlton Marshes OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Oulton Broad and Carlton Marshes Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Commodore is located near the start of the walk on the eastern side of the broad. The pub is in a fine location overlooking the river and the broad. You can enjoy a fine view of the water as you enjoy an Afternoon Tea or fine Sunday Roast. There's outdoor seating, a garden going down to the river and a car parking area too. You can find them at postcode NR32 3NE for your sat navs. The pub is dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Waveney Valley Walk starts in Beccles and visits the broad before heading to the picture postcard village of Somerleyton and the expansive Fritton Lake Country Park. There's also many other walking ideas in the valley to be found on this page.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Norfolk Broads Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Oulton Broad - geograph.org.uk - 115622

Oulton Broad

Oulton Broad Swingbridge

Oulton Broad Swingbridge. A view of the restored swing bridge at the Broad. Network rail have completed iron works and painting to make the structure look as built. The signal box is missing though, the remains to the far left.

Share Marsh, Near Oulton Broad - geograph.org.uk - 40549

Share Marsh, Near Oulton Broad. Share Marsh is typical of much of the low lying ground in the Waveney Valley. A network of dykes and water pumps keeps the land dry enough for cattle grazing (but not suitable for crops). The view shows one of the smaller dykes with a pair of swans (which are quite common in this area).

Wherry Hotel and Mutford Lock, Oulton Broad Lowestoft - geograph.org.uk - 24947

Wherry Hotel and Mutford Lock in 1989. This photo was taken from the end of a nearby jetty into the Broad. The entrance to the lock is near to the blue and red sign and is the southern link with the North Sea for the Norfolk Broads. The road bridge crossing over the top of the lock has been replaced since the photo was taken. The Wherry Hotel has been here for many years and offers good views over the Broad.

Entrance to Oulton Broad, from Oulton Dyke - geograph.org.uk - 115614

Entrance to Oulton Broad, from Oulton Dyke

View across White Cast Marshes - geograph.org.uk - 2109142

View across White Cast Marshes

Oulton Broad, Suffolk - geograph.org.uk - 2219194

Oulton Broad, Suffolk

Track in Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve - geograph.org.uk - 3914220

Track in Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Oulton Broad and Carlton Marshes.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Oulton Broad and Carlton Marshes.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)