A family-friendly route, The Chet River Way begins on a high among the beautiful weeping willows and relaxing rivers views of Loddon Staithe. It’s circular, meaning this could be the perfect picnicking spot to round off – or kick off – your walk.
Follow the village footpaths behind the church and along the quiet Pits Lane, then progress onto a trail that tracks the splendid course of the River Chet, where dragonflies and damselflies skim the river and kingfishers can be spotted on the reed-rich banks.
From cattle grazing in the meadows to marsh harriers patrolling the skies, wildlife in the summer here is abundant. The circular route then takes a left through the kissing gates on the common, past the paddocks before heading into Chedgrave and back along Langley Road to the Staithe.
Distance:
3.6 km/2.2 miles. Allow 1.25 hours (relaxed pace).
Surfaces:
A mix of pavements and surfaced paths along the river, with unsurfaced driveway and quiet country road and pavements on the return.
Signage:
Fully waymarked – look for the purple Jubilee discs.
Dogs:
Yes, on leads recommended.
Parking:
The walk starts at Loddon Staithe car park. Additional parking can be found at Church Plain.
Refreshments:
Several cafés and pubs can be found in Loddon and Chedgrave.
Public toilets:
Available at Loddon Staithe car park.
Accessible sections:
There is an accessible ‘out and back’ stretch from Loddon Staithe, picking up part of the Wherryman’s Way and along Pitt’s Lane, access tested by wheelchair users. Unfortunately, this route is along existing designated footpaths and therefore not accessible for cycling or horse riding.
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