7 Best Places to Walk Your Dog in Orford – and you won’t see a car
Here are 7 of the best places to take your dog whilst on holiday in Suffolk and they are all easily accessible from Orford. Whats more, you can walk for more than an hour and not see a car!
Good news… Suffolk is a super dog friendly county, so pop on your wellies, enjoy your holiday and the beautiful walks on our doorstep.
Here is the best selection of walks, they all have there own features, so why not try one every day if you are here for the week! or if you are here for the weekend you will need to come back…
Its worth noting that not all of them have easy access to fresh water, so I recommend you take plenty of water with you.
Places to Walk your Dog – or simply enjoy the walk
Dunwich Heath
This is a glorious wild area owned by the National Trust and is very close to the Minsmere Bird Reserve. The good news is that the whole site is dog-friendly. However at certain times of year, dogs need to be kept on their lead to help protect rare ground-nesting birds. Don’t worry there will be signs around when you need to leash up!
You can go ‘off lead’ on the “Woof Walk” and also on the beach all year round. Water bowls are provided & taps are near all the buildings, and also has plenty of dog bins. You can get refreshments from the tearoom which has a dog-friendly area and dog treats to share.
A word of warning you do need to check your dog for ticks after your walk on the heath. A tick remover kit is available on site. For more details download Woof guide to Dunwich Heath.
Orwell Country Park, Nacton, Ipswich
Under 20 miles from Orford you will find this amazing park covering nearly 470 acres next to the Orwell estuary, its beautiful and wild. The park includes Bridge Wood and Braziers Wood as well the Piper’s Vale nature reserve. There are several trails to follow, including one down to the Nacton shores where you and your pet can have a paddle! Don’t worry there are loads of dog bins. Please remember that if you are walking through the Pond Hall Farm area, this is a working farm, so you will need to make sure you stay on the footpaths and keep your dog on its lead. Find more details here including a map Orwell Country Park
Pin Mill, near Ipswich
You will find Pin Mill to be delightful, its such a beautiful picturesque location. You can walk through woodland and heath land, and your dog can also enjoy the delights of a swim. Extra good news, the Butt and Oyster pub welcomes dogs, so you can enjoy a well deserved pie and a pint together. Here is a download from the National Trust – Natures Autumn Harvest Walk – its a great walk throughout the year.
A handy leaflet sponsored by Adnams has a few more details Suffolk Coast and Heaths
Rendlesham Forest
Rendlesham Forest is less than a 10 minute drive from Orford, or if you are feeling energetic you can walk it – its about 7 miles. There are three walking trails, all under 5 miles, for you and your dog to enjoy at Rendlesham Forest… (you will also find the infamous Rendlesham UFO trail).
Here is download to help you make the most of your walk Rendlesham Forest.
The following image was taken by Glen at www.primepetphotography.co.uk who has a reputation for capturing the character of your dog. Take a look at his website for more details. In the meantime enjoy this fabulous shot of Chandour the Sharpie on his walk at Rendlesham.
Sizewell
If its your first visit to Suffolk, Sizewell may not be the natural ‘go to’ place on your list! Its a bit of a local secret, you will find plenty of regulars there with their dogs there. The area was a small fishing village, has a pub and a cafe. You still get that village feeling, its has a magnificent beach and dogs are welcome all year round.
Also try out the Beach Cafe (5 Star rating on TripAdvisor), it has plenty of seating outside and has dog bowls for your thirsty friend. You will find dog bins by the car park.
Tunstall Forest
My personal favourite is Tunstall Forest, cared for and maintained by the forestry commission, you will find the forest less than 10 mins away by car. Tunstall Forest consists of coniferous plantations, broadleaved belts and heathland areas which link up with both Tunstall and Blaxhall Common. You will find the forest is awash with walks and trails. Plenty for the most inquisitive dog to enjoy and easy pathways for the less adventurous. You will need to take water with you and dog bins are few and far between – but its worth it – a good couple of hours of walking and not a car in sight.
I hope this whets you appetite to come to Suffolk and bring your dog, I will keep adding to this post so do pop by again. Please feel free to comment or ask any questions.
Warm Wishes
Sara x