14. The Easterling Walk

Oulton Broad South - Lowestoft 4 miles

Close up of a dragonfly
planning your walk
Time:Allow a minimum of 2 hours
Suggested map:Outdoor Leisure map 40 The Broads
Refreshment:Plenty of choice in Oulton Broad and Lowestoft

A short but remarkably varied and contrasting walk leading to Lowestoft Ness, the most easterly point in Britain. The location was celebrated in the 1950s by an East Suffolk Line express train named ‘The Easterling’ which brought holidaymakers from London non-stop to Beccles, where it divided for Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

After visiting the Lowestoft Museum in Nicholas Everitt Park, walkers can enjoy breezy views across the open expanses of Oulton Broad, cross an attractive Dutch style lifting bridge designed for pedestrians and cyclists, tunnel below the railway near Oulton Broad swing bridge and cross the slipways of busy boatyards fronting Lake Lothing. The wide-open spaces of Normanston Park contrast with the incised linear park on the alignment of an old railway, leading to St Margaret’s, one of Suffolk’s finest churches. From its churchyard the distant North Sea can be glimpsed. The lighthouse stands on an elevated cliff top below which Lighthouse Score, one of a series of fascinating alleyways descending the cliff face, leads down to the Denes, an open area traditionally associated with the repair of fishing nets. The fascinating Maritime Museum, sea wall and Lowestoft Ness are close by.

route finder

Route finding - key points (numbers refer to points on the route diagrams)

  1. From the station cross the railway line by the bridge, and take the steps down to Marsh Road. Follow the road, passing the holiday village entrance.
  2. Just before a sharp right bend, branch right through a gap, then bear half right across a grassy area to join the network of surfaced paths in Nicholas Everitt Park. Follow the paths nearest the water's edge. (Occasionally entry to the park may be restricted for special events, when an entrance fee may be charged - see local notices.)
  3. Cross the lifting bridge. Use the pedestrian/cyclist underpass to cross the main road.
  4. A footpath sign near roundabout marks the start of the path to Lowestoft. Follow it between high fences and under the railway arch, emerging to cross front of boat yards. At one point the path goes below a gantry crane! Take care when crossing rails on inclined slipways.
  5. Cross the railway by a stepped footbridge. Follow the cycle/pedestrian path right towards the town centre.
  6. The route continues beyond the pelican crossing over Peto Way.
  7. At cross-paths junction (Sustrans sign) go left towards Gunton along Great Eastern Way Linear Park.
  8. Take the steps up to Rotterdam Road and nearby St Margaret’s church. Great Eastern Way continues to Yarmouth Road.
  9. Station Road (former North station).
  10. Lyndhurst Road.
  11. Footbridge into Belle Vue Park and Royal Naval Patrol memorial.
  12. From the Euroscope at the Ness continue to the steps at the end of the sea wall, then go right along Hamilton Road to reach the town centre.

Disclaimer

The information in this production was, so far as is known, correct at the time of publication. The compiler accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions or changes in the information given.

© Roger Wolfe 2007 - 2012

Easterling Walk Map
East Suffolk Line Walks Waymark