Pin Mill nature walk
Enjoy a peaceful walk through woodland and heathland and discover long-reaching views of the River Orwell on this tranquil walk at Pin Mill, near Ipswich. With ever-changing heathland colours and dramatic wrecks along the foreshore, there's something to see along this route all year round.
Be aware of high tides
Be aware of high tides along the foreshore at step 6, where an alternate path is recommended when the route is impassable.
Total steps: 6
Total steps: 6
Start point
Pin Mill Car park (not NT), grid ref:TM205378
Step 1
From the car park turn right along the lane for 44yd (40m), then left up a set of concrete steps. Follow the footpath up the slope and along the back of the gardens to enter Pin Mill woods via a kissing gate.
Step 2
Continue past a pine plantation, then turn right at a junction with another public footpath, keeping the pine plantation on your right. The track turns to the left and after 383yd (350m) opens out into the first heathland area.
Step 3
Take the first left-hand path at the public footpath sign. The path crosses another area of heath, which is more grassy than the earlier heather heathland. Follow the path into a woodland, then at the T-junction, turn left.
Step 4
To the right, the cliff top path here offers some wonderful views through the trees down to the River Orwell. Follow the path and descend a steep slope, (the cliff top path, although elevated, is not a traditional cliff, but is considered a cliff top for Suffolk!).
Step 5
At the bottom of the slope, turn right at a path junction to follow the route along the shore.
Step 6
The path leaves Pin Mill woods and descends a few steps to the foreshore in front of the Butt and Oyster pub. Follow the foreshore to pass in front of the pub, then turn left on the lane to return to the car park. Be aware that if there's a high tide and it's not safe to walk along the foreshore in front of the pub, then retrace your steps 165yd (150m) to the steps and follow them back up to the top path. Turn right and return to the car park.
End point
Pin Mill Car park (not NT), grid ref:TM205378
Trail map
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Get in touch
Pin Mill - Council Car park, near Chelmondiston, Suffolk, IP9 1JJ
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