Loddon

Thanks to its pretty town centre and picturesque setting in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Loddon is a popular destination for visitors exploring the area. Located on the banks of the River Chet, around 12 miles from Norwich, the town is home to a number of important habitats, cosy tearooms and welcoming pubs.

If you’re planning a trip to this historic market town, a stroll around the local countryside is a must. To help get you in the walking mood, here’s one of our favourite local walks in Loddon.

Route

 The best place to park for this walk is the Church Plain car park in the centre of Loddon. If this is full, you’ll also find parking at Pye’s Mill and Loddon Staithe.

From the Church Plain car park, walk through the churchyard to the back of Holy Trinity Church. There, you’ll find a tarmac footpath that cuts across the valley. When you reach the road at the end of the footpath, turn left. Then at the T-junction, turn left again and follow the lane to Pye’s Mill.

When you get to the footbridge in Pye’s Mill, you can choose to either turn right and walk straight back to the church or turn left and walk along the River Chet. This leads you deep into the marsh and onto a footpath that will take you back to Loddon High Street. This extension will add around half a mile to your walk.

You can also extend this walk by following the Wherryman’s Way across the River Chet into Chedgrave.

Difficulty

 As this picturesque circular walk is just 1 or 1.5 miles in length, it’s suitable for people of all fitness levels. Around half the walk is on road and half on softer surfaces. In the winter months, the marshy section of the walk can be difficult to navigate and this can make the route a challenge for people with mobility problems.

Facilities

 There are public toilets in the Church Plain car park and a great choice of cafes, restaurants and shops can be found in Loddon. Buses connect Loddon with Norwich, Lowestoft and Beccles.

Points of interest

 Despite the walk being just a mile or so in length, there’s plenty for you to explore on the way. One of the first sights you’ll see is the Holy Trinity Church in Loddon. Dating back to the late 15th century, the exterior of the building is faced with flint while inside you’ll see a beautiful hammer beam roof and a Jacobean pulpit.

Another great place to stop on your walk is Pye’s Mill. This pretty riverside area is the ideal destination for a picnic, so why not pack some sandwiches and enjoy a spot of al fresco dining by the water?

If you enjoy exploring Norfolk by foot, you’ll find lots of information on interesting walks in the local area on our site. Have a look around today to find out more.