Beccles Marsh Trail – family walks in the Broads

Beccles, a charming town on the River Waveney, is the start point for this gorgeous little loop. The first half follows the river upstream, before branching off to the pretty village of Geldeston. On the return, you join part of the Angles Way across grazing marshes and back into the town. The whole family will enjoy looking out for kingfishers, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies in summer, while birds of prey like kestrels and harriers can also be spotted.

Not all of the walk is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. However, there is a shorter, signposted loop that’s fully accessible. Simply start from Beccles and follow the signs.

The route begins in the centre of Beccles, which can be accessed by car or by train. You cross the river at the late 19th-century Beccles Old Bridge, from where you can admire the town’s pretty quay. From here, the route meanders alongside the Waveney, taking you past the site of an Iron Age causeway, where you can still see raised tracks meeting the river wall.

At the point where the river splits, take the cut to the lovely little village of Geldeston, with the option of a pit stop at the dog-friendly Wherry Inn. Alternatively, you could wait just a little while longer and opt for the Lock Inn, a community-run riverside establishment at the limit of the Waveney’s navigation. Cross the river here and join the Angles Way back towards Beccles.

Once back in the town, you can peruse its quaint market squares and winding streets. The museum is a great option for learning more about the Broads and the region’s industrial heritage, while there’s a play park for the kids and facilities at Beccles Quay.