2015-11-02 Potters Bridge Wrentham Frostenden 6.4

Waveney Ramblers led this walk.

This walk crosses a reed bed that could be wet after heavy or prolonged rain.
The original route went via a board walk, now unsafe, at Potter's Bridge.
The diversion is 380 metres along the B1127 which should be avoided at busy times.
The start has been changed to Green Lane because the lay-by near Potter's Bridge is too small for safe parking.

Start from the north end of Green Lane where it meets Mill Lane.

Head south along Green Lane. Ignore the turning, right, to farm buildings.
Before a barn, ahead, turn right, west.
Ignore the track, right, leading to farm buildings.
When the wide track bends right, follow the field perimeter north then west, hedge left.
Turn left, south, along the B1127.

Divert via the Five Bells if you need refreshments. By agreement with the pub, the walk could start here.

Just after the pub, turn right, west, onto a signed track passing a sewage works on the right.
The track bends left, SE, then south, and joins a tarmac lane.
Turn right, west, woodland left.
Ignore a footpath to the right. Cross a stream.
Bear left onto the road signed to Wangford and Blythburgh heading SW.
Pass some woodland on the left and take the marked path, left, SE, heading through the wood for 200 metres.
Bear right when the path narrows and go through metal gate, south, into a pasture.
In the open meadow, head towards three mature oak trees. At the second oak, turn left, SE.
Head through the gate and over a bridge into reedy marsh land, often very wet.
Cross another gated bridge, SE. Climb a bank and enter an open field.
Continue SE across the field towards a power pole with a diagonal guy line.
At the power pole, continue SE along the farm track.
At the tarmac, turn right, south, and follow this pleasant country lane all the way to the B1127.
The lane winds, eventually heading east.
On this leg, look out for marsh harriers gliding over Smear Marshes to your right.

If the board walk across Potters Bridge Marshes has been repaired, use this. (not documented here).

Route via the B1127.
At the B1127, turn left, NW, for 380 metres of unsafe purgatory.
Turn right, NE, onto the byway, re-entering heaven.
Follow this leafy lane NE with occasional bends north.
At a T-junction, turn left, north.
Cross the tarmac lane to Covehithe and continue north, back to Mill lane and the start of the walk.