Fresh air, riverside views and a wildlife challenge for little explorers – Beccles Marsh Trails offer a lovely way to discover the countryside together. Whether you’re visiting for the day or enjoying a family outing close to home, there’s plenty to keep both adults and children interested along the way.
Set beside the River Waveney, Beccles Marshes are a landscape of grazing meadows, waterways and wide-open skies, just beyond the town centre. Take your time, listen to the birds and enjoy discovering this quieter side of Beccles.
There are walks of different lengths to choose from. The circular Blue Walk is approximately 1½ miles, while the Red Walk covers 3 miles and the Green Walk stretches to 4 miles. Choose a route to suit your family’s energy levels, allowing extra time for wildlife watching and exploring.
A walk becomes much more exciting when there’s something to search for! The children’s Beccles Marsh Trail booklet challenges young visitors to spot 12 wildlife stencils during their walk.
The creatures featured include a duck, swan, dragonfly, rabbit, deer, heron, kingfisher, cow, butterfly, otter, fish and owl. Can your family find them all?
The booklet also includes animal colouring pages, giving children a chance to get creative and continue the fun after their adventure. It’s a lovely way to connect what they’ve discovered outdoors with an activity to enjoy at home.
You can make the walk your own with a few simple challenges: listen for different bird calls, count the boats passing on the river or look for insects among the plants. You may not see every creature featured in the booklet, but looking carefully is all part of the adventure.
Booklets are available from the Harbourmasters’ Office.
Combine your marsh walk with time at Beccles Quay, or head into town afterwards for something to eat and a browse around the independent shops. It’s an easy way to bring together countryside exploring and a visit to Beccles.
Before setting off, check the route map and any seasonal access notices. Wear suitable footwear, supervise children beside water and enjoy wildlife from a distance.
Pack your walking shoes, bring the children’s booklet and see what your family can discover on Beccles Marsh Trails!
