There are footpaths along much of the Deben Valley from Felixstowe Ferry to Ufford. Details are on OS Explorer 197. Most of the footpaths are along river walls. Access is reasonably easy but apart from the path between Kyson Point and Wilford Bridge north of Woodbridge, paths are often quite muddy especially at high tide – most are not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. When you are walking in the area please follow the countryside code.
- Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs
- Leave gates and property as you find them
- Protect plants and animals and take your litter home
- Keep dogs under close control
- Consider other people
You can find information on suggested walks on various websites including:
Some walks in the Deben valley are accessible from stations on the East Suffolk line. Suggested routes from Trimley, Felixstowe, Woodbridge and Melton are given in East Suffolk Line walks and Woodbridge and the River Deben.
The RDA has compiled a River Users Code for those ashore and afloat. It is a member of the Deben Estuary Partnership’s Access Group, whose remit is to consider footpaths and other aspects of access to the river. The group comprises representatives from Suffolk County Council Rights of Way, Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB, Parish Councils, Suffolk Coastal District Council, as well as the RDA.
The Library and numerous bookshops (new and second hand) in Woodbridge stock books and maps covering the local area.
At the mouth of the estuary you can cross the river using a ferry that runs between Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey Quay – foot passenger ferry.
The extent of the muddy foreshore and strong currents at the river mouth mean that the estuary is not particularly suitable for swimming or for land-based fishing.