Shotley Peninsula - Pin Mill Walk

Today I didn't have to drive to The Barn in the evening, for a change, so we were able to have a full Sunday out. Hooray. "I think we should go to the sea", said the Missus. That gave me an idea; it's not far to the Shotley Peninsula, but it's nearly three years since we were there, and there's somewhere there I've been longing to visit for lunch since we first went.

Situated between the Orwell and Stour rivers, the Shotley peninsula is a little off the beaten track, but easy enough to get to - down the A14 from Bury St Edmunds towards Ipswich and at the A137 turn-off, just before the Orwell bridge, turn left and then right at the next roundabout onto the B1456.

We followed this along to Chelmondiston and turned left down to Pin Mill. There is no mill there now, but the name is said to be derived from the wooden pegs or 'pins' that were made there and used in boat-building. The tide was out when we arrived and there are pleasant views across and along the Orwell.

The woods on the cliff at Pin Mill are owned by the National Trust and there is good circular walk through them, starting just across the road from the car park. In places the path goes down to the river front and you can find boats along the edge.

Here are the walkers coming up the hill from Clamp House, before returning through the Cliff Plantation. If you go there in early autumn you should find plenty of balckberries along the way.

We finished the walk in good time for an early lunch at the renowned Butt and Oyster Inn.

It dates back to the 17th century and is associated with smuggling and the stories of Arthur Randsome. As their website says...

The Butt & Oyster is one of the best known public houses in Suffolk renowned for its good beer, good food and great views, situated in the hamlet of Pin Mill on the river Orwell.

Let the sounds of the Orwell seduce you. Watch the changing tides on traditional timeless shores. Understand an artist’s inspiration with Thames barges, swans and the river, enjoying the finest Suffolk ales whilst being tempted by the wonderful aromas which welcome you.

Pin Mill, once a smugglers haven offers beautiful walks and amazing scenery, the name of the pub commemorates the oyster fisheries originally a major export from the river Orwell.

In the old days the pub would be full of bargemen and sailors enjoying a pint. Made famous as being the setting for Arthur Ransomes “we didn’t mean to go to sea” book. “It is a fantastic pub” with a welcoming and traditional atmosphere.

Hear hear! The food was good and the Adnams Broadside beer excellent!