FKT: Alexia Cambon - Stour and Orwell Walk (United Kingdom) - 2022-07-23

Athletes
Route variation
Standard point-to-point
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Female
Style
Supported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
8h 31m 54s
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Used James' GPX track. Only committed to attempting it the day before, given the unprecedented heat of the week meaning the ground would be hard, dry and pretty ideal for running. Had a crew stop at 8km, 32km, 51km and 59km. It got very warm towards the end and got through about 2L of Coca Cola throughout the run! Some very pretty sections with Orwell Country Park, Shotley Gate peninsula, and the last stretch to Cattawade being the highlights. Watch out for the train track gates seeming to be locked on crossing from Felixstowe, they're just heavy! James' track seems to take you out on a lot of road, which might be necessary in periods of adverse weather as most of the route is coastal and so has potential to flood or get very muddy. Got lost around the Orwell Bridge just after leaving Ipswich where the route officially takes you just under the bridge on trail to avoid a dodgy road section, but the waymarking isn't very clear, you may want to just stick to the road but try and be as visible as possible as the road is twisty around there. Also James' route seemed to deviate through Shotley instead of around the peninsula as indicated on the official route - I changed this back on the track before setting off as it seemed a shame to miss the coastal trail, it's very picturesque and takes you past both the Bristol Arms and the Shipwreck, iconic pubs with a view. The entire route is very runnable, flat and offers up some lovely views. A great day out!