A three-mile riverside walk or cycle-ride from Ipswich to Sproughton

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Historical Setting: Ipswich is where it is because of its river. At the point where the tidal saltwater River Orwell is met by the freshwater River Gipping the Anglo-Saxons established a trading post, a quay and a river crossing. Their settlement was called Gipeswyk, and under the name of Ipswich still occupies the same site today, fourteen centuries later.

Geographical Setting: The River Path follows the course of the Gipping from that river crossing, Stoke Bridge, to the village of Sproughton, about three miles upstream, and beyond. There are links to the Ipswich Historic Waterfront and the railway station, and for much of the way bus routes are within a short walk. The river is easily accessible from major office and housing developments and there are plans for easier access from south of the river. Much of the route is rural and peaceful, and although there are some industrial stretches there is a good deal to interest the visitor all the way along.

Walking and Cycling: The route is shared between walkers and cyclists, and it will eventually all be accessible also to pushchairs and wheelchairs. Sometimes walkers and cyclists share the same path, sometimes their routes diverge. The route is part of the National Cycle Network, an almost 10,000-mile system of quiet roads and dedicated cycle routes linking all parts of the country.

Heritage: Until the 1930's the river was a navigation, a working waterway connecting Ipswich docks with the industrial premises that fronted it at Bramford. For the whole of the 19th century it was navigable as far upstream as Stowmarket. In the mid 19th century the new railway system serving the docks led to the decline of the navigation but enabled livestock to be brought by way of the Old Cattle Yard to the nearly market at Portman Road.

Wildlife: The river corridor forms a "green lung" of countryside by which light, air and wildlife can penetrate to the centre of Ipswich. The popularity of the river amongst anglers demonstrates the fish-friendly quality of the water. There is a variety of habitat to encourage wading and other water birds, while on the banks sensitive planting and landscaping attract wild flowers, birds, mammals and invertebrates which contribute to the biodiversity of a healthy wildlife ecology. An interesting short diversion leads to Alderman Wildlife Park.

Art: The major sculptures "Against the Tide" next to Stoke Bridge and "The Navigator" on the Old Cattle Yard together with the mural on the long wall nearby provide reminds of the social and industrial importance of the river.

Leisure: Beside Stoke Bridge a skateboard park provides a much used opporunity for skateboarders and BMX riders. The Old Cattle Yard, site of one of the sculptures, has seating where people can picnic or simply relax as they overlook the river. Upstream there are good facilities for anglers. In the future it will be possible to take a rowing boat or canoe on the river.

A river for all is the objective of the River Action Group, which was formed in 1998 from amenity and wildlife groups and local community bodies working with Ipswich Borough Council to promote new opportunities for the people of Ipswich to enjoy their river.

The River Action Group has enjoyed the help and active co-operation of:

Arts Council England Lottery Programme
Countryside Agency
Environment Agency
Greenways Project
Hanson Trust
Inland Waterways Association
Ipswich Borough Council
Ipswich Society
Ipswich Wildlife Group
Local Heritage Initiative
Nationwide Building Society
Suffolk County Council
Sustrans

Also many unnamed people whose work with their minds and hands or by machine has made the River Path come to life,

And the people of Ipswich, who for long have wanted more and better access to their river.