Three different rivers make up what is essentially one waterway separated from the North sea by Orfordness; the longest shingle spit in Europe. The entrance to the Alde and Ore lies in turbulent waters between two shifting bands of shingle; on one side is Orfordness and on the other the tiny settlement of Shingle Street.

This is a wild and mysterious place; a one-time fishing village with a troubled wartime past now forgotten in favour of holidays and recreation. Shingle Street is a SSSI, notable for its abundant flora and fauna and popular with bird watches, photographers, fishermen, walkers and kite surfers. There are some wonderful coastal walks here and it is possible to follow the Suffolk Coast and Heaths long distance footpath to Bawdsey in one direction and Butley Creek in the other. Here you will find a foot ferry operating in the summer months, allowing the sea wall to be followed all the way to Orford.
Just past Shingle Street lies Havergate Island; Suffolk's only island and an important wildlife reserve. Landing here is not allowed, but trips can be booked through the RSPB and run from Orford Quay, which is also the access point to Orfordness which is owned by the National Trust. It is only accessible by boat and tickets and more information can be found from the office on the Quay.

Orford is a lovely village well worth exploring with lots of interesting history – including a 12th-century castle – and some wonderful walks along the river wall to Butley Creek in one direction and Iken in the other. Just past Orford the Ore becomes the Alde and continues to Snape.
Approaching Slaughden Quay from the water one of the most noticeable landmarks is the Martello Tower. This is one of 29 such towers built between Aldeburgh and St Osyth between 1808 and 1812.
Aldeburgh is a quintessential English seaside town where little has changed for decades. Fishermen still haul their boats up the shingle beach and unload their catch to the black sheds along the seashore. With its attractive seafront, excellent shopping, good cafes and sort after fish and chips this small town has much to recommend it.
At Iken, further upstream, the little thatched church of St Botolph stands overlooking the surrounding mudflats and marshland. Stand here and soak up the peace and beauty of the river or take a walk to the head of the navigation at Snape.
Snape Maltings overlooking the river is a popular tourist attraction. It is the home of Aldeburgh music and offers regular concerts, art exhibitions and good shopping as well as some interesting walks along the river including the Sailors Path which winds its way along the river and across heathland all the way to Aldeburgh.
For those with their own boats there is public access to the water at Orford Quay. Access is tidal so call the harbour Office on 01394 459950. Fees apply and there is a large public car park nearby. There is also access at Slaughden Quay, with plenty of parking nearby. Access is tidal so contact Upsons and Co (local boatyard) on 01728 453047

For those wishing to hire their means of getting out on the water river trips are available from Orford Quay aboard the Lady Florence, and canoes can be hired at Iken.