The first Orwell Walk was held in 1977. In that year, 223 walkers took part in the event. The event has grown in the intervening years to such an extent that for 2010, approximately 2000 people are expected to participate. The Walk still follows much the same route along the River Orwell to Felixstowe, although there are occasionally route changes when farming, land usage or tidal variations dictate.

Many of the walkers are old hands at the game, some having completed 20 walks or more. In the main the walkers are local to

Suffolk in particular and East Anglia in general. There is one gentleman however who visits regularly from Dorset specifically to raise funds for his favourite charity.

The event has always been organised by the Rotary Club of Ipswich East, with help from other organisations such as the St John Ambulance. The Club has around 60 members, and as there is a manpower requirement in excess of 80 on the day, assistance is provided by relatives of Club members and members of other Rotary Clubs.

The event raised over £43,000 in 2009 and over its lifetime, the Walk has raised more than £1million, much of which has gone to help local good causes.

A list of some of the charities which have benefited from the Walk over the years can be seen by clicking here.

Register now

You can apply to register for the Orwell Walk by clicking this link. There is a registration fee of £5.00 per adult (£10 on the day) and £2.50 per child (£5 on the day) (under 18s). This cost covers the majority of the administration costs such as facilities and drinks at check points, sponsor cards, walk check cards, and certificates.


The next Walk is 27th June 2010