The river path runs the length of Northgate, from the weir in the north to the estuary in the south. It is flat, mostly paved and easy to join from almost anywhere in town. Walked end to end it fills a relaxed morning; most people do a stretch at a time.
Where to start
The north end begins at the weir car park, where the buses from the station stop. To start in the middle, take the steps by the swing bridge on Quay Street, which drop straight onto the path.
The weir to the swing bridge
The northern half is the greenest: willows, allotments on the far bank and a heron that stands on the same post most mornings. The café in the old lock keeper's cottage opens at weekends and does a good bacon roll.
The swing bridge to the estuary
South of the bridge the path follows the quay past the customs house and the night market pitches, then the harbour, where the fishing boats tie up. The kiosk by the ferry steps sells coffee all year. The last stretch opens onto salt marsh and ends at the estuary bench, with a view across to the lighthouse.
When it floods
The low stretch below the allotments floods after heavy rain, sometimes for a day or two. When the water is over the path, use the lane behind the allotments and rejoin at the footbridge. The council posts closures at both ends of the path, and we update this guide when the route changes.