The Mardle and Lound Lakes, Hopton

On our trip to Great Yarmouth, we stopped over at Lound for lunch and was treated to a wonderful part of the country. Just across the road from The Village Maid Pub is a small body of water called the Mardle. This forms part of the countryside walk where you can discover birds, butterflies, wild life and most importantly the gorgeous views of Lound Lakes. Here is a look at both The Mardle and Lound Lakes near Hopton on Sea.

The name Lound may initially sound like a mis-spelt word but it comes from old norse or viking words (1750 to 1100 AD). The words are ‘bundr’, ‘lunder’ or ‘lund’ all taken to mean small wood, copse or grove.

The Mardle

Not quite a lake, but a small body of water, the Mardle is actually fed by an underground spring. You can stop your car by the side of the road where it is safe or when it is not too busy and just enjoy the view from your seat. Or, there are plenty of benches available where you can park, and take some time to appreciate nature and all its inhabitants in the area. You can also follow the public footpaths that will take you to The Heath, St. Mary’s Church Ashby, Cuckoo Green and Lound Lakes.

To the north, in the corner next to the road is a stoup or ramp. This is where animals from nearby farms used to come to the lake for a drink.

The Lound Lakes

The Lound Lakes are public water supply reservoirs owned by Essex and Suffolk Water near Hopton on Sea. You can drive past the lakes on Hall Road or park in Lound Lakes Nature Reserve Car Park and take the walks there keeping to the public footpaths. The site is managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

What can you expect to find

Wildlife including ducks, swans, fox, brown hare, white admiral butterfly, green woodpecker, fallow deer stag, dragon fly and heron are frequently found in the area. There are also livestocks nearby so keep your furry friends on a short lead on the marked foot paths.

For food, you can go to The Village Maid (71 The St, Lound, Lowestoft NR32 5LP) or The Mardle Cafe & Bakery (51 The St, Lound, Lowestoft NR32 5LP), both situated on the main road aptly name The Street in Lound.