[3] The river has its source in the Rendlesham Forest area to the east of Eyke.

The river is tidal from its confluence with the Ore at Boyton as far inland as Butley Mills and almost to the village of Chillesford.

[3] The river is located within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

[4] A registered charity, the Alde & Ore Association, exists to "preserve and protect for the public benefit the Alde, Ore and Butley Creek rivers and their banks from Shingle Street to their tidal limits".

[6] This provides a link between Orford and Boyton and Butley for pedestrians and cyclists along the Suffolk Coast Path.