The Scores are unique to the Lowestoft area. They are ancient narrow pathways that run from the top of the cliff eastward and down to the beach, allowing townspeople quick access to the beach area. While other towns have paths that wind down to their beaches, Lowestoft's seem to be uniquely direct, and no one else calls their paths "scores".

The word "score" comes from the old Norse "skar" and is the same root as "scar" and "score", as in "score a piece of wood". It is possible that the word "score" came into use when the Viking settlers came to the town and is so is a part of our Viking heritage we use to this day.

There is a score in Corton at the north end of Lowestoft and they continue south at regular intervals down through to Pakefield. Not all of the paths to the beach from the cliff tops are known as scores, although they do all serve the same purpose. The cliff top paths winding down to the beach in Kirkley are not named scores.

Some of the scores are very narrow and steep and you'll be puffing when you get to the top. Most had houses, workshops, and businesses facing in. Some were just wide enough to get a horse and cart down.

The Score's names have changed over the years. They were usually named after a well-known merchant who owned land next to them or after a nearby pub. Today, going from north to south, they are-
The Score- Corton
The Ravine
Cart Score
Lighthouse Score
Mariner's Score
Crown Score
Martin's Score
Rant Score
Wilde Score
Malster's Score
Spurgeon Score
Herring Fishery Score
Frost's Alley Score (now blocked)
The Score - Lowestoft
The Score- Pakefield

The Ravine has a lovely Victorian footbridge over it. Cart Score used to be known as "Gallow's Score" or "Gibbett Score", which sounds rather dire. Lighthouse Score's name is obvious. Mariner's Score was once called Swan Score, named after the Swan Inn where Oliver Cromwell stayed. Crown Score was once known as Lion Score, again, named after an inn.

Further south, Martin's Score was once known as Gowing's Score. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, preached in 1764 outside to large and enthusiastic crowds. Rant Score is named after an early Lowestoft merchant. Wilde Score was named after Christopher Wilde who lived in the Flint House at the top of the Score in 1588. The Heritage Centre is located on this score. Malster's Score is named after a pub, as is Herring Fishery Score. Frost Alley Score was blocked by the police station and was probably the oldest score.

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