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. A water mill was first recorded at Butley Mills in 1530.[3] The river was also used for the transport of goods but by 1948 had become too silted to allow either use.[3]
The river is crossed by the Butley Ferry during the summer period.[6] This provides a link between Orford and Boyton and Butley for pedestrians and cyclists along the Suffolk Coast Path.[6]