Coastal Walks in Suffolk

Pin Mill

A light two-mile walk that should take an hour and a half.  

Find Pin Mill on the Shotley Peninsula near Ipswich, surrounded by the River Orwell and Stour. One of the most beautiful walks in Suffolk, you’ll stroll through heathlands, cliffs and river valleys, enjoying fantastic views of the region. When walking along the Orwell, be sure to look out for relics of old sailing cargo ships.

 

Dunwich Heath

A two-hour walk that will cover just under three miles.

 

Nestled in the Suffolk coastline, you’ll find the serene Dunwich Heath. A truly idyllic spot, this is a great place to stroll and seek some peace and quiet. It was a very different place during the Second World War when it formed part of the east coast defences. Although it’s now a tranquil landscape, this walking route will allow you to discover the remaining military relics.

 

Not only is it one of the most beautiful walks in Suffolk, but Dunwich Heath is also a must-visit for admirers of nature. If you’re lucky, you can observe notable species like the Dartford warbler, nightjar and woodlark. Will you be bringing the little ones? Keep them entertained by challenging them to spot as many species as possible.

 

Aldeburgh and Thorpeness

A six-and-a-half-mile walk that should take three hours to complete.

 

This circular walk starts and ends in the Suffolk seaside town of Aldeburgh. You’ll enjoy a stroll along the beach, where you’ll pass a Maggi Hambling sculpture dedicated to Benjamin Britten. Your beach stroll will end once you arrive at Thorpeness, a great place to stop for ice cream. From here, you’ll finish your walk through the RSBP North Warren Nature Reserve, where you can spot a range of birds, including hobbies, marsh harriers and bearded tits.

 

Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

For an interesting take on sea walks in Suffolk, visit Orford Ness. An internationally renowned nature reserve, this is the largest remote shingle spit in Europe. Reachable by boat from Orford Quay, you can follow various paths around the marshes and beaches once you arrive. Orford Ness was also a military site for decades; even today, you can walk through the remains of the First World War airfield.

 

Choose from the red, green or blue paths. The red trail is open throughout the visiting period, whilst the green and blue paths can only be accessed after the breeding season.

 

Kyson Hill

 

This light walk should only take an hour and 15 minutes, covering just over two miles.

 

This coastal landscape may only span four acres, but Kyson Hill is a popular sea walk in Suffolk. This route allows you to take in the views of the estuary, where a host of wildlife can be enjoyed.

 

With clear paths to follow, this route can be enjoyed by everyone, especially young families. But be warned, some paths may be inaccessible during high tide.

 

Minsmere Reserve

 

A two-mile circular walk that should take roughly two hours to complete.

 

Minsmere is home to some of the UK’s rarest wildlife, so it’s perfect for anyone who loves nature. The reserve’s coastal trail will allow you to explore the lagoons, where you can spot wildlife at one of the five lookout spots. This is an excellent walk for little ones, where they can look out for avocets and terns nesting in the summer.