Suffolk Coastal Path Walking Guide

The Suffolk Coast Path offers 50 miles of stunning coastal walking, from Felixstowe to Lowestoft. This guide covers a variety of walks along and near the path, showcasing the best of Suffolk's coastal scenery, wildlife, and heritage. From short, easy strolls to challenging day-long hikes, there's something for every level of walker.

The path takes you through diverse landscapes including shingle beaches, crumbling cliffs, marshes, and heathland. You'll pass through picturesque coastal towns and villages, nature reserves teeming with wildlife, and sites of historical interest.

Felixstowe to Trimley Marshes

Felixstowe to Trimley Marshes

2-3 hours• Easy

Scenic coastal walk with views over the River Orwell and rich birdlife.

Highlights:

  • River views
  • Bird watching
  • Maritime history

Facilities:

  • Parking at both ends
  • Cafés in Felixstowe
  • Bird hides
Southwold to Walberswick

Southwold to Walberswick

1.5-2 hours• Easy

Beautiful coastal walk between two charming seaside towns.

Highlights:

  • Beach views
  • Dunes
  • River crossing

Facilities:

  • Pubs
  • Parking
  • Public toilets
Dunwich Heath to RSPB Minsmere

Dunwich Heath to RSPB Minsmere

3-4 hours• Moderate

Heathland and coastal walk with abundant wildlife.

Highlights:

  • Heathland flora
  • Bird watching
  • Beach views

Facilities:

  • National Trust café
  • Visitor center
  • Parking
Orford to Aldeburgh

Orford to Aldeburgh

4-5 hours• Moderate

Varied walk along shingle beaches and through coastal marshes.

Highlights:

  • Orford Castle
  • Havergate Island views
  • Aldeburgh beach

Facilities:

  • Pubs in Orford and Aldeburgh
  • Limited facilities en route
Covehithe Circular

Covehithe Circular

2-2.5 hours• Easy

Circular walk featuring one of Suffolk's most secluded beaches.

Highlights:

  • Covehithe Beach
  • St Andrew's Church ruins
  • Coastal erosion views

Facilities:

  • Limited parking
  • No public toilets
Lowestoft to Kessingland

Lowestoft to Kessingland

3-4 hours• Moderate

Coastal walk from Suffolk's most easterly point to Kessingland Beach.

Highlights:

  • Ness Point
  • Pakefield Cliffs
  • Benacre National Nature Reserve

Facilities:

  • Cafés in Lowestoft
  • Beach kiosks (seasonal)
  • Bus return option
Snape Maltings to Aldeburgh

Snape Maltings to Aldeburgh

2.5-3 hours• Easy to Moderate

Picturesque walk along the River Alde from Snape to the coast at Aldeburgh.

Highlights:

  • Snape Maltings concert hall
  • River Alde views
  • Iken Church
  • Aldeburgh beach

Facilities:

  • Parking at Snape Maltings
  • Cafés and shops at both ends
  • Public toilets
Thorpeness to Sizewell

Thorpeness to Sizewell

1.5-2 hours• Easy

Coastal walk from the quirky village of Thorpeness to Sizewell beach.

Highlights:

  • Thorpeness Meare
  • House in the Clouds
  • Sizewell nuclear power station

Facilities:

  • Parking in Thorpeness
  • Pub in Sizewell
  • Beach cafés
Dunwich Forest Trail

Dunwich Forest Trail

1-1.5 hours• Easy

Circular walk through Dunwich Forest, combining woodland and heathland.

Highlights:

  • Mixed woodland
  • Heathland views
  • Wildlife spotting

Facilities:

  • Parking at Dunwich Beach
  • Nearby café and pub in Dunwich village
Shotley Peninsula Circuit

Shotley Peninsula Circuit

5-6 hours• Moderate to Challenging

Circular walk around the Shotley Peninsula with views of the Orwell and Stour estuaries.

Highlights:

  • Estuary views
  • Shotley Marina
  • Pin Mill hamlet

Facilities:

  • Pubs en route
  • Parking at Shotley Gate
  • Ferries to Harwich and Felixstowe
Walberswick to Dunwich Heath

Walberswick to Dunwich Heath

2-2.5 hours• Moderate

Coastal walk through varied landscapes including marshes, beach, and heathland.

Highlights:

  • Walberswick Nature Reserve
  • Dunes
  • Dunwich Heath

Facilities:

  • Parking in Walberswick
  • Café at Dunwich Heath
  • Pubs in Walberswick
Orford Ness National Nature Reserve Trail

Orford Ness National Nature Reserve Trail

2-4 hours• Easy to Moderate

Unique walk on the Orford Ness shingle spit, exploring its military history and natural beauty.

Highlights:

  • Lighthouse
  • AWRE site
  • Shingle beaches
  • Wildlife

Facilities:

  • National Trust visitor center
  • Seasonal boat transfer
  • Limited refreshments

Essential Walking Information

Navigation

The Suffolk Coast Path is marked with distinctive yellow waymarkers. However, some sections may have unclear signage. We recommend carrying an OS map (Explorer 197, 212, 213, 231) and downloading the Suffolk Coast Path app for offline navigation.

Best Time to Walk

Spring and autumn offer mild weather and less crowded paths. Summer provides the best weather but can be busy. Winter walks can be atmospheric but require careful planning. Always check tide times for beach sections.

Safety

Carry water, wear appropriate footwear, and check weather forecasts. Some sections can be remote with limited facilities. Be aware of coastal erosion and stay away from cliff edges. In summer, protect against sun exposure.

Planning Your Walk

  • Check public transport options - many sections are accessible by bus or train. The Coastlink bus service is particularly useful.
  • Book accommodation in advance during peak season, especially in popular towns like Southwold and Aldeburgh.
  • Consider splitting longer sections into manageable chunks. The full path typically takes 3-4 days to complete.
  • Pack essentials: water, snacks, sunscreen, waterproofs, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Download the Suffolk Coast Path app for offline navigation and local information.
  • Be respectful of the environment and follow the Countryside Code.

Related Guides

Enhance your coastal walking experience by exploring our other Suffolk coastal guides: