Discover Suffolk via a remarkable network of waymarked trails that capture the essence of one of England’s most varied and unspoiled landscapes. Linking together the Suffolk Coast Path (60 miles), the Stour and Orwell Walk (40 miles), and the Sandlings Walk (59 miles), this trio of long-distance routes weaves a comprehensive circuit through the Suffolk National Landscape, threading a unique tapestry of cliffs, marshes, heaths, shingle beaches, and estuaries. Each walk reveals a different facet of the coast’s wild character, yet all remain within easy reach of transport and amenities.

Ideal for walkers seeking gentle adventure, the comprehensive Cicerone guidebook describes the routes in manageable stages, each of which can be completed within a week or combined for a longer, more immersive exploration. Terrain is easy-going and accessible to anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, making these walks perfect for both newcomers to long-distance walking and seasoned ramblers looking for a fresh adventure.

• Traverse celebrated Suffolk landscapes, from the dramatic shingle of Aldeburgh and the ancient woodlands of Rendlesham Forest to the windswept marshes of Dunwich and the sweeping estuaries of the Stour and Orwell. The region’s big skies, clean air, and wide-open horizons have long inspired writers, artists, and musicians.
• Spring and autumn are prime times for birdwatching in Suffolk, with rare species and seasonal migrations providing extra interest. Suffolk’s coastal heaths and reedbeds teem with wildlife, where you may spot scarce birds, unusual plants, and colourful insects.
• The routes offer flexibility for walkers of all kinds. Tackle the full Suffolk Coast Path from Lowestoft to Felixstowe (60 miles), the Stour and Orwell Walk from Trimley St Martin to Cattawade (40 miles), or the Sandlings Walk from Ipswich to Southwold (59 miles), or link them together for the ultimate Suffolk odyssey.
• Each Suffolk trail can also be easily split into day walks, with a route summary table offering suggested stages tailored to your preferred pace and energy level.
• Each stage features a detailed route summary, with start and finish locations, estimated walking times, and advice on accommodation and public transport in towns and villages such as Lowestoft, Southwold, Aldeburgh, Felixstowe, Ipswich, Woodbridge, and Dunwich. Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 map extracts are included for overview and planning.

Plan your Suffolk walking adventure with confidence and immerse yourself in the coast’s ever-changing scenery, rich wildlife, and creative spirit, with the detailed guidance of the definitive Cicerone guidebook.

Author Highlight

“This region can be broadly divided into three types of landscape – coast, estuary and heathland, or Sandlings, as they are locally known – and the three long-distance walks described in this guide are each focused on one of these landscape types. All three have plenty to offer visitors in terms of scenery, wildlife and historic interest, and the footpaths, bridleways and quiet lanes found here make for excellent walking."

- Laurence Mitchell, author of Suffolk Coast and Heath Walks

OS map key
Overview map
Foreword by Simon Amstutz

Introduction
Three Long-Distance Walks
Geology
History of the Landscape
Wildlife and Flowers
Culture and Heritage
Getting There and Back
Ferries
When to Go
What to Take
Food and Accommodation
Waymarks and Access
Safety
Maps
Using This Guide

THE SUFFOLK COAST PATH
Stage 1 Lowestoft to Covehithe
Stage 2 Covehithe to Southwold
Stage 3 Southwold to Dunwich
Stage 4 Dunwich to Thorpeness
Stage 5 Thorpeness to Snape Maltings
Stage 6 Snape Maltings to Chillesford
Stage 7 Chillesford to Shingle Street
Stage 8 Shingle Street to Landguard Fort, Felixstowe
Suffolk Coast Path/Stour and Orwell Walk Link
THE STOUR AND ORWELL WALK
Stage 1 Trimley St Mary to Nacton
Stage 2 Nacton to Orwell Bridge, Ipswich
Stage 3 Orwell Bridge, Ipswich to Pin Mill
Stage 4 Pin Mill to Lower Holbrook
Stage 5 Lower Holbrook to Cattawade

THE SANDLINGS WALK
Stage 1 Ipswich to Woodbridge via Martlesham Heath
Stage 2 Woodbridge to Upper Hollesley Common
Stage 3 Upper Hollesley Common to Butley via Rendlesham Forest
Stage 4 Butley to Snape Maltings via Tunstall Forest
Stage 5 Snape Maltings to Thorpeness
Stage 6 Thorpeness to Dunwich Heath
Stage 7 Dunwich Heath to Southwold

APPENDIX A Route Summary Table
APPENDIX B Useful Contacts
APPENDIX C Further Reading

Seasons

all the routes can be walked at any time of year; summer is the busiest time and accommodation may be hard to find during the Aldeburgh Festival in June; spring and autumn are best for watching birds; winter has its own charm when you may find that you have the place to yourself

Centres

Lowestoft, Southwold, Felixstowe and Ipswich

Difficulty

all of these coast and heath walks are easy for those of moderate fitness; no special ability or equipment is necessary and the only challenge comes from attempting to complete the long-distance routes in succession as a multi-day itinerary

Must See

Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB; once-great sea ports like Southwold, Dunwich and Aldeburgh; a landscape characterised by estuaries, marshes, dunes, sand and shingle beaches; unique scenery and wildlife

August 2019

Route Updates

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.