Walk this Way - Wonderful Walks in Suffolk

Walking is an escape for many, exercise for others and an enjoyable hobby for all. As you stroll through nature, you can enjoy what money can’t buy, woodland, beaches and rolling fields. Suffolk has a unique landscape and is the perfect place for walkers of any ability. The small gradients and soft grounds make for leisurely walking, all through glorious countryside with an abundance of wildlife that is sure to delight.

Many of the Suffolk Secrets staff like to make the most of the wonderful walks they have access to on their days off, and we’re lucky enough to have such a beautiful part of the country on our doorstep. Discover some of our staffs favourite walking trails, they may just tempt you to embark on one yourself.

Lynie – Homeowner and Guest Services Assistant

We’re spoilt for choice in Suffolk with so many walking routes being picturesque, but I’d have to say my favourite is the walk from Walberswick to Southwold and back. I park at the car park In Walberswick and walk along the river path to the bridge that crosses over to Southwold. I then stroll along the harbour, past the Harbour Inn, down to the end of the grass and to the beach. Along the beach, I pass Southwold’s infamous beach huts and then continue to the boardwalk. From there I go up the steps into town, make a quick stop at the Two Magpies Bakery for coffee & cake which I then enjoy back on the beach. I then walk back through the town down, past The Old Water Tower to The Common, past the golf club and the path takes you back to the bridge over the river and back to Walberswick.

Sally – Marketing Manager

I love a beach walk with my husband, son and mad dog Harry and my favourite place to start is Kessingland, which sits between Lowestoft and Southwold.  Here you’ll find a wide, sand and shingle beach and plenty of grassy dunes. For me there is no complicated route to follow, I just hit the sands and off I go!  The direction I head and the distance I walk depends on the wind direction and the tide (which I always recommend your check before you set off), but my favourite is to head South towards Southwold and keep going!  After about 20 minutes walking, you come to a sluice gate, and after passing that you’ll come to Benacre Broad, and further on Cove Hithe Broad.  These are nesting areas for the protected ‘Little Terns’ so Harry has to go on his lead at this point, but apart from that, he’s free to enjoy the beach.

Cove Hithe marks my halfway point, and after getting the flask out for a coffee (and maybe a biscuit) I decide whether to carry on to Southwold and catch the no. 99 bus back to Kessingland, or head back. This is such a peaceful stretch of coastline and due to the strength of the sea, it is always different.  I will never tire of this stretch of Suffolk coast.

Jonathan - Customer Services

One of my favourite walking routes in Suffolk is along the Suffolk Coastline between Thorpeness and Snape. I start in the peaceful village of Thorpeness where I pass Suffolk Secrets property The Mill and the iconic, The House in the Clouds.  Once enjoying a stroll around Thorpeness I eventually join the walkway to Aldeburgh using the path which was once the old railway line. The Scallop Sculpture is one of the well know landmarks you come across on this 3km stretch, and you’ll see many people taking photographs of the interesting piece of art. Eventually, I reach Aldeburgh, which is a great place to stop for a well-deserved dish of fish and chips, and then follow the path known as The Sailors Path to Snape Maltings. This path takes you through natural woodland in addition to having natural marsh area on either side. If you keep an eye out you’re likely to see an amazing variety of wildlife. There are information boards along the route which provide a history of this area, a great read if you’ve not visited before. The path then brings you to Snape with the opportunity to visit the famous Snape Maltings.

Chloe – Marketing Assistant

Being lucky enough to live in East Bergholt for a number of years, I’d often embark on walks around the idyllic Constable County and down to Flatford Mill. This area of Suffolk has an incredible amount of footpaths and the trails are like walking through a painting. You’ll never take the same route twice and there is something beautiful around every corner.

Our walk would often begin in the centre of the village. If you’re driving to East Bergholt, I’d recommend parking at the church on Rectory Hill where you can park for free. We pack up a picnic with plenty of water to keep us well oiled throughout the day. From the village, we walk down Flatford Road. From Flatford Road there’s a footpath that leads directly to Bridge Cottage. Along the way, we’d stop on a bridge where the pipe opposite was used as stone-throwing target practice, the winner was whoever could hit it first. Once the games were over we’d continue down the footpath until we reached Bridge Cottage, a national trust, a 16th-century building which serves delicious ice cream which we would, of course, treat ourselves to. We’d then continue down to Flatford Mill which is an ideal photo opportunity spot. We’d then head back up to the cottage and over the bridge where a quick game of pooh sticks would usually occur. We’d then walk down the river where cows stroll past, people in rowing boats wave to you and if the weathers nice, you’d often see people taking a dip. We’d walk for a while then set up camp for a welcome break, picnic and sometimes a swim. Once refuelled, we’d then head back up to the village where the adventure would end (usually in the pub).

Suffolk Walking Festival

If walking in Suffolk has really captured your attention, why not join The Suffolk Walking Festival? From the 12th of May till the 3rd of June, the festival will take place all over Suffolk and features over 120 walks and events with short strolls to long hikes. Whatever your walking ability, the festival is sure to feature a walk to suit you and is a great way to get outdoors, see Suffolk in all its glory and meet other keen walkers. For more information, visit their website www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk