Walking Holidays

Let the sea breeze cool you as you step out along the Suffolk coastline – there’s a choice of waymarked routes and long-distance trails to suit all.

One of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful Suffolk Coasts and Heaths is on foot. For those who like a challenge, the Suffolk Coast Path is a 50-mile walk from Felixstowe to Lowestoft that takes you through some of the most characteristic landscapes of the AONB. Ten miles longer, the Sandlings Walk wends its way between the eastern fringes of Ipswich and Southwold, linking the remaining fragments of beautiful Sandlings Heath. A guide to long-distance walking in the AONB is available here. 

With miles of beautiful beaches, the shoreline itself is the perfect setting for a romantic stroll or a family saunter. Lowestoft, Southwold, Dunwich, Aldeburgh and Felixstowe all have refreshment-stops, and most of the county’s beaches welcome dogs – just check the signs for guidance as to where they’re allowed during the peak season months 

For walks with a thirst-quenching theme, follow the Inn To Inn Trail that takes you from The Westleton Crown to its sister pub The Ship at Dunwich – both are ancient inns serving a fine selection of food, real ales and wines, and this circular route covers 8.5 miles of pretty heathland.

And for a real step back in time, try The Sailor’s Path. Legend has it that this six-mile leg-stretcher was first trod by the seamen who used to ply their trade along this part of the coast – when their boats got stuck in the Snape Maltings mud at low tide, the sailors would abandon their craft and head back to their Aldeburgh homes on foot. The Sailor’s Path follows the meandering course of the River Alde, one of the most beautiful estuaries on the east coast, and was reopened in December 2012 after a major restoration and upgrading project, supported by Suffolk Secrets through our customer donation scheme. 

If you can walk, you can Nordic Walk, so why not have a go with one of our hand-picked Holiday Extras sessions? This whole-body exercise claims benefits including improved posture, gait and co-ordination, plus an increase in calories-burnt of up to 40 per cent more. Book your lesson with a qualified instructor now – poles are supplied and your session can take place Southwold, Aldeburgh or in private woodland in the village of Wilby.

Finally, if you like to while away the miles in company, the early summer Suffolk Walking Festival caters for all ages and fitness levels. Pub and teashop stops are often scheduled for those who need encouragement to keep going, too.