Beaches, walks and cycle routes

&Beaches, walks cycle routes

Explore the sun, sand and surf of the Suffolk heritage coast by foot or on two wheels. Here we list our favourite beaches, walks and cycle routes for you to choose from

Seas the day

SOUTHWOLD

Of course, we couldn’t list the best beaches in the area without mentioning Southwold. The brightly coloured beach huts and Victorian Pier provide plenty of opportunities for Kodak moments, and there is ample space for paddling, building sandcastles and tucking into picnics on the sand or in the dunes. Nearby parking, shops, cafes, and pubs make this a convenient spot to spend a summer’s day with the whole family – including the pooch, as the harbour end of the beach is dog friendly all year round.

ALDEBURGH

This popular sand and shingle beach is lined with fisherman’s huts and offers plenty of attractions. Stretching from the Martello tower overlooking the yacht harbour, to Maggie Hambling’s controversial Scallop sculpture, you’ll also find a 400-year-old Moot Hall, a converted windmill, a Norman church and an art gallery along the beachfront. Aldeburgh itself is a pretty seaside town renowned for its links to composer Benjamin Britten, however many visitors come in search of a different cultural delight – the fish and chips, which have been dubbed the best on the east coast. Grab yourself a portion and settle on the sea wall to see if they live up to the hype.

COVEHITHE

Sitting on a secluded and beautifully quiet stretch of the Suffolk coast, Covehithe beach is a hidden gem set at the end of a lane which runs across farmland and through sand dunes before stopping abruptly at the cliff edge. Starting just across from the dramatic ruins of St Andrews Church (which is also well worth a visit), this walk will take around 15 minutes and is on narrow, uneven paths so unfortunately isn’t accessible for wheelchair users or those less mobile. Down on the sandy beach are the blanched, sculpturelike trunks of trees that once lined the cliff top, making this a picturesque spot for a stroll. WALBERSWICK

Just across the River Blyth from Southwold, you’ll find this idyllic coastal village and its picture postcard beach. Take the Southwold ferry (a traditional rowing boat) across from the harbour to arrive in style during the summer months, or cross the Bailey Bridge and walk along the riverbank on foot. The long sand and shingle beach is backed by grassy dunes and surrounded by marsh and heathland, making it a fantastic base for walks. Be sure to bring your bucket and net too, as this is the self-appointed capital of crabbing. Who will catch the biggest?

PAKEFIELD

Sat atop a cliff with panoramic views out to the North Sea, Pakefield is a quaint maritime suburb near Lowestoft. Fuel up at the Jolly Sailor’s pub at the cliff edge before strolling down to the pebble and sand beach. Strewn with fishing boats and patches of Marram grass and backed by a beach hut-lined promenade, this is a wide, unspoilt beach perfect for dog walks, horse riding or flying a kite on a windy day. Look out for seals bobbing about in the waves, and when you’ve had your fill of sea air, head back up the cliff where you’ll find a tearoom for a welcome slice of cake.

Put your best foot forward

RSPB MINSMERE

Made famous by BBC Springwatch this really is the crown jewel of RSPB reserves. Minsmere’s habitats range from reedbeds, heath and woodland to marshes and a beach and are home to some of the UK’s rarest wildlife. Pack your binoculars and keep a lookout for avocets, bitterns, bearded tits, nightingales, marsh harriers and even otters. There are myriad options for walks around the reserve depending on what you’d like to see or the time of year of your visit – head to the Discovery Centre for guidance and family-friendly activities for little ones.

DUNWICH HEATH

Tucked away on the Suffolk coast, Dunwich Heath offers peace and serenity if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle. Visit between July and September to see the heath at its colourful best as it comes alive with a patchwork of pink and purple heathers and coconut-scented gorse. There are a number of waymarked, colourcoded walking routes, including children’s trails and accessible walks, so you’re sure to find one that’s right for you. Species to look out for on your ramble include the Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark and adders. ADNAMS PUB WALKS

Is there anything better than a good walk followed by a hearty pub lunch or a thirstquenching pint? Luckily, Adnams has teamed up with the online walks library iFootpath to create a series of ten pubs walks throughout Suffolk. All the routes take in at least one Adnams pub where you can fuel up before, take a pitstop or recharge after a gentle trot through the countryside or coastal towns. The walks vary in length and come with step-by-step instructions, photography and information about the history and environment of the area – download the trails here: www. alltrails.com/lists/adnams-pub-walks-in-england >>

On your bike

With many of Suffolk’s coastal towns situated along National Cycling Networks, the area offers year-round cycling if you fancy getting on your bike. Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB have put together handy downloadable maps of the below routes to get you started (visit www. suffolkcoastandheaths.org/exploring/visitorguides/cycle-guides/). SOUTHWOLD

Southwold is situated in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and unlike a larger town, there aren’t any major roads, meaning it’s a far safer environment for anyone on two wheels. Hire a range of bikes from Southwold Cycle Hire and get them delivered to anywhere in Southwold and the local area. www.southwoldcyclehire.co.uk RENDLESHAM FOREST AND SHINGLE STREET EXPLORER

Start among the tall pines of Rendlesham Forest (look out for the UFO trail while there!) and head to the desolate coastal hamlet of Shingle Street, where rumours of failed German invasion attempts during WWII abound. DUNWICH AND MINSMERE CYCLE EXPLORER

Visit the ancient parish of Dunwich, once one of the largest towns in the country, and carry on through to the famous RSPB nature reserve at Minsmere and onwards to Dunwich Heath. SNAPE AND ORFORD CYCLE EXPLORER

Pedal along quiet lanes and discover Snape Maltings, an arts complex on the banks of the river Alde, before arriving at the ancient port of Orford, with its imposing Norman castle. WOODBRIDGE AND WALDRINGFIELD CYCLE EXPLORER

Start from historic Woodbridge and follow quiet country lanes to the pretty village of Waldringfield. Ride highlights include views over the river Deben and the tiny village of Hemley, which was once an important route into the heart of the Anglo Saxon kingdom of Wuffingas. THE SAILOR’S PATH

A six-mile gentle leg-stretcher that follows the course of the river Alde and wends its way through the gorgeous Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. As the name suggests, the Sailor’s Path was first trod by the briny boots of the seamen who used to ply their trade along this part of the coast. Start at Snape Maltings, turn right directly after the bridge and you’ll see the first of the signposts which will guide you to Aldeburgh. When you reach the main road, follow the footpath to the right and you’ll soon find yourself queuing up for a portion of Aldeburgh’s famed fish and chips.