Suffolk Coast and Estuaries 1 and the Blyth 8 5 Orford and the River Ore 16 Escape the hubbub of this busy, A short walk combining the charms of genteel resort to enjoy the tranquillity Orford with a windswept estuary and of the surrounding marshes a treasure trove of wartime secrets

2 Heath and Dunwich 10 6 Melton, and Ufford 18 Strike out across the heather-covered Beyond the tides, wander by the upper heath to Dunwich village, a once mighty reaches of the gently flowing port now all but lost to the sea 7 Sutton Hoo 20 3 and RSPB 12 Sweeping views of the River Deben A striking example of industry and Valley coupled with one of the world’s nature co-existing on an isolated greatest archaeological discoveries stretch of coast running from a nuclear power plant to the reedbeds of a 8 and the River Deben 22 protected reserve Rural isolation on the banks of the Deben combined with a seamark church 4 and the 14 and popular waterside pub Journey past a giant scallop and black tarred fishermen’s huts to the peaceful 9 24 marshes and gently twisting River Alde There’s a lot more to Felixstowe than you might imagine: imposing docks, historic fort and restored Edwardian seafront gardens

10 town and marina 26 History, priceless works of art, literary heritage and maritime tradition all rolled into one in ’s county town

11 Pin Mill and the 28 A classic estuary walk with an irresistible waterside pub and a dash of smuggling history thrown in for good measure

7 1 SUFFOLK COAST AND ESTUARIES

Southwold and the River Blyth Distance 6.5km Time 2 hours Once you have finished exploring the Terrain promenade and footpaths old-world charm of the pier, with your Map OS Landranger 156 or OS Explorer 231 back to the sea turn left along the Access parking at seafront; buses from promenade, passing the colourful beach , , Norwich and huts, and climb up the steps to St James ; nearest train station is at Green. This classic Southwold scene of the Halesworth green complete with cannon and mast, and flanked by pretty cottages, is all Southwold is a genteel resort of candy- watched over by the lighthouse of 1887. coloured beach huts and well-tended Carry on along the clifftop path to Gun greens surrounded by fine Georgian, Hill, popping into the Sailor’s Reading Regency and Victorian houses. The draw Room along the way: a quiet space of of the tasteful pier, beaches and locally model ships, boat figureheads and local caught seafood make this a popular seafaring history. place, one of Suffolk’s honeypots, but Gun Hill is named after the six this route allows you to escape the Elizabethan ‘culverins’ (cannon to the hubbub and enjoy the space and uninitiated!), which line the path facing tranquillity of the surrounding marshes. out to sea. One legend has it they were This is a walk for all seasons; look out for captured from Bonnie Prince Charlie at hunting marsh harrier, elusive bittern the Battle of Culloden and presented to and, far easier to spot, heron. In the town by the Duke of Cumberland. particularly inclement winters, this is a good place to see visiting Bewick’s swans on their 4000km journey from the Russian Arctic.

8 SOUTHWOLD AND THE RIVER BLYTH

Head inland alongside the green from Cross straight over busy Mights Road Gun Hill, go left at the road, then cross and follow the footpath all the way to the over at Gardner Road onto the footpath distant beach huts on the prom. Turn (signed Sandlings Walk). This follows a right and you are soon back at the pier, small stream beside the grazed marshes, ready for a well-earned pint of the locally offering distant views of brewed Adnams beer. In fact beer has Church, the ‘Lantern of the Marshes’, and been brewed on the Southwold Adnams soon arrives at the River Blyth. Brewery site for at least 670 years. Now Turn right, passing the that’s some brewing heritage! ferry, black fishing huts selling the ‘catch of the day’, the harbour café and the Harbour Inn. Continue along the riverside path to the junction with a footbridge which, if you fancy a detour from this Southwold loop, offers the chance to cross the river and discover delightful Walberswick. To carry on this walk take the riverside path straight ahead through the gate. Stay on the footpath following Buss Creek, go through two gates and straight ahead where footpaths cross at a raised dyke. The path now meanders its way through the reedbeds lining Buss Creek, full of birdsong and dragonflies in spring and summer. Southwold Pier 9