A Walk around Suffolk's Minsmere Bird Reserve

A 10 mile circular walk through the Suffolk Coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty taking in Sizewell and the Minsmere Bird Reserve

One does not have to have an enthusiasm for ornithology to enjoy this walk. The natural surroundings of marshland and heathland are enough to inspire everyone and there is a lot of associated history along this route which dates back to the 12th century when Leiston Abbey once occupied an island in the marshes. Note that charges apply to the Minsmere section.

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Coastal Erosion at Thorpeness

A circular walk from Sizewell to Thorpeness along the Suffolk Coast Path

Since 2013 Thorpeness has suffered from periodic erosion, especially during winter storm surges. During the winter of 2025/2026 the erosion accelerated, forcing houses along the cliff top to be demolished. Many of these had stood there for a hundred years and this was unprecedented. Many now say the very village is at threat of being taken by the sea. It is a very sad situation.

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Suffolk Coast Path

An overview of the Suffolk Coast Path, a 60 mile long distance path following the coast of Suffolk

A 60 mile long distance footpath from Felixstowe to Lowestoft in easy stages through some of the characteristic landscapes of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The path also includes the Orford Loop which provides access through to Orford and the Butley Ferry. Alternative beach walks, providing the tide is right, can be undertaken throughout.

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Fen Rivers Way: Kings Lynn to Downham Market

The northern most section of the Fen Rivers Way long distance path

This 12.5 mile linear walk linking Kings Lynn and Downham Market following the River Ouse. The landscape is flat with the broad unwavering river leading the way. There are churches and even a ruined church to provide interest. An easy, straightforward walk.

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England Coast Path - Shotley Gate to Orwell Bridge

A walk following the Orwell Estuary along the Shotley peninsular

King Charles III England Coast Path (Suffolk) - Shotley Gate to Orwell Bridge. The route roughly follows the Stour and Orwell Walk, which itself was an extension to the Suffolk Coast Path. The route is open to the public.

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A Circular walk to Geldeston Locks from Beccles

Riverside walk to the Geldeston Locks pub

A scenic riverside walk linking Beccles with the historic Geldeston Locks pub, this route offers meadow paths, peaceful stretches of the River Waveney, and glimpses of Norfolk’s rich folklore and heritage. Perfect for an afternoon outing, it combines gentle countryside walking with a memorable stop at one of the region’s most characterful pubs.

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In Search of Sizewell and Thorpe Beacons

A 10 mile walk following the southern side of the parish boundary of Leiston in coastal Suffolk.

This is the second article devoted to the walk following the route of a 17th century perambulation around the southern side of the Leiston Parish boundary. This article concentrates on two landmarks from the past, namely Sizewell and Thorpe Beacons, which are thought to have been part of the Armada early warning system.

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A Hike along the Marriotts Way

The Marriott's Way links Aylsham and Norwich following the former trackbed of the Midland and Great Northern Railway.

The Marriott's Way is a footpath, bridleway and cycle route, which follows the routes of two disused railway lines, and runs between the historic market town of Aylsham and the medieval city of Norwich. Along with the mileage markers which are crafted from old rails, complete with a metal rubbing plaque, there are numerous concrete sculptures, village markers, interactive sound boxes and benches which all provide interest and information along the route.

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In Search of the ruins of Leiston Abbey (Diversion in Place)

A 10 mile circular walk around Leiston and Eastbridge in Suffolk

Leiston Abbey was originally founded in the late 12th century by Ranulf de Glanville. The original building was constructed on an island in the Minsmere marshes. Two centuries later, due to the inhospitable conditions on the marsh and constant flooding the Abbey was moved inland, lock stock and stone to a site close to Leiston. Despite a great fire in 1367 and much demolition following the dissolution of the monasteries there still remains some impressive ruins. There is still a remnant of the old Abbey, with the former chapel building sitting in its island position above the marsh, decaying into the landscape and containing a WWII pill box. This walk visits both sites making a well worthwhile walk.

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The Sandlings Walk - Knodishall to Snape (Diversion in Place)

A 13 mile circular walk along the Sandlings Walk between Knodishall and Snape

With limited public transport this walk offers a circular route to incorporate the Sandlings path from Knodishall to Snape. Starting and ending at nearby Leiston it incorporates The Sailors Path and the Suffolk Coast Path to make a worthwhile day walk. The route passes Friston mill and Hall and the burial grounds where a Saxon burial ship was discovered. With pubs at Friston and Snape it provides for a great days ramble.

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The Alde Valley Walk - Leiston to Wickham Market (Diversion in Place)

A 16 mile walk along the East Suffolk Line Path between Leiston and Wickham Market

Although the official route for the East Suffolk Line Path links the stations at Saxmundham and Campsea Ashe, this provides an alternative route using the local bus service to link the two ends. Highlights along the route include the picturesque Beversham Mill and the legendary Blaxhall Stone (a little off route) which is said to progressively grow in size.

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Angles Way - Belton to Great Yarmouth

An 8 mile walk along the Angles Way from its start at Great Yarmouth to Belton

The journey along the Angles Ways begins with a walk along the banks of Breydon Water to Belton. Along this route can be seen the impressive remains of the Roman fort Gariannonum at Burgh Castle. This is a simple afternoons walk with a frequent bus service linking Great Yarmouth and Belton for the return journey. On this occasion we walked the path in reverse having set up camp at Belton.

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South West Coast Path - Yealm Estuary to Avon Estuary

A 19.5 mile walk along the South West Coast Path between the Yealm and Estuaries, using additional footpaths to access transport to link each end of the walk.

There are ferries across both the Avon and the Yealm estuaries but this route takes a trail that enables navigation around them using footpaths and lanes. Even so, there is still the Erme estuary to negotiate midway along the coast. There is no ferry here but it can be waded across one hour either side of low tide. This is quite an experience but requires planning with reference to the tide times published for Devonport. There are few other features apart from the stunning scenery along this section of the coast walk until it gets to Bigbury on Sea where Burgh Island sits just off the coast and hosts the renowned Pilchard Inn. The island can be reached on foot at low tide and at other times the inn makes use of a sea tractor to drive visitors across.

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Alton Water Reservoir Walk

An 8 mile walk around Suffolk's Alton Water Reservoir

Located on the Shotley peninsular, the Alton Water Reservoir provides an easy walk around its water. A self contained circular route that needs little in the way of maps. Just keep the water on your left and keep walking! The mixed variety of landscapes of open meadow, woods and even the hills on the northern side of the reservoir provide a constant changing scenery throughout the walk.

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South West Coast Path - Langton Matravers to Swanage

A challenging walk along the South West Coast Path between Langton Matravers to Swanage

Not quite a circular walk, with bus to connect the missing distance between Langton Matravers to Swanage. Some amzing coastline with a memorable climb to the top of St Adhelms Head.

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Essex Coast Walk - Manningtree to Great Oakley

A day walk along the Essex Way

A fine piece of walking along the Essex Way to provide some glorious views of the Stour estuary before turning inland to avoid Harwich and Dovercourt. Estuary views, marsh, woodland and open fields make for a varied scene throughout the walk.

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In Search of Leiston's Ancient Pagan Sites, the Procession Rayles and Gallows (Diversion in Place)

A 7 mile walk following the western parish boundary of Leiston in Suffolk, as described in a document from the middle-ages

This walk attempts to follow the instructions of a perambulation around the western side of the Leiston Parish boundary that was undertaken in the year AD1620. Leiston's history is renowned for its Abbey and the Garret's works, but this walk also discovers the site of a possible ancient pre-Christian shrine or temple, the location of the Leiston gallows and the procession route taken by those attending this gruesome public spectacle.

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Building a Tree Almanac

Building a Tree Almanac

Diary of a Suffolk Common 2025-06-06

Another wander to add data to a Tree Almanac

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Melton to Woodbridge

Simple walk along the river Deben.

Simple and pleasurable wander along the river estuary with plenty of river craft to see. The HMS Vale, a former Swedish Navy HUGIN class vessel built in 1978 and decommissioned in 1995 now resides on the river bank as the Deben Vale Cafe Bar. This cafe serves as a unique vantage point to have a drink and bite to eat whilst admiring the view of the vast expanse of the river Deben.

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Hele Bay to Berrynarbor Circular Walk

A 7 mile walk around coastal North Devon from Hele Bay to Berrynarbor

This walk takes inland footpaths and tracks to navigate from the village of Hele Bay through to Berrynarbor, which, with its whitewashed stone walls takes on the guise of a Mediterranean village. The village plays host to numerous flower pot men in comical poses which makes an intriguing spectacle as one wanders through the streets. Return is along the South West Coast Path

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