The Suffolk Coast Path is a tranquil long-distance trail following around 60 miles of Suffolk’s most evocative coastline — from the port town of Felixstowe to the easternmost point of England at Lowestoft. This is a walk of estuaries and heathland, shifting shingle and wildlife-rich marshes, threaded together by small coastal villages and big East Anglian skies.
Less travelled than many of England’s more famous long-distance trails, the Suffolk Coast Path offers walkers a sense of discovery — with inland detours to places like Snape Maltings, remote shores like Orford Ness, and seaside towns where time seems to move a little slower. With gentle terrain, excellent wildlife, and a strong sense of place, it’s ideal for self-guided walking holidays and slow coastal stays.
Start in Felixstowe, where the trail skirts the River Deben and leads to the remote shoreline at Bawdsey and Shingle Street — a wild, pebble-strewn landscape shaped by tides and storms. Inland detours guide you through heathland and open farmland toward Orford, with its medieval castle and views across the estuary to Orford Ness.
From Aldeburgh, the path continues through Thorpeness and into the inland reaches of the Alde Estuary, where the cultural landmark of Snape Maltings offers a striking blend of reedbeds, riverside walking, and artistic heritage. North of Dunwich, the route passes through Minsmere and Walberswick, two of Suffolk’s best-loved nature reserves, before crossing to Southwold via a hand-pulled ferry.
The final leg winds through quiet beach paths and low cliffs at Kessingland and Benacre, finishing at Lowestoft — where the sea opens wide and the sky feels endless.
The Suffolk Coast Path is perfect for walkers seeking a gentler pace. Base yourself in Southwold, Aldeburgh, or Snape for circular walks and coastal stays, or plan a full end-to-end journey with overnight stops in smaller villages and market towns.
Along the way, discover tidal creeks, hidden bird hides, old flint churches, and traditional pubs serving local ale and fresh seafood. Whether you stay on the shore or a little inland, you’ll find the rhythm of Suffolk life in every step.
