18th May 2026 |
Activities, Southwold, Walberswick
Lace Up: Walking Routes on the Suffolk Coast
With its rows of pastel-coloured cottages, sand and shingle beach, and lighthouse peeping over the top of the town, Southwold is as pretty as a postcard. It’s also the perfect base for keen walkers. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the routes available both directly from the town and out into the surrounding areas.
The Suffolk coast is beautifully diverse. Walking here you can expect windswept dunes, tranquil woodland, river crossings and heathland paths. You can spot wildlife, breathe the fresh sea air and, of course, take a pit stop at any number of cosy cafes and welcoming local pubs.
If you’ve booked your holiday cottage in Southwold with wonderful walks in mind, lace up, you’re in for a treat.
1. Classic Southwold Circular
In 5 words or less: town charm and coastal vistas
Wherever you’re staying in Southwold, you can set out on a wonderful circular walk to explore your surroundings. Most start at Southwold’s iconic Pier, tracing the promenade along the sandy beach and taking in the famous beach huts. Here, you head through windswept dunes, out of town towards the harbour lined with fishing huts and traditional boatyards.
Meandering downriver past moored boats and jetties you’ll turn inland via the edge of Southwold Golf Course. You’ll see the water tower and spot the lighthouse nestled above houses in the distance. Here you can loop through the town and back down the High Street, returning to the hustle and bustle.
Our team says: This walk is a great way to get a sense of place. Take in the sights of Southwold from all angles – a walk that combines the postcard-worthy pastel hues of the beach huts, to the rugged, open coastal views of the harbour and marshes.
The Southwold and Reydon Society host a handy page for more information about this circular walk.
2. Southwold to Walberswick Loop
In 5 words or less: riverside paths and ferryboat crossing
Enjoy the Southwold Circular as above but extend it slightly over the river to take in the quaint village of Walberswick. At the Southwold Harbour, you’ll continue heading inland until you reach Bailey Bridge – based on footings of the original railway that used to connect Southwold and Halesworth.
Here you’ll enter Walberswick Nature Reserve, surrounded by gorse and wildflowers as you head towards the Common. The top of the loop sees you meandering back through the village itself, with historic cottages and weatherboard huts. For a bit of excitement, you can cross back over the river to Southwold using the rowing boat ferry during high season. Or walk over the bridge if you prefer solid ground.
Our team says: Walberswick is a must-see when you’re staying in Southwold and this walk gives you a great opportunity to explore at your own pace. Picturesque village views and big skies make this a diverse and interesting walk.
You can find a trail map marked Route 2 online here.
3. Dunwich Forest Circular (combine with number 2 for an epic 18km walk)
In 5 words or less: peaceful woodland meets coastal heath
From the pretty village of Walberswick, you’ll head further south to Dunwich Forest. A patchwork of paths can lead you through mixed woodland carpeted with ferns, making it a great place to spot wildlife.
As you walk into Dunwich heath, habitat turns to scrubby gorse patches and sandy lanes, home to reptiles, butterflies and many rare birds. As the path curves back around towards Walberswick you’ll track back along the coast with the sea on your right. The peace here is utterly restorative.
Our team says: This walk is all about reconnecting with nature and the wild beauty of the Suffolk coast. From the incredible scent of the flowering gorse in spring, to the dappled sunlight through the forest canopy in Autumn, it’s wonderful at any time of the year.
You can plan this walk via an OS map or pay for the digital All Trails guide here.
4. Kessingland to Covehithe Walk
In 5 words or less: rugged cliffs and dramatic coastline
This is a great, wild walk for those sure of foot. For the best views, go at low tide when you can safely traverse the lower coastal walk.
Starting in the sleepy, shingle-lined village of Kessingland, you’ll head out along the beach, crossing the river and passing a lagoon. The path will take you inland around Benacre Nature Reserve, with views of reedbeds and sweeping fields.
Into Covehithe you’ll see the ruins of the older St Andrew’s Church, with the smaller church nestled inside. The path will bring you out onto Covehithe beach, windswept and at the mercy of the elements.
You’ll loop back north with Southwold in the distance, and the crumbling, dramatic cliffs to your left. Take in the surreal sights of old trees along the beach, long ago swept onto the shoreline and rubbed smooth by the tides.
Our team says: This walk gives you a real sense of the power of nature and the relentlessness of the sea. Make sure to check the tides before you head out and take your camera with you!
You can find a lovely description and map of the walk here.
5. Southwold Marsh Walk
In 5 words or less: A bird-lovers paradise
This is a lovely, gentle circular walk that starts on the outskirts of Southwold at Old Hall. It takes you on a meander through reed beds and along the riverbank, where you could spot avocets, oyster catchers and terns. Passing two bird hides, you’ll also walk through some woodland and curve back around to the start.
Our team says: This is a great trail for bird spotting and getting up close to the River Blyth. What’s better than ending your walk with a café stop!
You can find the trail map and more information about Old Hall here.
Your holiday cottage in Southwold
Durrants Holiday Cottages are dotted throughout Southwold and the surrounding area, giving you the perfect base for your walking adventure. Southwold’s High Street is also packed with shops to help you on your way – from clothing stores for last minute rain coats and fresh socks, to a deli and bakeries to supply that essential packed lunch.
Need advice? Get in touch with our friendly, local team who can help.
