The Suffolk Coast Path is a 60-mile (97 km) hiking route that allows you to experience the county’s entire coastline. Stretching from Felixstowe in the south to Lowestoft in the north, you can enjoy fantastically flat walks, vast sandy beaches, vibrant heathland and historic seafront towns.

While walking, you remain almost entirely within the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so it’s hardly surprising that you’re treated to some extremely picturesque sights. This region is also an important haven for wildlife, and you pass through nature reserves where rare visitors overwinter and a pair of binoculars will come in handy.

As well as natural sights, there are plenty of cultural highlights to enjoy along this trail. From ruined churches and wartime defences to brightly painted beach huts and even a nuclear reactor, there’s a rather impressive variety of architecture. At the end of the adventure, Lowestoft harbour has several museums where you can learn more about the area’s history if the walk whetted your appetite.

I’ve created this Collection for a south to north hike, but there’s nothing to stop you hiking it in reverse. I’ve also split it into five stages with each section ending in a place where you can find food and accommodation or at least get a bus or taxi out. To break the hike down into a different number of stages, simply use the Full Route option and plan it as you like.

The weather on the east coast is changeable so check the forecast before you go and be prepared for rain to dry up and sunshine to be rained out. I recommend hiking in the warmer and brighter half of the year to make the most of longer daylight hours and calmer weather, but well-timed winter walks can be breathtakingly beautiful in Suffolk as well.

The route involves a seasonal ferry crossing over the River Deben. The ferry only runs daily from May to September, so if you’re hiking in winter, you’ll need to plan for a considerable detour. In April and October, the ferry runs on weekends.

To reach the beginning of the trail in Felixstowe you have several options. You can catch the train to Felixstowe and walk or take the bus to Landguard Fort; you can take the train to Harwich Town Station in summer and catch the ferry across the harbour to the fort; or you can drive or catch a bus into Felixstowe. The town is well-connected by road and public transport.

To leave the trail at the end, in Lowestoft, you can take the train to Norwich or Ipswich for more connections. To return to Felixstowe, you can change at Ipswich. To leave the trail mid-route, from the stage ends you can usually catch a bus or taxi to a nearby rail station on the Lowestoft to Ipswich line.

So, keen to explore Suffolk’s stunning coastline?