Spanning 60 miles along the Suffolk Coast is the Suffolk Coast Path, looking out to incredible vistas of the North Sea’s rolling tides. The path is perfect for walks this summer, whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer moderate walks, and as such has been recommended as one of the best hikes in the UK by Andy Halliday, owner of The Expert Camper.
“Suffolk Coast Path follows the coastline of Suffolk from Felixstowe to Lowestoft, offering stunning views of the sea and diverse coastal landscapes,” he explained.
“It passes through nature reserves, seaside towns, and historic sites. Hikers can explore charming coastal villages such as Southwold and Aldeburgh, known for their traditional architecture and local cuisine.
The trail offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, with birdwatching hotspots such as RSPB Minsmere.”
The trail offers a mix of easy and moderate sections, though Andy notes that hikers should come prepared with layers of clothing as you might shed them off as the day goes on and temperatures change.
Given that vast parts of the walk are enveloped by the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, walkers can expect plenty of picturesque spots along the way and as such, it often attracts wildlife photographers looking for that dreamy snap.
As well as natural sights, the walk also takes in some impressive architecture including ruined churches, wartime defences and even a nuclear reactor.
Along the way, walkers will also spot brightly painted beach huts and, at Lowestoft harbour, there is the opportunity to learn more about the area’s rich history with several museums.
Museums include Lowestoft Maritime Museum, located in Sparrow’s Nest Gardens. The museum offers fun for all of the family, with plenty of interactive opportunities for little ones to get involved with.
To hike the full length of the trail, stretching from Felixstowe to Lowestoft, you can expect to be walking for four to five hours a day for five days. Experienced hikers may want to take on the challenge, and can make the most of a variety of accommodation options sprinkled along the way.
Alternatively, you can pick a segment of the walk to complete within a few hours. The Suffolk Coast has a variety of easy-going route options on its website, including maps of the accessible walks, which you can find here.