Southwold to Dunwich Walk

0.1 miles (.2 km)

This walk follows a section of the Suffolk Coast Path from Southwold to Dunwich. The route runs for just under 6 miles, following the waymarked path south towards Walberswick where you can catch the ferry over the river.
The route continues along the Dunwich River into the Suffolk Coast National Nature Reserve where there are ample bird watching opportunities.
The final section runs along the edge of the Dunwich Forest before finishing on the sea front in Dunwich.
Walk Report October 24th 2026 By Caroline Bennett:
We set off from Southwold to follow the Suffolk Coast Path south towards Walberswick and Dunwich.... The coast here has a very different character from the dramatic cliffs found elsewhere in Britain, with open skies, shingle beaches, saltmarsh and long stretches of low-lying shoreline. I particularly enjoyed the views across the Blyth estuary, where the river winds through the marshes and the landscape feels wonderfully spacious. Southwold's colourful beach huts and familiar lighthouse soon gave way to quieter scenery as we continued along the coast.
One of the highlights was the crossing of the River Blyth on the little ferry between Southwold and Walberswick. Rather than taking a long detour inland to cross by bridge, we boarded a traditional wooden rowing boat and were ferried across the water. There is something rather charming about this old-fashioned crossing, which feels much more in keeping with the character of the Suffolk coast than a modern ferry service. The boats carry a small number of passengers at a time, and the short journey gives you a lovely view of the harbour and the boats moored along the river. I enjoyed the simple pleasure of being rowed across, watching the water slip past and seeing the two villages from a different angle. The ferry is weather- and tide-dependent, so it is worth checking that it is running before setting off.
On the Walberswick side, the atmosphere felt quieter again, with marshland, reedbeds and tidal creeks providing plenty of interest for anyone who enjoys watching birds. We kept an eye on the water and muddy margins, where waders such as redshank and curlew may be feeding, while gulls and other coastal birds are often visible overhead. I was particularly taken by the way the birds fitted into the landscape here: rather than being a distraction from the walk, they were part of its character. It is worth having binoculars handy, as movement among the reeds or along the far side of a creek can be easy to miss when passing at walking pace.
Continuing south beside the Dunwich River, we entered the Suffolk Coast National Nature Reserve, where the marshes and wetlands provide an important habitat for wildlife. The mix of reedbeds, grazing marsh and waterways makes this a rewarding section for birdwatchers, with the possibility of spotting egrets, ducks and wading birds depending on the season and water levels. I liked the sense of space here, with broad skies above the flat landscape and the sound of birds carrying across the water. The scenery is subtle rather than spectacular, but there is plenty to notice if you take your time and look carefully.
The final stretch leads along the edge of Dunwich Forest before bringing us to the coast at Dunwich. The change from open marshland to the trees is a pleasant one, and I enjoyed the contrast between the quiet woodland edge and the exposed shingle beach. Dunwich itself has a fascinating history: it was once a thriving medieval port, but centuries of coastal erosion and powerful storms have claimed much of the settlement. Standing by the sea, it is striking to think how much of the old town has disappeared beneath the waves.
By the time we reached Dunwich Beach, lunch was very much on our minds, so we finished at the Flora Tea Rooms. Set right by the beach, it is a fitting place to end a coastal walk, with fish and chips, other light meals, cakes and hot drinks on offer. The tea rooms have a long local history, and their name is linked to the barge Flora, which sank off Dunwich Sands in 1888; timber from the wreck is believed to have been used in the building of the original tea rooms. I liked that little connection with the area's maritime past, especially after spending the day beside the river and sea. We settled down for a bite to eat, with the beach just outside and the fresh sea air making lunch all the more welcome.
This walk makes a lovely day out, combining Southwold's seaside character, the memorable ferry crossing at Walberswick, wildlife-rich marshes and the quieter approach to historic Dunwich. I particularly enjoyed the contrast between the little rowing boat on the Blyth and the wide, open landscape beside the Dunwich River. Finishing with lunch at the Flora Tea Rooms, with the beach on the doorstep, rounded off the walk perfectly. Do check the ferry service before travelling, as the crossing depends on the conditions and seasonal timetable. southwold* alderburgh * etc