Dunwich to Walberswick Walk

This circular walk takes you from Dunwich to Walkberswick on the Suffolk coast. The route runs for just under 7 miles using an inland trail for the first section before returning along the beach.
The route takes place on flat paths so is suitable for most abilities.
Walk Report October 15th 2026 By Helen Carter:
We started from Dunwich beach car park (postcode IP17 3EN for your satnavs), which is a handy starting point for exploring this lovely stretch of the Suffolk coast.... It was a breezy day with plenty of cloud moving across the sky, but the fresh sea air made a change from walking inland. Before setting off, I took a few minutes to look out across the shingle beach. Dunwich has a fascinating past: it was once a thriving medieval port, but centuries of coastal erosion have claimed much of the old settlement, leaving only a small village where a much larger town once stood.
From the car park, we followed the Suffolk Coast Path northwards, leaving the beach behind as the route took us through the quieter countryside towards Dunwich Forest and the marshes. I enjoyed the change from the open shoreline to the sheltered paths, where trees and scrub provided some protection from the wind. The terrain is generally flat, making this a manageable walk, although the paths can be muddy after rain and there are a few different surfaces along the way.
We passed the area around Dunwich Forest, where the woodland provides a different atmosphere from the exposed coast. There is plenty to notice if you take your time, from the changing vegetation to the birds moving between the trees and open clearings. The nearby Dingle Marshes and Westwood Marshes are particularly good for wildlife, with reedbeds, wet grassland and pools attracting waterbirds throughout the year. I kept looking out for waders and ducks as we approached the more open marshland, and could easily have spent longer watching the birds.

Pictured above Dingle Marshes. Looking towards Dingle Stone House.
The route eventually brings you towards the Dunwich River, which winds through the low-lying landscape before reaching the coast. This was one of my favourite sections, with the water, reedbeds and grassy banks creating a peaceful setting. It is easy to forget how close you are to the sea when walking beside the river, although the salt air and wide skies are a constant reminder. The surrounding wetlands are important habitats for birds, so it is worth keeping noise down and watching from the paths rather than disturbing the wildlife.
We continued into Walberswick, a charming coastal village with a much quieter feel than some of the busier seaside resorts. I liked the traditional cottages, village green and little lanes, and we wandered towards the harbour to look across the River Blyth. Walberswick is well known for its crabbing, and the riverbanks are a popular spot in warmer weather. The black-painted beach huts are another distinctive feature, standing out against the sand and shingle. It would be easy to spend an hour here exploring the village or stopping for refreshments before starting the return leg.

Pictured above Beach Huts, Walberswick. Unlike the brightly coloured huts of neighbouring Southwold, it appears that only black is allowed here!
For the journey back, we headed south along the beach towards Dunwich. After the inland paths and marshes, the open shoreline felt like a fitting way to finish the walk. The shingle can be tiring underfoot in places, but there are lovely views across the sea, and the sound of the waves makes this a relaxing stretch. We passed wide sections of beach with plenty of space to stop and look back along the coast. On a clear day, you may also be able to pick out Sizewell Power Station in the distance, a reminder that this is a working coastline as well as a beautiful one.
Returning to the car park, I felt we had experienced several different sides of Suffolk in one outing: historic Dunwich, woodland tracks, wildlife-rich marshes, the river at Walberswick and a final walk beside the sea. At around seven miles, it is a satisfying half-day walk without any major climbs, though I would allow extra time for birdwatching and exploring the village. Dunwich itself is worth a little more attention before leaving, particularly if you want to learn about its lost medieval town or enjoy a drink and something to eat near the beach.
Pubs and More Info
The Anchor in Walberswick is a nice place to stop for refreshments on the walk. Located close to the beach it has a good sized garden area where you can relax on warmer days. You can find the pub at a postcode of IP18 6UA for your sat navs.
Back in Dunwich there's the Ship. Here there's another lovely garden area and a very good menu. The interior is also charming with lots of sea prints on the wall and a woodburner to keep you warm on winter days. You can find the pub at postcode IP17 3DT.
To extend your walk you could continue on to the pretty town of Southwold on the Southwold to Walberswick Walk. You would head north along the Suffolk Coast Path, crossing the river on the ferry to get to Southwold.
The expansive Dunwich Heath is also nearby and has miles of trails to try.
The circular Blythburgh Walk starts at the nearby village and visits the Westwood Marshes, Walberswick and Dunwich Forest. The village is located just to the north west of Walberswick and includes trails along the River Blyth and a noteworthy 14th century church which is lit at night. There's also a notable 16th century pub with an excellent garden area overlooking the estuary. If you followed the Blyth river west from the settlement you will soon come to the neighbouring town of Halesworth. This town has some interesting history with a walk down the central Thoroughfare highly recommended. The pedestrianised area includes many buildings dating back to the sixteenth century.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Walks and the Suffolk Walks pages.

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Nearby Routes

Suffolk Coast Path Dunwich Forest Dunwich Heath Southwold to Walberswick Southwold to Covehithe Walk Sizewell

Photos

Beach scene Dunwich. At the back of the car park is the fish restaurant famed for its locally caught fresh fish. The rectangular shape of Sizewell nuclear power station is visible in the distance near the shore.

Dunwich, Suffolk This street of terraced houses, built in the 19th century, is all that remains of Dunwich. The town was one of the largest seaports in England, in the middle Ages. However coastal erosion has meant that most of it has fallen in to the sea. The coastline has advanced around half a mile inland over the past 800 years. A museum further down this street tells all about the town.

The Anchor, Walberswick

View of the Dunwich River. Flowing through the National Nature Reserve south of Walberswick.

People relax on Dunwich beach with Sizewell Power Station in the background

Walberswick marshes. From the Southwold bank adjacent to the Harbour Inn, looking across the river to the Walberswick jetties and marshes.

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