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Walberswick and Dunwich circular walk
Walberswick and Dunwich - a slice of coastal walking heaven!
No time to do the whole Suffolk Coast Path? Don’t worry, there are plenty of sections that can be tackled in less than a day. The area between Dunwich and Walberswick offers some of the finest coastal walking in the whole AONB. Add the option of a circular walk and the chance to start from either village and you have the perfect combination! Heather and Steve Carroll investigate...
We set out from Walberswick and walked through the marshes and woodland to Dunwich before coming back along the beach, but it’s just as easy the other way around.
Take the footpath south from the village hall. Once you’re clear of the village, there are a number of footpath options through the next section. It can be a little confusing so try to keep the Dunwich River immediately on your left. Don’t go too far inland and look out for the purple and yellow Suffolk Coast Path markers. We came across a number of pillboxes – interesting remnants of WW2 defences; now the only defences needed here are against the sea. In one area the reed was being cut for thatch. This commercial use of the Walberswick National Nature Reserve helps to manage the reedbed for rare wildlife, including bittern and marsh harrier. In spring, listen out for the bittern’s low booming call - you're far more likely to hear than see one of these secretive reedbed birds. Follow the footpath through the marshes towards the disused Walberswick windpump.
Further on you reach Dingle Marshes - a wonderful expanse of reeds – keep a look out for marsh harriers which fly low over the reeds with their wings held in a shallow ‘V’. You pass through two stock fences and then follow the edge of Dunwich Forest. There is a wonderful flint wall on your left - can you see the eyes watching you? We stopped for a well-earned cup of tea and cake at Bridge Tearooms, which is roughly half way through the walk. There are plenty of places to get refreshments in both villages. We continued through Dunwich village - once the largest medieval town in East Anglia before coastal erosion took hold and much of it was lost to the sea - and then walked back north along the beach to Walberswick. The top of the shingle bank provides the best views over the marshes, but keep close to the sea where it is sandier for an easier walk.
In recent winters, the sea has broken through the shingle bank, flooding the freshwater marshes with potentially disastrous consequences for the wildlife that depends on the area. In the longer term it may be impossible to protect these important areas and the search is already on for new sites to replace what may be lost. If you are planning to walk this route in the winter, it is worth checking whether the route is passable before you set off.
Including the tea stop, the whole walk took us roughly three hours and we are not seasoned ramblers. It was a really enjoyable afternoon out and a great cure for a hangover!
Things you need:
Suffolk Coast Path Guide and Ordnance Survey map (the latter is optional but useful).
• Wet weather gear
• Mobile phone and binoculars
• Tide table (some sections include optional beach walking)
• Bus and train timetables
• Dog poo bags and lead if you have a dog
• Refreshments
 Walberswick and Dunwich Walk Map |