Hiking in Suffolk

Constable country

Some of the best hiking routes in Suffolk explore the lovely Dedham Vale and Stour Valley regions. The scenery is so delightful, you may feel as though you are walking through a work of art. In fact, the area was famously the home and muse of John Constable, who revolutionised landscape painting in the early 1800s with works such as Wivenhoe Park and Dedham Vale. Perhaps you too will be inspired, as you wander the peaceful riverside trails and drink in the idyllic views.

Exploring Suffolk’s Coast and Estuaries

To the east of Dedham Vale, the Stour widens into an estuary, a superb place to watch wildfowl and waders as the tides ebb in winter. This also marks the beginning of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB, which encompasses both the Stour and Orwell estuaries and 60 miles (97 km) of beautiful North Sea coastline. It’s a bird watching paradise, while its low-lying heathland turns a gorgeous deep purple in late summer. There are countless places to enjoy a dawn stroll and catch a dramatic sunrise reflected in the sea.

The low-lying nature of the coast and its Pleistocene sand and clay constitution means that it is a dynamic and potentially dangerous environment. The direction and speed of the tide can change very quickly, cliff erosion is common while soft mud and sand represent a considerable hazard. Take great care when exploring the coast and make yourself aware of tide times before setting out.

Pub walks and forest rambles

Away from the coast, there’s yet more to discover during your hikes in Suffolk. In the northwest of the county is Breckland, where you find yet more invigorating heathland and the Scots pines of Thetford Forest. There’s a staggering 46,282 acres (18,730 ha) to explore in this, Britain’s largest man-made lowland forest.

With so many options when it comes to walks in Suffolk, it’s no wonder the county hosts its own annual walking festival in the summer. There are plenty of beloved pub walks to seek out from its historic half-timbered villages, while many tackle one of Suffolk’s many long-distance footpaths, such as the 60-mile (97 km) Suffolk Coast Path.