Opening Up the Suffolk Coast Path with Encounter Walking Holidays

Come and explore the beautiful Suffolk Coast! Our CEO, Emma, was born in Woodbridge, so knows the area very well.

Although we can start the walk from the traditional starting point of Felixtowe we offer (and recommend) starting from the charming Suffolk market town of Woodbridge. Here walkers can enjoy everything from the stunning riverside quay, independent shops, welcoming pubs and restaurants to the ancient site of Sutton Hoo and surrounding woodland. Voted as the happiest place ot live in the Uk (2024) Woodbridge offers a wonderful blend of history, nature and local charm, it is well worth exploring for a night or two!

If you are staying in Felixtowe to start your walk you will catch a Ferry to cross the River Deben over to Bawdsey and take the coastal path North, a transfer is likely to be required for this option, as there is limited accommodation for this stretch.

Although this is the traditional start we a big fans of starting in Woodbridge which has a train station and good selection of places to stay, eat and enjoy. From Woodbridide we take you to the quaint fishing village of Orford.

From Woodbridge to Snape : Forest Trails and Estuary Views

Leaving Woodbridge, our route winds through peaceful forest tracks and heathland, part of the same landscape that shapes the wider Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You might want to consider a transfer to Orford, it really is a historic gem, a small village known for its impressive 12th‑century castle and working quay. It marks a major landmark on the official Suffolk Coast Path, which follows river and sea walls, marsh and heathland. 

Our walk turns inland along the River Alde through peaceful forest paths until the landscape opens toward Snape, home to Snape Maltings, one of the most iconic cultural centres in Suffolk. Once a major malt‑producing complex, the Maltings was converted into a concert hall in 1967 and now hosts world‑renowned music events, shops, galleries and riverside cafes. The surrounding marshes and reedbeds are rich with wildlife, making this estuary one of the most atmospheric sections of the route.

Walking the Historic Sailors’ Path to Aldeburgh

From Snape, we pick up the celebrated Sailors’ Path, a historic 6‑mile route once used by sailors travelling between Snape Maltings and the coast at Aldeburgh. The trail crosses the reed beds of the Alde estuary, Snape Marshes and the wildlife‑rich Snape Warren Nature Reserve, known for nightjars, woodlark and yellowhammer.

The Sailors’ Path is renowned as one of Suffolk’s most beautiful trails, combining marshland, woodland and big‑sky estuary views before emerging at the shingle coastline.

Arrival in Aldeburgh: Music, Culture and Seaside Charm

Aldeburgh is a vibrant, artistic and affluent seaside town famous for its pastel‑coloured seafront homes, fisherman’s huts selling fresh seafood, and its connection to composer Benjamin Britten. The town’s heritage trails, coastal walkways and bustling arts scene make it a natural highlight for walkers exploring the Suffolk Coast Path.

With its excellent fish and chips and gently buzzing high street, Aldeburgh is the perfect place to relax before the next stretch of coastline.

Following the Suffolk Coast Path Through Minsmere

From Aldeburgh, we rejoin the Suffolk Coast Path to continue north along the North Sea. This section leads through Minsmere, one of the most celebrated nature reserves in the UK and a highlight of the official long‑distance route. The RSPB Minsmere area is skirted by both the Suffolk Coast Path and the Sandlings Walk, offering sweeping coastal views, wetlands, heathland and abundant birdlife.  This part of the coastline feels wonderfully wild,  a true retreat into the quieter side of Suffolk.

Onward to Southwold: Beach Huts, Piers and Coastal Energy

The next major stop is Southwold, another affluent and much‑loved seaside town known for its colourful beach huts, lighthouse, pier and Adnams, a traditional and popular brewery. Southwold sits along one of the most photogenic stretches of the Suffolk Coast and is a favourite for walkers seeking a restorative mix of coast, culture and cafés. Its popularity is reflected in its inclusion among the key highlights of the Suffolk Coast Path. 

Finishing at Lowestoft: The Easternmost Point of the UK

Finally, the trail continues north to Lowestoft, officially the easternmost point of the UK — the perfect finish for this spectacular multi‑day walk. Lowestoft marks the northern terminus of the 57‑mile Suffolk Coast Path, offering a satisfying sense of arrival after days of estuary crossings, forest paths, marshland trails and big-sky coastal walking. 

Join Us on This New Encounter Walking Adventure

This Suffolk Coast Path experience represents a personal journey for Emma and an exciting new path for our walking community. The route blends cultural highlights, tranquil landscapes, coastal wildlife, vibrant seaside towns and deep local history, all the ingredients that make an Encounter Walking Holiday truly special.

Ready to explore the Suffolk Coast Path with us?

Adventure this way!