Dunwich-Walberswick

This is a circular walk that begins and finishes in the charming Suffolk village of Dunwich. It proceeds through a variety of landscapes, with coastal, river, marsh and forest all appearing at some point. Refreshments can be had in either the pub or fish and chip shop in Dunwich or roughly midway through the walk - in a pub on the Southwold side of the River Blyth.
A convenient place to park the car is somewhere along the main street - maybe opposite the museum. It is free and unlimited here.
From this point, continue ahead passing the church on the left and then ignoring a track going straight ahead - the Sandlings Walk. Instead, turn right at Bridge Farm and continue along a track. This is the way of the Suffolk Coast Path. A good dirt and gravel track follows which hugs the right hand side of Dunwich Forest. Good views are afforded of the coast - across Dingle Marshes.
Several appealing properties are passed on both sides of the route - all with very nice gardens.
Eventually, the views open out on both sides as the edge of the forest is approached. Cross heathland to reach the beginning of marshland. Boards are utilised over the wettest sections of path here and this is an excellent bird watching area. If you are lucky you may be able to spot a Marsh Harrier!
Upon reaching a long abandoned wind pump, turn right and continue still across marshland. Our way approaches the beach which is then followed to the mouth of the River Blyth at Walberswick. A ferry opperates here which will take you across the mouth of the river and leads to a short walk into Southwold.
However, we remain on the Suffolk Coast path and follow the river towards a bridge. Many boats are moored along this section. Do not cross the bridge unless walking to Southwold or utilising the pub on the opposite bank. Instead turn left and continue along the Sandlings Path. This crosses Walberswick Reserve and flanks the nature reserve. The landscape is gentle and offers a very pleasant walk.
Join a road which is crossed and a path is then followed opposite Eastwoodlodge Farm. Still on the Sandlings Path, continue to another road, though more minor in character.
Join the asphalt and turn right to follow a delightful section typical in character of this part of Suffolk. There are views to the sea and also inland across fields very diverse in varieties of crop.
If you are walking this in early Spring there are many snowdrops and primroses to be observed, all growing wild in the small, ancient woodlands that flank this tranquil country lane.
Eventually, this lane drops to reach an area of woodland - on the fringe of Dunwich Forest. It is important to bear left at one point where there is a junction between a normal byway and the Sandlings Path.
Just before reaching a busier road and a car park area, turn left - almost back on yourself. A study of the map here will show we are about to enter Dunwich Forest again.
There is any number of ways to return to Dunwich through the forest but it is a nice alternative to continue on a roughly level walk along the northern flank of the forest until reaching a bird hide. From this point, walk up the hill through the forest. Any of the main track junctions affording a left hand turn will return you to the original route on the right hand edge of the forest. Just retrace your steps to return to the car.