Aldeburgh to Snape Maltings Walk

7 miles (11.2 km)

This walk visits the lovely Snape Maltings Nature Reserve from the coastal town of Aldeburgh in Suffolk. It's about a 7 mile walk from the town to the reserve, using a section of the waymarked Suffolk Coast Path and the Sailor's Path. The path is so named because historically sailors would walk the route on their way home. It's a well signed and maintained path which runs through an AONB.
The walk starts on the sea front in Aldeburgh, next to the lifeboat station. From here you head north along the beach before turning left to follow the waymarked footpath toward the golf course. You then follow the trail through Blackheath Wood where there's some nice woodland trails and the Sailor's Path Cottages.
The final section of the walk runs through Snape Warren before crossing Snape Bridge to finish at The Maltings. The attractive area includes reedbeds, wet woodland and marshland with lots of wildlife to see. Keep your eyes peeled for woodlark, yellowhammer and nightjar.
The area also includes an expansive arts complex on the banks of the�River Alde. It's best known for its concert hall, which is one of the main sites of the annual�Aldeburgh Festival. The complex also includes shops, galleries and restaurants where you can enjoy refreshments after your walk.
To continue your walking in the Aldeburgh area you could try the popular Aldeburgh to Thorpeness Walk and visit Thorpeness Meare and the North Warren RSPB reserve.
Just to the south of The Maltings there's miles of nice trails to try in Tunstall Forest. Also nearby is the lovely Orford Ness Nature Reserve which includes shingle, salt-marsh, mud-flats and brackish lagoons.

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Aldeburgh to Snape Maltings Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Aldeburgh to Snape Maltings Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Aldeburgh to Snape Maltings OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Aldeburgh to Snape Maltings Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Snape Maltings has several fine eateries where you can enjoy refreshments after your walk. There's freshly prepared local food and cream teas to caf�s overlooking the Alde estuary.
In the village of Snape there is the noteworthy Golden Key public house. The pub is a relaxed cottage-style dining pub dating back to the 1600’s, just tucked away from the main road through the beautiful village.�It's�packed full of original character, beams, open fires and quirky details. You can find it in the village on Priory Road with a postcode of IP17 1SA for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Maltings can also be reached on foot from nearby Saxmundham where there is a train station. You can follow the East Suffolk Line Walks south from the historic market town through the valley of the River Fromus.
The Iken Walk can be picked up just south of Snape village at the Iken Cliff car park. It will take you east along the river to visit the splendid old St Botolph's Church. The ancient place of worship includes a part thatched roof and an ancient nave dating back to the 12th century.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Walks page.