Aldeburgh to Thorpeness Walk

5.6 miles (9 km)

A circular walk from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness, taking in the Suffolk Coast, the wonderful Thorpeness Meare and the North Warren RSPB reserve.
Start from Aldeburgh at the Fort Green car park on the front. Then follow the path along the shingle beach north, passing The Haven and the Benjamin Britten Scallop sculpture before coming to Thorpeness.
The route then takes you around the delightful Thorpeness Meare, the centrepiece of the village. It's a beautiful spot with nice paths to follow around the 60 acre lake. There's lots of little islands, shady coves, and pretty creeks with boats available for hire. The area is thought to have been inspired by the book 'Peter Pan' as the authour J.M. Barrie was a close of friend of the Thorpeness founder, Scottish barrister Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie.
The Meare is a good place to stop for refreshments with a nice waterside cafe.
After leaving the Meare you follow footpaths south across the North Warren RSPB reserve. It's another scenic spot with grazing marshes, reedbeds, heathland, woodland and a wide variety of wildlife to see. Look out for breeding bitterns, marsh harriers, woodlarks and nightingales.
The final section skirts the edge of Aldeburgh Marshes before returning to the finish point back on the sea front car park.
To extend your walking in the area you can further explore Aldeburgh Marshes and the River Alde on our Aldeburgh Walk.

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

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

Aldeburgh to Thorpeness OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Aldeburgh to Thorpeness Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The White Hart Inn in Aldeburgh dates back to 1800. It's located in the High Street, right next door to the famous fish and chip shop. During the summer months they have a traditional wood-fired Italian Pizzeria in the beer garden, serving freshly cooked-to-order pizza. It's a nice place to relax outdoors on warmer days. The pub is dog friendly and will often provide treats for your pet. You can find the pub at postcode IP15 5AJ for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

You can continue your walking by picking up the Sizewell to Thorpeness Walk. This continues north with views of the Sizewell Nuclear Power Station. On the way you will also pass the RSPB's Aldringham Walks where there is a wide variety of wildlife to see.