Aldeburgh Walks

5.9 miles (9.5 km)

The coastal Suffolk town of Aldeburgh is a lovely place for walkers. This circular route takes you along the River Alde, through Aldeburgh Marshes and along Aldeburgh Bay. On the way there's a great deal of attractive, varied scenery to enjoy.
The town has strong associations with Benjamin Britten, the leading British composer of the 20th century. On the coastal section of the walk you will pass the Scallop sculpture dedicated to him. The piece is made up of two interlocking�scallop�shells, with the following inscription: 'I hear those voices that will not be drowned', which are taken from Britten's opera�Peter Grimes.�Listening to this piece of music as you stroll along the beach would be the perfect accompaniment to the walk.
The trail starts from the Fort Green car park on the sea front. Head south along the coast towards Slaughden before turning west to pick up the footpath along the River Alde.
Just after West Row Point the path leaves the river to cross Aldeburgh Marshes. The marshes are great place for wildlife watching. Look out for Kingﬁshers, Snipe and Reed buntings as you make your way through this peaceful area.
The route continues north through the North Warren RSPB reserve. The reserve is made up of grassland,�lowland heath,�reed bed,�shingle,�dune�and woodland. It contains a variety of rare shingle flora and birds such as Eurasian bittern,�European nightjar,�nightingale�and�western marsh harrier.
When you reach the Suffolk Coast path turn right and then head along the shingle beach back to the car park. This final section passes a model yacht pond, the lifeboat station and a pair of 19th-century look-out towers.

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

Aldeburgh Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Aldeburgh OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Aldeburgh 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

To continue tour walking in the area try our Aldeburgh to Thorpeness Walk which takes you to the delightful coastal village with its beautiful Meare.
The Suffolk Coast Path passes through the town. You could pick up this wonderful long distance trail and further explore the AONB. Following it west will take you to Black Heath Wood and the village of Snape, where there are more nice trails along the river.
Just to the south of the town you will find the Orford Ness Nature Reserve. It's another splendid area for wildlife and includes shingle, salt-marsh, mud-flats and brackish lagoons.
To the north you will find the coastal village of Southwold. There's lovely walks here along the River Blyth to enjoy.
Also popular is the Aldeburgh to Snape Maltings Walk which takes you along the old Sailor's Path to the expansive arts complex on the banks of the�River Alde.
The Iken Walk can be picked up just south of the nearby 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.
A few miles to the north is the town of Leiston where you can explore the fascinating ruins of Leiston Abbey. The English Heritage owned site dates back to the 12th century and is considered one of the historic highlights of the area. Just to the south of Leiston is the neighbouring village of Aldringham where you can explore the RSPB's Aldringham Walks. The wildlife rich conservation area includes a number of footpaths taking you to heathland, woodland and scrub.