The ultimate coastal walks: heath and shingle

Are you looking for a jaw-dropping, spine-tingling coastal walk? Or a gentle saunter along a golden beach? Look no further! We’ve found the best, from vertiginous clifftops to a desert of sand, all around the UK... By Christopher Somerville

Dunwich and Minsmere, Suffolk: The Greyfriars monastery ruins on Dunwich cliff recall the great medieval city that was swallowed by the sea. Paths across moody Dunwich Heath lead to Minsmere, with its thronging wildfowl, the quirky Eels Foot pub at Eastbridge and a return along the lonely shingle beach. Photo: Visit Britain

The route: From The Ship Inn, Dunwich, take the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Path to Dunwich Heath and the lane to Minsmere RSPB Reserve, then a bridleway over Westleton Walks south-west to Eastbridge. Next, head east over fields to the Sluice and north along the beach to Dunwich.

Don’t miss: The 13th-century Dunwich monastery ruins, atmospheric Dunwich Heath and Minsmere RSPB Reserve, home to avocets, bitterns and marsh harriers.

Stamina required? The route is pretty easy and level underfoot all the way.

How long will it take? Allow four to five hours for the eight miles, including some bird-watching time.

Refuelling options: The Eels Foot Inn, Eastbridge (01728 830154, www.theeelsfootinn.co.uk), a cheerful country pub.

Getting there: By rail to Darsham, then the Coastlink bus (01728 833526 – pick-up by prior arrangement) or taxi (01728 668039) to Dunwich; A12 to Darsham, minor roads to Dunwich.

Sleeping: The Ship Inn, Dunwich (01728 648219, www.shipinndunwich.co.uk), is a delightful old pub with good food and lots of atmosphere. £50 single, £75 double B&B.

Maps: OS maps Landranger 156; Explorers 231, 212. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service.

More info: Southwold TIC (01502 724729, www.exploresouthwold.co.uk; www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org).

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