(S/E) Start at the toilets. Take the footpath between the toilets and the dyke which runs parallel to the beach huts in the distance. The footpath bears right at the start of a caravan park. It then bears left at the bottom of
a set of steps. At a junction of paths turn left towards the coast. The iconic dome of Sizewell B, the UK’s only pressurised water reactor (PWR) nuclear power station, can be clearly seen from here. At the corner of a field bear right and then keep straight ahead.
(1) On reaching a T-junction turn left onto a bridleway. Bear right when you emerge from the avenue of trees and out onto the Oldtown Marshes. At a WWII Pill Box bear right and then turn left at a T-junction of paths. At the next junction bear right. From this high point enjoy the views over the nature reserve. The path gently undulates and winds through an area of scrub woodland and then emerges onto a boardwalk to cross the reedbed. At a T-junction of paths turn right and continue straight ahead. After approx. 200m take the footpath on the right, across a boardwalk through the reeds and then turn left onto a bridleway. On reaching a dirt track bear right and head towards the road. This track is used by local reed cutters to access the marshes and cut reeds for thatching; the areas cleared of reeds provide pools for bitterns and herons to feed on fish and amphibians.
(2) Turn left along the road to join a stretch of the Sandlings Walk (SW). This is long distance route of 60 miles from Ipswich to Southwold which explores what remains of the once extensive Sandlings Heaths. A grass car park area on the left offers lovely views. The metalled road becomes a gravel track and Byway. Turn left through a kissing gate and immediately right onto the footpath. This area is grazed by Highland cattle to maintain the acid grassland so please stay on the footpath and keep dogs on leads. The path leads through a damp woodland area and then back onto the byway through a kissing gate on the right. Before reaching a car park turn left at the SW waymarker post. There are now two options to proceed. Both routes converge at a junction of footpaths before the wind pump. Turn right at the start of the Birch trees to remain on the SW. Pass through a gate with a cattle grid.
(3) At this point continue straight ahead to join the St Helena Trail, which is marked with white and orange discs, through the north section of Dunwich Forest.
(4) When the St Helena Trail splits, turn left. When the trail turns right you can take a short detour to the left and discover the hide, a great place for wildlife watching. The path winds up a gentle slope with fine views across the reedbed. On reaching a gravel track where the St Helena trail turns right you turn left, towards a cottage. Pass through the gate on the right of the cattle grid.
(5) At a T-junction of tracks, turn left onto a footpath. You now join the Suffolk Coast Path. This is a long distance route of 60 miles between Lowestoft and Felixstowe which is marked by blue and yellow discs. You follow this route as far as the beach huts in Walberswick. High points along the track give views of Dunwich and the sea as well as the marshes and Walberswick Church. The small woodland is worth a visit in spring to see the wild Daffodils. Pass through a gateway and after 200m bear right, this path will lead you out onto the reedbed.
(6) At a T-junction of paths turn left. Some areas of the shingle beach ahead of you are fenced off in the summer to protect the nesting Little Terns and shingle vegetation. Follow the path along the river towards the wind pump. The wind pump was built in the 1800’s and was used to drain the salt marshes and grind feed for horses; it was burnt out in the 1960’s. Just past the wind pump turn right to cross a bridge, keeping the river on your right towards the coast.
(7) Follow signs for coast path and at a T-junction of paths turn right. Cross over the river at the bridge. Ascend the shingle ridge and turn left to head north back towards Walberswick. Turn left just in front of the beach huts, cross back over the river and turn right to follow the track back to the public toilets.(S/E)
