Dunwich Heath is a stunning part of the Suffolk coast, with sweeping views over the sea and a wealth of wildlife and flora to discover. The Dunwich Heath Walk Circular is a fantastic way to explore this beautiful area, taking you through woodland, heathland, and along the coast. In this article, we’ll guide you through the walk, including the best places to eat, drink, and stay in the area.
Starting the walk
Starting the walk The walk starts from National Trust car park just off the B1125. From the car park, the direction of movement is eastward along the coast, stretching into the heathland and the woodland that makes up Dunwich Heath. The first part of the walk is relatively flat, with extensive opportunity to spot wildlife, such as red deer and Dartford warblers. Exploring the heathland As you walk further into the heathland, the path starts to climb and there are stunning views over the sea.
The heathland is a magnificent feature on its own, with the purple heather and the yellow gorse spreading over the whole landscape. Keep an eye out for the many kinds of butterflies, including the silver-studded blue, which can be found here. Coastal views As the path continues, you reach the coast, with broad views over the sea. The path edges the cliff and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the coastline. One should pause and take a look at the views, which will be enchanting, looking for some ships or animals as well.
Returning to the car park The last part of the walk is a return into the car park. While returning, one gets the chance to look at some of the finer details of the area, including the many species of birds that make their home in the woodland.
Eating & resting
There are plenty of places to refuel and take a drink after the walk. Amongst the most popular with locals and visitors alike is The Ship Inn at Dunwich. Here you can get plenty of great food and a good choice of drinks too. This includes locally brewed ales and ciders. Another well-known pit stop is The Westleton Crown; this 16th century coaching inn offers a choice of rooms and has a fine reputation for its restaurant. If you want to stay the night, The Ship Inn also offers rooms, as does The Westleton Crown. Another option is The Cliff House Hotel; it has rooms and suites, all with beautiful sea views.
Where to stay
When planning a visit to Dunwich Heath, there are a variety of accommodation options available to suit all tastes and budgets. For those who want to stay close to the heath and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, the nearby towns of Dunwich and Westleton offer a range of options.
One popular choice is The Ship Inn in Dunwich, which not only serves great food and drink but also offers comfortable and stylish rooms. The rooms are located in the pub building and the annexe across the road, and they are all decorated in a traditional style, with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
Another excellent option is The Westleton Crown, a 16th-century coaching inn that is now a luxury hotel. The hotel has a range of stylish rooms, each decorated in a contemporary style with modern amenities. The hotel also has an excellent restaurant that serves a range of dishes made using locally sourced ingredients.
For those looking for something a little more luxurious, The Cliff House Hotel is a great choice. This boutique hotel offers stunning sea views and a range of rooms and suites, each with their own unique character. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside while still being close to all the attractions and amenities of the area.
- Length of the Walk: The Dunwich Heath Walk Circular is approximately 3.5 miles long.
- Best Times to Go: The heath is at its most beautiful in late summer when the heather is in bloom. However, the walk can be enjoyed year-round.
- What to Look Out For: Keep an eye out for the many species of wildlife that call the heathland home, such as red deer, Dartford warblers, and silver-studded blue butterflies.
- How Suitable is it: The walk is relatively easy, with some gentle climbs and descents. It’s suitable for most walkers, including families with children and those with limited mobility.