Walking

Escape to the Coast (Part 1)

Posted on 21st October 2013 by The Helpful Hiker

For our final outing of 2013, last weekend we headed to the Suffolk coast for a couple of days of fine food and ales and some good walks in the sea air. This was a little more relaxing than previous trips , with a comfy B&B to retire to at the end of the day and easy, short walks planned.

View from the pier, looking back towards the seafront and lighthouse

We arrived early evening Friday, and after booking into our lovely B&B on the seafront, we headed into town to find some food. On our way we got our first glimpse of the famous pier and lighthouse that dominate the coast here. We had a hearty pub meal at The Red Lion and acquainted ourselves with one or two of Southwold’s finest Adnams Ales (well, when in Rome…)

The next morning we woke early, and after a tasty breakfast we headed out for our first walk. As I said, this wasn’t a hardcore walking break, more a series of ambles, with plenty of food and drink breaks! The forecast was dire and sadly accurate, however we ploughed on in full waterproof gear. I’m usually an advocate of ‘you get what you pay for’, especially regarding walking gear. However, I’m also on a budget, and so pleased to report that my bargain Aldi waterproof trousers and my TK Maxx jacket performed admirably in thoroughly miserable conditions.

Southwold Harbour

We headed down to the harbour, following the coastal path. At weekends there is an option to take the ‘ferry’ across to Walberswick (I say ferry, it’s actually a rowing boat) however it’s not a long walk to head along the water, past the fishing shacks, the Harbour Inn and across the footbridge. After crossing the bridge we turned left, back down along the harbour and to the Village of Walberswick. There is also an option to carry straight ahead and follow the Sandlings Walk to Walberswick Common and further if you want a longer walk. We walked through the village, which boasts a couple of pubs and tearooms, and clean public toilets. We then carried on along the coast.

The sun was trying to poke through the clouds…but never quite made it!

Even though the marshes could be construed as being a little bleak on this wet and windy day, they definitely had a certain beauty. We walked for about a mile or so with the sea beside us before turning back and heading for a well deserved and delicious lunch at The Harbour Inn.