Exploring Suffolk’s Historic Walking Trails

In addition to historic houses, villages and traditions, Suffolk also boasts an impressive collection of historic walking trails which are well worth exploring when staying at one of our Barns or Barges for rent. From coastal jaunts to countryside rambles, we’ve selected a few of our favourite historic walking routes in Suffolk to experience when staying with us. Featuring centuries-old landmarks and more picturesque countryside than a Constable painting, we’re confident there’s something for everyone.

Perhaps the most famous of all historic walking trails in Suffolk is the Suffolk Coast Path which takes walkers across a patchwork of marshland and dramatic coastline. Beginning in Felixstowe and wrapping up in Lowestoft, this 50-mile route is famous for good reason. Once the preserve of daring smugglers and village fishermen, the route is now frequented by more relaxed adventurers who are able to decide precisely the length they’d like to walk for. Never too far from a cosy countryside pub or restaurant, this is the perfect walk for anyone who enjoys stretching their sea legs on land. 

For walkers who prefer to remain inland, the ancient Icknield Way dates back over 5,000 years and was once trodden by Neolithics and Romans. Abounding with burial mounds, ruins and even the occasional hill fort, this route begins in Thetford and stretches out along the chalk uplands of the surrounding countryside.

Another historic walking trail offering a glimpse into Suffolk history is the Stour Valley Path. Tracing a selection of mediaeval wool towns, this 60-mile route takes in a charming range of villages and appropriately historic churches. Once a vital path which helped traders in the wool trade, this route, as its name may suggest, is located nearby to the River Stour. Should you enjoy your afternoon rambles accompanied by surroundings of timbered cottages, this is certainly the walk you’ll want to take. With a small amount of imagination, it’s also not too difficult to envisage the bustling trade that once took place around the towns that form part of the route.

Of course, no list of historic walking trails in Suffolk would be of any good without mentioning the Suffolk Heritage Coast. Taking walkers from Dunwich Heath to Orford Ness, this particular route has been established as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, providing walkers with plenty of varied landscapes to enjoy when out and about in Suffolk. Similar to the Stour Valley Path, this route was once frequented by traders and fishermen who would no doubt have been familiar with all of the lighthouses and coastal fortifications on show. 

Ideal for history buffs as well as anyone partial to a good walk, these routes are sure to please anyone visiting Suffolk for a holiday. To make sure that you’re able to return to the finest accommodation – if we do say so ourselves – be sure to take a look at the availability of our Barns and Barges for rent in Suffolk.