The walk
From the start at the Harbour car park follow the River Blyth
inland along the road and track providing access to the facilities
of a typical small harbour. Alternatively in the summer take the
foot ferry (1) to the Walberswick side and walk the footpath on the
opposite bank as far as the bridge. Note the flood level marked on
the Harbour Inn (2) an indication of how the area suffered in the
floods which hit the east coast in 1953. The modern Bailey Bridge
(3) rests on the piles of a former structure which, until 1923
provided a crossing point for the old narrow gauge railway to
Halesworth and the main line.
Cross the bed of the old railway following the path on the
embankment along Buss Creek or, to avoid a number of stiles, use
the route of the former railway to rejoin the walk on the A1095 at
Mights Bridge (4). The creek once provided anchorage for large
vessels but silting has left the area as marshland and a haven for
wildlife. If you choose to use the alternative route towards the
golf club you can also visit the new area of open access land with
views across the marshes.
Before crossing the A1095, the only road into Southwold, note
the fishing facility provided by the Southwold Angling Society for
disabled people at Mights Bridge. Follow the embankment path past
the Boating Lake to emerge at the Beach car park (5). At this point
we join the Suffolk Coast Path stretching 50 miles from Lowestoft
to Felixstowe.
Continue south past the pier (6), now considerably shortened
since the days when paddle steamers called and along the cliff top
path to Gun Hill (7) noting the former coastguard lookout which
houses an RNLI Museum. Alternatively you may wish to wander through
the town to seek refreshment or use the promenade and beach for
this section of the walk.
Return to the Harbour car park, via the ferry path with views
across Town Marshes or wander through the dunes behind the beach.
In the summer round off your walk with a visit to the Suffolk
Wildlife trust Information Centre near the start to identify the
natural history prevalent in the area.
