Dunwich public right of way closures and restrictions

Find more information about the current public right of way closures and restrictions in place around Dunwich Heath, following the wildfire this summer.

This map summarises all the restrictions in place to help you plan recreational and active travel around the area safely.

The map also shows the diverted route of the King Charles III England Coast Path along the beach.

Map key

  • The solid red lines show the closed public rights of way in Dunwich.
  • The solid pink line shows the King Charles III England Coast Path Diversion.
  • The orange solid areas show the Open Access Land closures.
  • The black rectangle shows where local beach restrictions may be in place.

Map of current closures and restrictions

Closures and restrictions currently in place

Public rights of way

  • Footpath 2, Dunwich
  • Bridleway 1, Dunwich
  • Footpath 18, Dunwich
  • Bridleway 18, Westleton
  • Footpath 19, Westleton
  • Footpath 16, Dunwich
  • Footpath 17, Dunwich
  • Bridleway 14, Dunwich
  • Footpath 15, Dunwich
  • Bridleway 22 Westleton, from footpath 20 Westleton, to bridleway 18 Westleton

Associated documents

You can also view the closures on our interactive map of public rights of way.

You can view the source data from Natural England for the current Countryside Right of Way Act (CRoW) and coastal access restrictions.

Beach restrictions

Coastal Margin is currently restricted south of Westleton Road as far as the Sluice near Minsmere. This is in line with the current diversion of the King Charles III England Coast Path.

This does not prevent members of the public from exercising any other previous rights of access along the beach and the summary map aims to show this.

There are specific restrictions in place for safety reasons on one section of beach alongside the National Trust site due to unstable cliffs. Please follow safety instructions and signage on site here.

King Charles III England Coast Path

The route of the England Coast Path has been diverted inland to avoid closures.

National Trails has a more detailed map of the route you can view.

Latest updates

3 September 2026

Restrictions on Westleton footpath 17 and Westleton Heath have been lifted, following works and site inspections.