Starting at a single row of cottages known as Shingle Street, you'll head up the coast to the river mouth at Orford Haven before cutting inland through fields and along well-signposted tracks and lanes back to the start.

Why it's special
From the Martello tower that marks your starting point, built to protect England from invasion during the Napoleonic wars, to some well-preserved second world war pillbox defences, this walk has an impressive military pedigree. Just up the coast is Orford Ness, where the first experiments with radar were conducted in the 1930s, while Shingle Street itself has been the subject of fevered speculation ever since it was evacuated in 1940. Conspiracies include rumours of a German landing and a shoreline littered with burning bodies, schemes to protect the coastline with an impenetrable barrage of flames and the testing of experimental chemical bombs. Four dead German airmen were certainly washed up on the beach, and weapons testing did result in the Lifeboat Inn being blown up. As for the rest, the conspiracy theories rumble on.

Find the whole walk here
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2009/jun/08/shingle-street-walking-guide-suffolk

How to get there
By car
From Ipswich, take the A12 towards Woodbridge, then the A1152 towards Melton. Take the second exit at the roundabout after the river, towards Hollesley, then follow signs to Shingle Street.

By public transport
Take the Ipswich-to-Lowestoft train and get off at Melton, but it's an 11km walk to the start, mostly on minor roads with no pavement.

#beach #coast #coastal #suffolk #uk #england #britain #walk

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Cottages in Woodbridge

Our top choices for Woodbridge cottages

"Lovely cosy property perfect for a relaxing weekend. Nice towns nearby with castles to visit etc"

"Extremely well appointed lodge on a very peaceful site. Felt more like a residential park than holiday. Great location."

SAR 1,780 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Sep - 20 Sep

"Amazing experience in London Derby.The kids loved all the activities available.The cottage was well equipped and was very quiet on site Would more than recommend to anyone "

"The Lodge has everything you need for a peaceful getaway. It’s modern and comfortable and overlooks fields so completely private with hot tub, fire pit and bbq all ready to use The Nags Head pub does good food and is walking distance. Our Host David is lovely and put up a Happy Birthday Banner for my Hubby nice touch ⭐️ "

SAR 707 total

includes taxes & fees

31 Aug - 1 Sep

"Two adults stayed. Used both bedrooms. Very hot but able to open windows. Enjoyed the upstairs outside deck when we were there. Useful having washing machine. Plenty of street parking, but tight spaces & don’t rely on parking directly outside. Bathroom tiny but fit for purpose. Easy walk to beach front. Thank you "

SAR 2,644 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Sep - 2 Sep

"An amazing yurt to experience clamping with kids .the whole family had a great time. Disconnected from the digital world.highly recommend"

SAR 795 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Sep - 29 Sep

"Clean and tidy, perfect for my working day. Would highly recommend the accommodation and garden was amazing."

SAR 2,872 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Sep - 27 Sep

"Great place to stay"

"A lovely relaxing stay in a beautiful cottage."

"We loved our stay, there was everything we needed and was so comfortable and cosy! Everything was spotless clean and we will definitely be coming again!"

"The property was lovely suited our requirements as it had a ground floor bedroom, no need to go upstairs. Had everything we required. Lovely kitchen and bathroom. The only downside was it had not be cleaned properly, worksurfaces still had food debris and both sofas needed a vacuum over, plus they were stained. Would certainly recommend the house."