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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"Fantastic house, had everything we needed, clean and cosy. Great location very close to southwold. "

"Great stay , lovely little cottage "

SAR 530 total

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12 Jun - 13 Jun

"Out in the ‘sticks’ but lovely and quiet - great centre for days out in Suffolk."

Comfort Cottage, Private Bathroom, Courtyard View | Exterior

SAR 1,014 total

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3 Jun - 4 Jun

"It was a quiet week in the country "

"We absolutely loved our stay in Little Oaks over the new year! We always try to book somewhere peaceful to escape NYE fireworks with our nervous dog and this location was perfect - so peaceful! Rob was very friendly and helpful. The cottage was great - lovely and warm with a full kitchen, comfy bed and great shower. Thank you for a great stay! "

Microwave, oven, stovetop, cookware/dishes/utensils

"Great location, quiet, and peaceful surroundings. All amenities worked well, plus good communication about where to find what. Would recommend."

"Wonderful, peaceful place, very friendly and accommodating. Will do again definitely"

"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!"

SAR 2,329 total

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"We had a wonderful stay in a wonderful fairy tale cottage . We loved the beautiful garden and the quietness."

"Great property that had everything you could wish for in a very peaceful location. Perfect for a couple wanting a relaxing holiday"

2 bedrooms, travel crib, WiFi, bed sheets

"A very friendly host. Great location for walking on heath land and the Suffolk coastal path. Within easy reach of Minsmere and Sutton Hoo. Thorpeness is a very interesting fantasy coastal resort developed for the wealthy in the early 20th century. Worth a visit for its architecture alone."

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

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The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns

5/5 Excellent

"Stayed here when my daughter got married near by, Lovely little hotel and lovely bar/restaurant, only had the chance to have the breakfast which was lovely. Defiantly recommend/"

A verified traveler stayed at The Aviator, formerly Smugglers Cove, Clacton On Sea by Marston's Inns

Posted 1 day ago

5/5 Excellent

Cheap-ish & cheerful

"Didn't expect much after staying in Best Western in Webbington last year & reading a couple of reviews about the Ipswich branch. We were pleasantly surprised. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable. Breakfast was simple but tasty and staff were very friendly and efficient. I was really pleased with the stay, and would book again."

A verified traveler stayed at Best Western Ipswich Hotel

Posted 4 days ago

5/5 Excellent

Ufford Park

"Just stayed there one night. Think we received a very reasonable rate because it was a monday night and the golfers had not arrive for the week as yet. Tried to get another night and they were booked solid. Very nice motel with pool and ammenities. Hit some golf balls at the attache driving range. Restaruant and bar were excellent. Seems like this is geared to golfers."

A verified traveler stayed at Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa

Posted 10 days ago

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