Dunwich Heath and the beach
Purple heather, sandy cliffs and a shingle beach on the Suffolk coast, next to Minsmere.
- Distance
- 5.7 km
- Ascent
- 30 m
- Time
- 1.5–2 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 23 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Dunwich Heath and the beach is an easy 5.7 km circular walk with 30 m of ascent, taking 1.5 to 2 hours. It starts at Dunwich Heath coastguard cottages (grid reference TM 476 676).
Dunwich Heath is a rare patch of lowland heath on the Suffolk coast, looked after by the National Trust and glowing purple in late summer. Dartford warblers and nightjars live in the gorse, and the RSPB's Minsmere reserve lies just to the south.
The loop crosses the heath, drops to the beach below the sandy cliffs and returns along the shore to the old coastguard cottages.
Route
-
1
The heath
Cross the heath on the waymarked paths.
-
2
The beach
Drop to the shore and return along the beach.
Summit
Questions about this walk
- How long does Dunwich Heath and the beach take?
- Most walkers take 1.5–2 hours for the 5.7 km route, which has 30 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Dunwich Heath coastguard cottages (grid reference TM 476 676). National Trust car park (charge for non-members).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- No practical public transport.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. Sandy heath paths and shingle beach.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Ground-nesting birds use the heath from March to August: keep dogs on the paths.
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