This walk is a particular favourite of mine.  Starting at the former coastguard station ( now National Trust centre with shop and café), the walk crosses Dunwich Heath before entering woods utilising the Suffolk Coast and Heath path (Sandlings Walk) to a road leading to the village of Eastbridge.  From here cross farmland on to the Lower Abbey Marsh.  The footpath passes the ruins of Leiston Chapel before reaching the coast at Minsmere Sluice.  Walk back to the starting point along the beach.

With a number of different landscapes, this walk is a delight.  Even better, is the chance for refreshment at The Eels Foot Inn at Eastbridge!

 

The starting point for the walk.  It's 8.30 and the tearoom does not open until 10.00!

Dunwich Heath
This is the remnant of a much larger area of heath land that once covered the coastal area.  In August, the heather is a riot of colour.

It's still cold!

The Heath

This area is owned by the National Trust

Entering woodland in an area known as Westleton Walks

The path through the wood

Beattie enjoys exploring the wood

Sandlings Walk signpost
The symbol is a nightjar, which can be seen and heard in this area

Crossing the road leading to Minsmere RSPB Reserve
Dogs not allowed!

The bridleway now crosses farmland before dropping down into Eastbridge
The fields to the right usually contain sheep ...

... today, there are only rabbits!

On the road into Eastbridge
These coppiced lime trees used to provide a sustainable wood supply

A young swan dabbles in a roadside ditch

Could this be mum and dad?

Eastbridge is a delightful little village

The bonus is The Eels Foot Inn ...
... but sadly, we are too early today!

Leaving Eastbridge

Now crossing Lower Abbey Marsh, one of the bird hides on Minsmere Reserve can be seen
This is an important reserve with many water birds to be seen including avocets, bitterns and marsh harriers

The remains of Leiston Chapel, originally built as an abbey in 1182.  The abbey was abandoned in favour of Leiston Abbey, built in 1363.
Much of the stone was used to build the new abbey at Leiston.  If you look carefully, you will be able to see the old machine gun emplacement built into the ruins during World War 2, when invasion was expected on the East Anglian coast!
More information about the abbey can be read here.

Minsmere Reserve
The coastguard cottages can be seen on the horizon

The beach is dominated by the Sizewell Nuclear Power Station

The view is better the other way!

Beattie just scavenges (as usual!)

Nearly back at the coastguard cottages...
... now for that cup of tea!

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Comment from Gary
Derek - I can see why this would be one of your (and Beatties? ) favourite walks. Does Beattie bother with the rabbits when she sees them? Tim can't always help himself sometimes and has to chase them!  She would if she had seen them!  derek
Gary ...

Comment from Maggie
Hello, almost tears when I saw your photos, this is my favourite walk... ever!
I start at Hangmans Wood, along the sluice and up to Minsmere Cliffs. The woodland section is just amazing followed by the field of dreams (heaven for my dogs, all those bunnies). Great photos and thank you, though the Lion Inn at Theberton has my vote. Maggie  Maggie.  Thanks so much for your kind comments.  Very much appreciated indeed.  Have to admit the The Lion Inn at Theberton is a new one on me.  I'll have to give it a try! derek
 

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Photographs taken with a Fuji MX-2900 Zoom or a Canon EOS 20D
Copyright © 2009 Derek Cockell     All Rights Reserved