- Walkers gain 11 miles of new access rights around the Deben
Estuary
- Trail connects communities from Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey
through historic Woodbridge
- Forms part of government's commitment to complete 2,700-mile
England Coast Path
Walkers can now explore 26 miles of Suffolk coastline from
Felixstowe Ferry to Bawdsey as Natural England has today
officially opened a new stretch of the King Charles III England
Coast Path. The new route creates 11 miles of new access rights
around the scenic Deben Estuary.
The trail takes walkers past various settlements, including the
historic market town of Woodbridge, offering sweeping estuary
views and enhancing connections between key coastal areas. This
section joins up with the existing open stretch of the trail from
Shotley Gate to Felixstowe Ferry, along the Orwell Estuary.
The path explores the Deben Estuary's unique landscape, home to
more than 40 per cent of Suffolk's remaining saltmarsh. Ramblers
can enjoy the diversity of the coastline from sheltered estuary
banks to agricultural land, passing through Martlesham Wilds
Nature Reserve and alongside the archaeological treasures of
Sutton Hoo.
Hannah Thacker, Natural England deputy director for Norfolk and
Suffolk, said:
This new stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path opens
up Suffolk's stunning coastline along the Deben Estuary. Whether
walking along the estuary on sea walls past saltmarsh, or through
the working landscape of the surrounding farmland, this Suffolk
coastline has something for everyone.
I am personally looking forward to walking this stretch of the
path and experiencing the benefits of getting outdoors and
spending time in nature.
Environmental protections ensure wildlife thrives alongside
public access. The route includes a bird-watching screen,
designated dog on lead areas, and strategic path positioning and
fencing to protect internationally-important populations of
dark-bellied brent geese and avocets that spend winter in the
estuary.
Renovated footbridges and steps at Ferry Cliff and Nettle Hill
have improved the walked route here. The trail addresses a
significant gap in Suffolk's coastal access network between
Ramsholt and Bawdsey, where previously there was no public access
along the estuary. A new section of trail across farmland between
Waldringfield and Martlesham provides a much-needed through
route.
A seasonal ferry operates between Bawdsey and Felixstowe Ferry
from May to September, creating circular walking opportunities.
The route passes through the Suffolk and Essex Coasts and Heaths
National Landscape, an area protected for its distinctive
character.
Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for
operational highways, flooding and Ipswich, said:
Suffolk has some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain so
I am delighted to see that there is a new route for the public to
enjoy around the Deben Estuary. It is a fascinating part of the
county, rich in history and nature. I am sure it will become a
favourite with visitors for many years to come.
This opening represents progress towards completing England's
continuous 2,700-mile coastal walking trail. The government's
commitment to connecting people with nature supports health and
wellbeing whilst showcasing England's diverse coastal
heritage.
The King Charles III England Coast Path will become the world's
longest managed and waymarked coastal path when complete,
providing free public access to England's entire coastline for
the first time.
Andrew Excell, from Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said:
The opening of this section of the King Charles III England Coast
Path will give locals and visitors the chance to walk alongside
some of our most precious and internationally important habitats
on the Deben Estuary.
People will be able to enjoy the quiet beauty of this area, take
the opportunity to learn more about the landscape, and respect
the sensitive wildlife in the area – including ground-nesting
birds and rare coastal plants that are vulnerable to human
disturbance.
