Читать книгу Suffolk Coast and Heath Walks. 3 long-distance routes in the AONB: the Suffolk Coast Path, the Stour and Orwell Walk and the Sandlings Walk онлайн

16 страница из 41

The Sandlings Walk

The third route, the Sandlings Walk (60 miles/96km), thoroughly explores the heathland region that lies immediately inland from the Suffolk coast. Beginning at one of two possible starting points in Ipswich, the route passes through Martlesham Heath before following the River Deben estuary up to the pleasant riverside town of Woodbridge. From here it meanders through several tracts of Sandlings Heath and extensive forest plantations before finally arriving at the delightfully old-fashioned resort of Southwold, an excellent place to recuperate. Although almost entirely inland, there is a short coastal section close to Sizewell that is shared with the Suffolk Coast Path. Otherwise, this route offers a different perspective on the hinterland of the Suffolk coast and ideally complements the coastal route.

Walkways lead to sailing boats moored on the banks of the river Blyth near Southwold (SCP, Stage 3 and SW, Stage 7)

With the exception of the first stage, between Ipswich and Woodbridge, the route of the Sandlings Walk lies entirely within the confines of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB. To walk the complete length, it is best to allow around five days in total. As well as combining well with the Suffolk Coast Path, the Sandlings Walk could also easily be linked with the first two stages of the Stour and Orwell Walk by taking the Ipswich Loop option of the latter, and then setting out from Ipswich on the first stage of the Sandlings Walk from there to Woodbridge. If this option were chosen, Woodbridge would be ideally placed for a rest day before continuing the Sandlings Walk north. Woodbridge might also be a useful base for completing the next two stages (Stages 2–4) of the Sandlings Walk, as there is little accommodation between Woodbridge and Snape.