Suffolk Walking Festival 2018

Not to be sniffed at, this is as serious as walking gets. The Suffolk Walking Festival gets underway on the 12th May and runs until 3rd June. The programme is packed with 125 walks and events, and new to this year, is the Festival Fringe - a series of events that get you close to nature in the very heart of Suffolk’s countryside. Highlights include a ‘Twilight Safari’ (experience woodland nightlife), ‘Suffolk Sketchbook’ (learn to sketch a scene at Snape Maltings) and ‘Iconic Images’ (photography workshops).

Test your ability with the Challenge Walk – a 70-mile walk over 4 days across The Sandlings – a landscape of sandy soils, heathlands and forest between the popular seaside town of Southwold and East Anglia’s waterfront town, Ipswich.

You can also mix and match your walks and start your day with a Dawn Chorus Walk and end with a Twilight Safari. Or, for the hunter gatherer in you, spend a day Geocaching around the Suffolk countryside, making many new discoveries along the way. To improve both mind and body, take on the physical challenge of Nordic Walking.

Two things we can be sure of: there's a walk that's right for you and you'll get to see the best of Suffolk as you explore its countryside, coast and historic towns, from England’s Silk Capital at Sudbury to the Home of Horseracing.

Here’s our top picks, although the choice is endless!

Suffolk Walking Festival at Snape Maltings

Good for: Nature lovers

Woodland Twilight Safari: 2 hours and under 1 mile (walk 3)

Take a journey into the night-time, spy woodland creatures such as bats and explore the magic of the forest at night.

Woodland Walk at Kentwell Hall in Suffolk

Woodland walks at night

Good for: The ultimate walking experience!

The Challenge Walk: 4 days and 60 miles (walks 55-58)

Taking a mere 4 days to complete, The Challenge Walk at The Sandlings explores the big expanse of heathlands and forests along the Suffolk coast between Southwold and Ipswich. If you’re looking for the ultimate challenge, this is it!

The Challenge Walk

Good for: Historic landscapes

Valley of the Kings: 2 hours and 1.5 miles (walk 22)

Join archaeologist Angus to explore the Anglo-Saxon site at NT Sutton Hoo, unlock the stories and discover more about the Kings who made the location near Woodbridge (one of the best places to live in the UK, according to The Times) their final resting place.

Sutton Hoo, The Valley of the Kings nr Woodbridge

Good for: Constable Country

Walk n' Water: 1.5 hours and 1-2 miles (walk 43)

This walk takes in the wonders of the River Stour and scenes once painted by Constable. Jump aboard the John Constable Lighter to fully appreciate the stunning countryside between Sudbury and Great Cornard, before disembarking for a guided walk back to The Granary for a freshly brewed cuppa.

Flatford in the heart of Constable Country

Good for: Horse lovers

Heritage Walk at the Home of Horseracing: 2 hours and 2 miles (walk 51)

Discover more about the Home of Horseracing at Newmarket with an historic walking tour exploring the ‘sport of Kings’ and incorporating Suffolk’s newest attraction, The National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art and world-famous Tattersalls Auction House.

National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art

Good for: spring-time

Burst into Spring: 5 hours and 7-10 miles (walk 35)

Burst into spring with a ramble around Helmingham Hall Estate in the heart of Suffolk. Wonder through fields, woodland and public footpaths and see for yourself just how wonderfully diverse the Suffolk landscape can be, and there's no better time to visit than in spring time.

Helmingham Hall Gardens near Stowmarket © ShowCapture

Helmingham Hall Estate

Good for: Well-being

Nature Walks and Well-Being: 2.5 hours and under 4 miles (walk 62)

Once home to BCC Springwatch, RSPB Minsmere offers the perfect hideaway from every day life on Suffolk's heritage coastline. The well-being walk starts with a 30-minute session of mindfulness, followed by a guided walk around the nature reserve before returning for 30 minutes of yoga and relaxation.

Starling murmuration at RSPB Minsmere (c) Airwolfhound

Sunset at RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve

Good for: the kids!

Family Wildlife Walks: 2 hours and 2.5-3 miles (walk 111)

Discover the wildlife of the marshes with this gentle walk around Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. This early evening exploration is for families with children aged 6+.

Discovering nature at Carlton Marshes

Tickets are available from the Suffolk Walking Festival website

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