Section 161 of 218, King Charles III England Coast Path
Bawdsey to Butley Low Corner
11.3 miles (18.1 km). About 3½ hours, moderate.
Start: TM 332 382. Finish: TM 386 502. OS grid.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Warning: Diversion in place. Part of this route is closed or diverted for now. In Suffolk, the National Trust says the path across Dunwich Heath and its beach is closed after a wildfire, with no pedestrian access. In Somerset, the council says three short sections near the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier (Pawlett, Chilton Trinity and Express Park) are closed for construction works, and a long-term diversion is in place around Hinkley Point C. Source: somerset.gov.uk.
Up and down
Almost flat: about 33 m of climbing and 32 m of descent; highest point 17 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Bawdsey.
- Bus stops
- Quay, 370 m from the start. Directions TM 331 378Quay Turning Area, 640 m from the start. Directions TM 329 377
- Car parks
- Car park (free), 110 m from the start. Directions TM 332 381Car park, 290 m from the start. Directions TM 331 379Car park, 380 m from the start. Directions TM 331 378
Getting back
The section finishes at Butley Low Corner.
No bus stop or station within a kilometre of the finish. Nearest: the bus stop at Mill Lane, 2 km away (Directions); Wickham Market station, 8.2 km away (Directions).
Planning the King Charles III England Coast Path
- Planning the whole trail: nationaltrail.co.uk.
What to expect
Underfoot: grass 34%, paved or flagged 11%; the rest (55%) isn't recorded.
About 11% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 3 gates, 1 flight of steps.
No steep climbs: no kilometre gains more than about 16 m.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
Walked it? Log it
Something wrong or missing?
Tell us what to change about this section: a wrong distance, a moved start, a path that's closed.