Section 163 of 218, King Charles III England Coast Path
Orford to Iken
8.2 miles (13.1 km). About 2½ hours, moderate.
Start: TM 424 495. Finish: TM 416 555. 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 25 m of climbing and 27 m of descent; highest point 21 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Orford.
- Bus stops
- Market Hill, 500 m from the start. Directions TM 421 499School, 820 m from the start. Directions TM 419 501
- Car parks
- Car park (pay), 160 m from the start. Directions TM 425 497Car park, 370 m from the start. Directions TM 422 498Car park, 420 m from the start. Directions TM 420 496
Getting back
The section finishes at Iken. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stop
- Swallow Corner, 240 m from the finish. Directions TM 418 553
Planning the King Charles III England Coast Path
- Planning the whole trail: nationaltrail.co.uk.
What to expect
Underfoot: earth, rock and mud 60%, paved or flagged 18%; the rest (22%) isn't recorded.
About 18% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 7 gates.
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.