Section 3 of 6, Suffolk Coast Path
Walberswick to Thorpeness
12.2 miles (19.7 km). About 4 hours, moderate.
Start: TM 499 748. Finish: TM 471 595. 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. Dunwich Heath and the King Charles III Coast Path and public rights of way across it have been closed since a wildfire that began on 29 July 2026. Suffolk County Council lists the path closures from 20 August 2026 to 19 February 2027 and gives no diversion. Source: nationaltrust.org.uk.
Up and down
About 98 m of climbing and 97 m of descent; highest point 22 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Walberswick.
- Bus stops
- Harbour, 100 m from the start. Directions TM 500 749Village Hall, 250 m from the start. Directions TM 498 746
- Car parks
- Car park (pay), 10 m from the start. Directions TM 499 748Car park (pay), 20 m from the start. Directions TM 499 748Car park, 270 m from the start. Directions TM 498 746
Getting back
The section finishes at Thorpeness. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Meare, 60 m from the finish. Directions TM 471 595Mere, 60 m from the finish. Directions TM 471 595The Almshouses, 320 m from the finish. Directions TM 471 599
What to expect
Underfoot: gravel and tracks 22%, earth, rock and mud 17%, paved or flagged 9%; the rest (51%) isn't recorded.
About 9% on roads with traffic.
Path grade, where mappers have given one: clear path 100%.
On the way: 5 gates, 4 flights of steps.
No steep climbs: no kilometre gains more than about 20 m.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
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Something wrong or missing?
Tell us what to change about this section: a wrong distance, a moved start, a path that's closed.