After the indulgence of Christmas day, it’s traditional to take to the outdoors for a revitalizing walk in the open air.
So we've put together 6 of the best to help you shake off those mince pies this Boxing Day.
1. Southwold Sights
Always a favourite location, Southwold benefits from beach views, cute and quirky houses in the town and a stately pier.
This walk winds its way through three miles of interesting sights and gorgeous views. Begin at the Randolph Hotel and make your way past the almshouses, presented to the town in 1908 by art dealer Andrew Matthews- who held the town close to his heart.
Follow the path beside the Easton Marshes and enjoy the sandy shingle and marshy heath of the County Wildlife site. Look out for rare Hen Harrier amongst the reed beds of Buss Creek; which gets its name from the Herring fishing boats or ‘Busses’ that were laid up at Blackshore.
You’ll pass the quaint boating lake opposite the pier and also the historic old sailors reading room by the Lord Nelson Pub before heading back to the Randolph Hotel via the Bailey Bridge Footbridge.
Download the route here: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/shares/SCH-PubWalks-12-Southwold.pdf
2. River Walk from Carlton Marshes to Oulton Broad
This scenic walk takes you two miles through the heart of the Broads National park and all the wildlife therein. Budding ornithologists should keep their eyes peeled for rare marshland birds and even birds of prey such as Kestrel, Hobby and Marsh Harrier.
This adventurous routes starts at Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Carlton Marshes and includes many kissing gates to traverse as well as peat and fen pools- so be sure to bring your wellies. Look out for unusual wildlife such as the rare Fenraft Spider and water voles. Finish your journey at Nicholas Everitt Park in Oulton Broad, with its playground, well-maintained gardens, cafes and restaurants.
Download the route here: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/shares/Accessible-Walks---Carlton-Marshes.pdf
3. Framlingham Town trail
Framlingham’s fascinating history makes for a curious wander around the town trail. Explore the intriguing pasts of many of the Town’s buildings such as The Ancient House, made of 17th Century Suffolk Timber and Tomb House where local wheelwright Thomas Mills was buried in his garden, at his own request.
Framlingham Castle with its curtain walls and moat, is a sight to behold. It was visited in 1553 by Mary Tudor herself when she stayed there on the very night that she learned she had been proclaimed queen. Look out for the ducking pond on Castle Street, which has a grim history relating to the 17th Century witch trials, but is now home to a variety of fish.
Download the route here: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/shares/Framlingham-Town-Trail.pdf
4. Sutton Heath
Sutton Heath is an area of outstanding natural beauty and ancient heathland first created by Stone Age people, clearing the land to graze their animals. The miles of pathways are very popular with walkers, offering a rare example of beautiful lowland heath surrounded by heather and woodland.
Ponies and sheep graze the land, and you may even see deer slipping through the clearings. There are several different walks to enjoy, ranging from a gentle hour-long stroll through the forest of Birch, sweet chestnut and Pine trees, a to a longer hike covering four miles of crisscrossing paths and grazing land.
Download the route here: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/shares/Sutton_Heath_Explorer_Guide-AONB.pdf
5. Woodbridge River Walk
Woodbridge is a picturesque riverside market town with a long and fascinating history. This walk takes in the fantastic views of the Deben Estuary, which is protected as a site of special scientific interest due to its population of rare wading bird and Wildfowl.
There are three different routes to choose from, starting and finishing at the train stations at either Woodbridge or nearby Melton. The two routes from Woodbridge pass by boat yards and sailing clubs and all display some of the best scenery that Suffolk has to offer, including Porter’s Wood, Kyson Hill and Woodbridge Tide Mill.
Download the route here: https://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/shares/Woodbridge-and-the-River-Deben-Walk.pdf