Suffolk Walking Festival

Created in 2007 the festival is one of the largest and longest running (and we think one of the best!) walking festivals in the country.

The festival takes place every May and celebrates Suffolk’s natural landscapes and built heritage with guided walks in every corner of the county.

The festival is a great way to discover parts of Suffolk you perhaps never knew existed, learn about the county’s fascinating and ancient history, and make new friends whilst walking and talking! There is something for everyone, from short walks to long walks, family walks to history walks, even night walks.  

Walks on The Suffolk Coast

Island of Secrets - 13 May

For 80 years, Orford Ness was a Top-Secret military test site. Now an internationally important National Nature Reserve, the ‘island’ is slowly revealing its secrets. This walk will include access to the former Atomic Weapons Research Establishment area normally ‘off-limits’ to the public, gaining access as close as possible to the exterior of these fascinating buildings.

For more information visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolk-walking-festival/11-island-of-secrets/e-oqerbx

Turbulence to Tranquility - 18 May

From stories of smugglers and shipping routes to a pivotal role in the success of the D-Day landings, the little-known history of one of Suffolk’s coastal beauty spots will be revealed so come along and take part in our guided tour.

For more information visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolk-walking-festival/29-turbulence-to-tranquillity/e-dqdebz

Coast and Heaths Facets of a National Landscape - 20 May

A circular walk to look at the main landscapes and habitats of the National Landscape (formally known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). From the Blyth estuary, we shall cross the common and National Nature Reserve heathland and ascend East Hill to gaze across the largest reedbed in England before heading to the beach and returning. We shall explore the origins of the landscape, the wildlife of the habitats and consider the pressures on this precious protected landscape. 

For more information visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolk-walking-festival/35-coast-and-heath-facets-of-a-national-landscape/e-oqebxe

Boat & Boot Along the Waveney - 22 May 

A look at the history, wildlife and management of this fascinating part of the Broads in a boat one way, walk back trip or vice versa. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip from Carlton Marshes around Oulton Broad and along the River Waveney to North Cove moorings with a guided walk back, or walk first and relax on the return boat trip.

For more information visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolk-walking-festival/39-boat-and-boot-along-the-waveney/e-ldkbgv

Spectacular Spring Wildlife at RSPB Minsmere - 23 May 

Enthusiastic and knowledgeable RSPB guides will help you to discover the spectacular variety of spring wildlife at RSPB Minsmere, spot nesting Avocets, gulls and terns, listen to magnificent birdsong and glimpse beautiful butterflies flitting from flower to flower. You'll explore wetland, woodland and coast, learn about how the reserve is managed for wildlife, and even see some important wartime archaeology.

For more information visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/suffolk-walking-festival/46-spectacular-spring-wildlife-at-rspb-minsmere/e-vqxlmg