Southwold to Blythburgh along the former Southwold Railway

Start: Southwold Common car park (IP18 6HN). Grid ref. TM 503 763

(S) From Southwold Common take the footpath West across the golf course which is found just before the water tower. After 670m, this joins the former trackbed of the Southwold Railway that leads down to the marshes. Turn left and keep to this as it leads down to the river, across the Bailey Bridge and onwards. The broad path these days progresses into Walberswick.

At the point where it curves around to the left and where there is a concrete plinth with a bench on it, marking the location of the old Walberswick station, keep straight ahead onto a footpath where a Sandlings Path waymarker directs. This leads in pretty much a straight line across Walberswick Common to the road. To the right is the former trackbed which is no longer accessible at this point.

(1) Cross the road and follow the path alongside the field edge. The Sandling Path then diverges across the field. Keep straight ahead following the road. The path leads into a thicket of trees but is accessible and preferable to walking the roadside. Keep a lookout for a footpath on the opposite side of the road and take this. Although there is no way marker or gate, it is quite obvious, leading off at an angle onto the heath.

The path soon joins the old trackbed where a broad easy path leads through the woodland, steadily descending down the incline. At the bottom, there is a gulley to the left which is known as Deadman's Gulley, and to the right the marsh presents itself in its full glory.

(2) Keep to the main track as it slowly curves around the marsh. One can either continue to the main road and walk back into the village or use the gate that leads into the pub garden. Then return is the same route. (E)

Start: Southwold Common car park (IP18 6HN). Grid ref. TM 503 763

Refreshments:
The White Hart, Blythburgh

Find more information and walks at Griffmonsters Great Walks here.

Folklore