Image shared for Southwold Pier, common and Blackshore Harbour circular walk
Coastal Circular

Southwold Pier, common and Blackshore Harbour circular walk

Distance
4.0 mi
Est. time
2h
Difficulty
Easy
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at the public Southwold Pier car park on North Parade, then walk south past the pier along the upper seafront path. At South Green, turn inland, cross Queen Street carefully and use the short lane and signed footpath between the flint walls to Gardner Road. Godyll Road leads towards York Road and the twin water towers. Cross to the common path, keeping to the marked route across the golf course.

Follow the old railway track towards the River Blyth. Turn left before the Bailey Bridge and stay on the Southwold bank, continuing through Blackshore Harbour past the fishing sheds. At the harbour car park, follow the grassy strip behind the Denes dunes north to Gun Hill Beach Cafe. The path beside the cafe climbs to the railed gardens; return down the steps to the promenade and the pier.

Allow about two hours. Expect short slopes, steps, grass paths that can be muddy, and shared town and harbour lanes. Watch for golf balls, vehicles and unprotected water edges. Avoid flooded riverbank paths and follow local closure signs. Parking is pay and display; check the current tariff. Toilets and refreshments are available around the pier and town, subject to opening times.

Based on the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Southwold Explorer guide, Buildings and Boats beside the Sea, with the Pier car park approach.

Walk details

Walk type
Circular
Category
Coastal
Distance
4.0 mi (6.4 km)
Est. time
2h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

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