Starting through lush grazing meadows beyond Halesworth, the walk closely follows the River Blyth through reed beds to the magnificent church at Blythburgh and over heather-clad heaths towards the coast. Walberswick’s fine tower and ruined nave and chancel are awe-inspiring. Allow time to explore Southwold’s many delights.

Route finding - key points (numbers refer to points on the route diagrams)

1. Leave Halesworth station from the ‘trains to Lowestoft’ platform. At the far end of Station Road go left for about 100 yds then right into Langley’s Quay. At the far end go left on the short path to a footbridge. Cross and continue ahead on a surfaced path to the far end of the play area. Go left then almost immediately right along the riverside path; soon bordering the Millennium Meadow.
2. Cross the river and continue along the left bank (‘Heart of Suffolk’ waymarks), then a series of mostly gated footbridges.
3. Continue directly across road at Mells bridge at side of gauging station. A sequence of stiles and footbridges mark the path through grazing meadows along the river’s left bank to reach the road near Blyford church.
4. The waymarked path loops away from the river for a short distance.
5. Essential to cross the raised-up bridge to continue along the right (south) bank to Blythburgh church.
6. Cross the busy A12 with extreme caution.
7. A short lane starts from the A12 at the north end of the White Hart frontage. Go right along the river wall path.
8. Keep ahead following the alignment of old narrow gauge railway just within the boundary of an Open Access area. (If closed for operational reasons, use the almost parallel bridleway, then along the road. Beware traffic.
9. Alternatives:
   1. Direct route. Continue along the road passing the farm on the left; then go left through a gate to follow the Sandlings Walk path across Walberswick common to the Blyth foot and cycle bridge. [Key Point 12]
   2. via Walberswick. Turn sharp right through double field gates set back from the road and then immediately bear left on a path to follow the Sandlings Walk to Lodge Road. Cross directly over on a short path leading to a broad track veering right through a damp hollow.
10. Go left off the track just before a field gate to follow a path through trees and then continue towards the brick tower of old wind pump.
11. Turn left along Suffolk Coast Path to Walberswick village, beach and ferry.
12. Turn right along the riverbank to the Harbour Inn, from where a path heads towards Southwold lighthouse across the low-lying grazing land and golf course.