The Sailors’ Path, one of Suffolk’s most delightful and popular walks, leads through open heaths, extensive woodlands and marshy meadows, passing the entrance to Hazelwood Marshes nature reserve. Aldeburgh, perched above the North Sea, has a rich artistic and musical heritage, including the internationally famous festival in June. Local fishermen sell their catch on the beach close to the Moot Hall museum. The town’s many shops, pubs and eating-places are inviting.

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

1. Leave Saxmundham station main entrance by the level crossing. Immediately opposite is the police station and New Cut, at the far end of which go left to the traffic lights. At the cross roads go right along the main road.
2. Beyond the last houses on the right a grass path begins parallel to the road, but separated from it by a hedge.
3. Turn left into School Lane; it soon bends sharply right to Benhall Green. At the cross roads by the school turn left along the road.
4. Cross the ford by the footbridge and follow the road around to the left, then branch right up Red Lane. Keep same direction beyond crossroads.
5. Branch right along un-signed, surfaced lane at the side of small wood (‘Rudley’s Grove’). Keep direction on the track beyond Friston Hall Cottages to cross the main road and then along Priory Road passing Rookery Farm.
6. Care needed: several paths, roads and tracks diverge – be sure to follow the 'Public footpath to Aldeburgh' sign and Suffolk Coast Path waymarks. Keep ahead for about 2½ miles ignoring tracks branching left and right.
7. Beware fast traffic.
8. About 250 yds beyond the golf clubhouse, go left along the Suffolk Coast Path on a driveway marked 'Private Road – Residents Only'.
9. Opposite the Red House branch left through a gate to cross a corner of the golf course. Beware golf activity.
10. At the coast turn right towards Aldeburgh, passing the distinctive scallop memorial to composer Benjamin Britten.