When it comes to finding the best dog walks that England has to offer, sometimes all you have to do is head east! Suffolk remains one of the most popular coastal counties in the whole of the country, and it’s also extremely popular with those who enjoy art and national heritage. But what are the best dog-friendly walks in Suffolk?
Find Good Places to Walk Dogs in Spectacular Suffolk
Rather than spend time hunting around for walks on your own, we’ve lined up some great pet friendly picks for you below. While you’re at it, take a closer look at the list of our dog friendly beaches in Suffolk!
The Top Five Best Walks in Suffolk for Dogs to Enjoy
1. The Clare and Cavendish Trail
This is one of the best-known circular walks for dog lovers in Suffolk, offering a wonderful 11km plus stroll around castle grounds, before heading towards further historic buildings and going deep into country valleys. You’ll be able to let your pet off the lead across many areas down this trail.
2. Somerleyton, Lowestoft
The Waveney Valley trail is home to miles upon miles of wonderful strolling opportunities. One of them is Somerleyton, an 11km slice of the wider valley walks that will take you through generally gentle terrain. If you love country lanes, this walk will be ideal for you.
3. Hadleigh Railway, Ipswich
As the name suggests, this dog walk in Suffolk has plenty of railway history behind it. It’s just over 7km long and offers a mainly flat walk, and there are some nice streams along the way. Be careful of cyclists and horses down here, too – it’s very popular on the whole!
4. Framlingham Castle Trail
The Framlingham Castle Trail of course takes you alongside the historic keep, as well as down towards the Mere. Framlingham Mere is a nature reserve that actively welcomes dogs, meaning you can take your time to spy on wildlife while you carefully trot your dogs on the lead during your visit.
5. Knettishall Heath
Knettishall Heath is another wildlife wonder in Suffolk, providing up to four different walks and trails for you and your pup to enjoy at your leisure. There’s a fantastic pine trail, for example, ideal for woodland fans. There are even local dog walking groups based in the region, great news!
Cracking Circular Walks in Suffolk for your Dog
1. Priestley Wood, Ipswich
Just outside of Ipswich is the simple yet memorable Priestley Wood circular. This lovely trip is a few miles long, offering you the chance to take a look at local wildlife and flowers. Again, it might be worth keeping your pup on a lead! There’s lake walks nearby, too.
2. Orford Heritage Trail
This is a really interesting one, as it’s actually inspired by beer! The Orford Heritage Trail takes you around the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths, as well as to one or two fantastic local pubs that are well worth supping in. Why not pop in for a pint or two?
3. Alton Water, Stutton
Alton Water is fantastic lakeland territory, backed by lush woodland to offer a dog walking experience that really provides the best of all worlds. This is a lovely picnicking area, too, and what’s more, you can pop into a bird hide or two to take a closer look at the wildlife.
Sensational Coastal Dog Walks in Suffolk
1. Dunwich Beach and Nature Reserve
Dunwich Beach and Heath bring together nature reserve fun and coastal walks that you and your dog are going to love. It’s always a good idea to try and keep your pets on leads around here! The trail here leads up to 4km, a nice, brisk, easy walk for most. Many of the dog beaches in Suffolk are relatively easy for all ages.
2. Aldeburgh
Aldeburgh itself offers a brilliant dog walking trail that takes you down towards Thorpeness, allowing you to sample some of the best of the local wildlife scenes and pebbled beaches. If you are looking to take in as much of the local wildlife as possible in the county, head here!
3. Felixstowe Beach
Felixstowe is a gentle family friendly seaside town that also doubles as something of a dog walking paradise. Make sure to sample the wonderful walks across the main beach here, before heading back towards the main attractions in the town. For a straightforward beach adventure, it gets top marks from us.
Spectacular Forest Walks in Suffolk with Dogs
1. Thetford Forest
There’s simply too much to Thetford Forest for us to really cover in this one piece! This truly massive woodland staple stretches across the Suffolk-Norfolk border, making it one of the must-see dog walking spots across the county. There are lots to see and do here, so make a plan to visit!
2. Rendlesham Forest
Believe it or not, there are some trails in Rendlesham Forest even longer than those in Thetford! This really is the whole package if you are looking for forest or wooded trails in the region, particularly as there are easy to moderate walks and paths all around. Bring a dog!
3. Hardwick Heath, Bury St Edmunds
Hardwick Heath is another lovely woodland spot that offers 55 brilliant acres of land to explore. It’s really not far from Bury St Edmunds, so if you’re looking to break for a while in the town centre, you won’t have to travel too far.
Last Word
Suffolk is one of several counties in England that really strives to offer the best of all worlds. It really succeeds, too! This is a region that’s primed and ready to offer you all kinds of dog walking fun, meaning now really is the time to start thinking about hunting down the dog walks in the area. From coast to country and all the forestry you can handle, it’s also a great county to traverse if you are interested in taking a look at the beaches and countryside in Norfolk, too. Many of the dog friendly Suffolk cottages are situated close to the coats, market towns and quaint villages allowing for plenty of activities.
Chances are, there are always going to be plenty of places and scenes for you and your dogs to explore and enjoy in the Suffolk area. If you’re not sure of where to head to next when you take a break here, make sure to read up on our guide to pet friendly days out in Suffolk. If your also not sure where to stay, we have a range of Suffolk dog friendly hot tub cottage holidays.
Otherwise, take note of all the brilliant dog walks and trails we list for you above! This is really only scratching the surface, as there is an awful lot out there – take your time and hunt down some breezy walks that you and your pup can enjoy heading down again and again. Dog walking in Suffolk is ripe for the experiencing!