From cliff top town to quayside and the marshes and nature-rich Broadland world beyond, Beccles is wonderfully varied and just perfect for walks of all lengths. Take to the riverside paths, the Angles Way or maybe follow history up and down steps and ‘scores’ to make all sorts of discoveries.
You’ll find self-guided routes, guided ghost walks, plus countryside and riverside trails – there really is something for everyone!
PLEASE NOTE: Walk directions/ further information for each individual walk or trail are available for download at the bottom of this page (or by following links to relevant web pages / supporting websites).
Looking to go deep into Beccles’ rich history, or just skim the surface combining town and quayside connections? Fancy hearing some chilling tales on an evening ghost walk, or follow in Nelson family footsteps upriver towards Barsham and Bungay?
Check out our digital app-based walks, leaflet downloads and maps to plan your gentle walking adventure.
For longer countryside walks, it is advisable to have OS Explorer Map 231 to hand – and, if you are heading east towards the coast or into The Broads National Park, Map OL40.
Step up (and down!), on the ‘Pews & Views’ heritage trail or follow the Town heritage Trail which uses grey wall plaques on historic buildings as ‘stepping stones’ around historic Beccles. Step-free heritage trails also available.
Beccles Town Heritage Trail – coming soon
2.3 Miles / 3.7 Kms I Views & Pews Heritage Walk (The Pocket Guide to Beccles)
0.6 Miles / 1 Km I Short Tour of Beccles Digital Town Trail – App required.
Feeling brave? Be guided around the haunted byways of Beccles to hear the tales of foul deeds shrouded in the mists of time. As well as ghost walks, the fun team at Helping Hands also offer evening town walks led by timeless characters who just can’t stay away…
Walks operate on selected dates only.
ghost walks History walks
Explore the outstretched, yet intimate beauty of Beccles Fen, the marshland countryside edging the historic waterfront. Go ‘walkies’ around heathy Beccles Common, just a saunter from the station, along the tree-lined vista known as The Avenue. Or head further a-Beccles-field, following meandering riverside paths, tracks and meadow trails through the wonderfully wide Waveney Valley.
No matter how far you wish to wander, whether you stay Suffolk-side, cross the river into Norfolk or do a bit of both, you’re sure to find gentle landscapes and hidden heritage – a true delight to discover.
The Angles Way
This fully waymarked, long distance path passes directly through Beccles via Puddingmoor and The Quay. It’s a River Waveney-focused route which weaves between Norfolk’s Great Yarmouth and Thetford, dipping in and out of Suffolk on its way, and combined with public transport is simply ideal for gentle walking adventures or real rambling days out.
Stroll through typical Broads landscapes right on Beccles’ town doorstep. Bright and buzzing in spring and summer, colourful in autumn and a world of wrap-around skies in winter – don’t forget to take your binoculars!
1.1 Miles / 1.8 Kms I Beccles Marsh Short Walk Digital Town Trail – App required.
1.5 Miles / 2.4 Kms I Marsh Trail – Blue Walk. See also Accessible Trail: Beccles Marsh ‘Waveney Wander’
2.5 Miles / 4 Kms I Beccles Fen Explorer. Starting in Beccles Town centre to join the Marsh Trail Blue Walk. (The Pocket Guide to Beccles)
Follow the Waveney, then swing back inland along Worlingham Wall and fen-side paths on the waymarked Green Walk. Or maybe edge the meadows to return between the salt fens on the old railway track-bed (Red Walk).
Both circular routes (starting/signposted from The Quay) include footpaths/green lanes.
Possible closures October-March to protect roosting wildfowl.
3 Miles / 4.8 Kms I Marsh Trail – Red Walk
4 Miles / 6.5 Kms I Marsh Trail – Green Walk
Set out for Shipmeadow via Lord Nelson’s ancestral homelands. Tread carefully past one of England’s most spectre-filled stately piles, along smugglers’ paths and stop by at Barsham church where Stone Henge-style wizardry makes a statue ‘come to life’ exactly on the Equinox.
Barsham-rectory-born Catherine Suckling possibly courted her curate sweetheart, Rev. Edmund Nelson, here when Waveney wherries still went upriver to Bungay.
Detour via Geldeston possible to return via the Big Dog Ferry – 4 Miles / 6.5 Kms – Linear
7 Miles / 11.3 Kms
A superb circular walk – or why not stroll one way in summer and treat yourself to a ferry ride from Geldeston Locks back to the Lido Quay in Beccles?
Set out along the river path to return inland, along the Angles Way. The outline route is part of the Waveney Valley Walk collection.
7 Miles / 11.3 kms
Walk west to Bungay via Shipmeadow and Mettingham Castle to spot East Anglian devil dog, Black Shuck, around this magical market town and take in the ruins of Bigod’s castle.
Alternatively, why not take the bus to Bungay and walk back? Follow the fully waymarked route back to Beccles, breaking the journey at Geldeston Locks (short detour), where if you plan and book ahead you could also save your legs and take the Big Dog Ferry to Beccles (5.5 Miles / 9 Kms)
8 Miles / 13 Kms
A fully waymarked, linear station-to-station walk along the River Waveney to the nature-rich Carlton Marshes Reserve (Suffolk Wildlife Trust) with its impressive visitor centre.
Foot-ferry detour to Waveney River Centre and the quirky ‘ziggurat’ church at Burgh St Peter an option in summer.
10 Miles / 16 Kms
A fascinating, fully waymarked, station-to-station walk approaching Beccles from the south. The walk is also known as ‘A Walk in Adrian Bell Country’.
Adrian Bell farmed nearby in 1940s and had a true love of life and the Suffolk landscape which he captured in his word picture – ‘Apple Acre’.
Walk via Redisham Hall and park and view fascinating memorials at Ringsfield Church, including one to Napoleon’s niece!
6.75 Miles / 10.9 Kms
Beccles and its villages welcome responsible walkers who follow the Countryside Code.
Please respect, protect and enjoy the countryside, river banks and marshes safely.
Thank you for respecting the countryside code.
Rural East Suffolk is home to a growing number of single track, pedestrian-friendly ‘Quiet Lanes’, where natural surroundings can be enjoyed by all.
The nationally recognised advisory signs display a priority hierarchy and encourage all motorised road-users to be considerate to walkers, horse-riders, cyclists, joggers and other road users.
Near Beccles, wider village areas with ‘Quiet Lanes’ include Ellough, Barsham, Shipmeandow, Ringsfield and Ilketshall.
Find out more
With a ‘Paws’ café and plenty of dog exercise space on the Common, Beccles is a place where four-legged friends are definitely welcome.
The footpaths, riverside and marshes are ideal for dog walks, but please keep your dog under effective control – and be sure to clear up after your pup at all times too!
Follow the Countryside Code. Respect local restrictions in place to prevent disturbance to wildlife, grazing animals or other people. Thank you for your cooperation.
Discover hidden heritage town and riverside treasures, plus all sorts of wildlife and natural world gems. Head down streets and alleys, along the Angles Way Path or off the beaten track with this selection of circular and linear walks and activities.
