10 beautiful walking routes in the east of England

Walkers have long been drawn to the pastoral, rural landscapes of east England, which have provided inspiration for many writers, artists, and travellers looking for some of the most peaceful spots in the country. These ten walking routes provide ideal ways to explore this lovely part of England to the full.

1. The Lodes Way, Cambridgeshire

The Cambridgeshire Fens offer peace and tranquillity, and walkers can experience the beauty of the area by following the Lodes Way, an eight-mile footpath between Wicken Fen and Anglesey Abbey.

The path takes you through farmland and across bridges, giving you the opportunity to spot wildlife on the Fens, before you pass through the charming village of Lode and encounter the grandeur of Anglesey Abbey at the end of the route.

2. Lingwood Common to Blake’s Wood, Essex

The countryside around Dansbury in Essex is truly lovely, and this 3.5-mile walk enables you to embrace its diversity.

Ideal for families, this walk takes you over heathlands, through a beautiful woodland area filled with oak and birch trees, which provide a home for many species of native wildlife.

3. Constable Walking Trail, Suffolk

The artist John Constable immortalised the Suffolk landscapes in his paintings, and this beautiful seven-mile walk takes you through the countryside that inspired him.

Beginning at Manningtree Station in East Bergholt, the route progresses through the stunning scenery of the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale, giving you the chance to explore the hamlet of Flatford with its old mill, and the RSPB wildlife garden.

4. Blakeney to Stifflkey Coastal Walk, Norfolk

Norfolk is renowned for its open vistas and huge skies, and the coastal walk from Blakeney to Stiffkey highlights these to perfection. It leads you along the coast path for four miles alongside the famous saltmarshes, giving you plenty of opportunities for wildlife-spotting along the way.

Beginning at the picturesque Blakeney Quay, the path takes you through Morston before you arrive at Stiffkey Greens.

5. Houghton Mill, Huntingdonshire

Houghton Mill is the last working mill in the Ouse Valley, and this historic site is the starting point for a charming eight-mile walk through the landscape of Huntingdonshire.

The walk takes in the sites of some of the area’s old mills at Godmanchester, as well as giving you the chance to explore the remains of Huntingdon Castle and visit Portholme Water Meadow, which is the biggest water meadow in England.

6. Sutton Hoo, Suffolk

Sutton Hoo is one of England’s most important historical sites, containing an Anglo-Saxon burial ground. You can learn about the artefacts that were found there by taking a four-mile walk around the site, which also leads you through some of the beautiful surrounding countryside.

After exploring the burial mounds, head through the woodlands to Ferry Cliff, which offers wonderful views over the River Deben. You can also take in the lovely nearby town of Woodbridge.

7. George Bernard Shaw walk, Hertfordshire

Fans of literature will love to explore the area where George Bernard Shaw lived and worked. Beginning in the picture-postcard village of Wheathampstead, this circular route takes you for 7.6 miles through the landscapes that Shaw was inspired by.

The walk gives you the opportunity to stop off at Shaw’s Corner, the house where the writer lived for 44 years.

8. Colne Valley Path, Essex

The Colne Valley Path is a beautiful 22.5-mile route through some of east England’s loveliest scenery.

From its starting point at Great Yeldham, the walk takes you past Castle Hedingham through the stunning valley, taking in the Chappel Viaduct before concluding in Colchester, famed for its historic sites and diverse wildlife.

9. Upshire, Essex

This lovely walk stretches for 5.5 miles through some of the most impressive locations in Essex. Starting in the village of Upshire, just outside Waltham Abbey, it takes in areas of Epping Forest, Warlies Park and Copped Hall Park.

The terrain is varied, encompassing ancient woodlands and meadows, including some areas without footpaths. This rural and unspoilt part of England offers some delightful scenery.

10. Angles Way

The 77-mile Angles Way is one of the most popular walking routes in East Anglia. It leads from Great Yarmouth to the Suffolk Brecks, taking you along the routes of the River Waveney and the Little Ouse, and through the beautiful countryside between the villages of Beccles, Bungay and Harleston.

Aside from the stunning scenery, other highlights of the walk include Burgh Castle, the charming model village at Somerleyton, and Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve with its varied wildlife population.