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Natural England is working to improve coastal access along a 41km stretch of the Suffolk coast between Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey.

Officers from Suffolk County Council are providing Natural England with expert local advice during the establishment of the route.

Stage 5: Open (not yet available for public use - work to establish the route is currently taking place)

On 7 May 2024 the Secretary of State announced their decision to approve a stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path in Suffolk between Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey.

Natural England鈥檚 proposals are still available to view.

Natural England will publish further details of the approved route in due course.

You can see the current status of the collection in the table.

Variation reports on approved sections

Sometimes it鈥檚 necessary to change sections of an approved route. 皇冠体育app proposed changes are published as variation reports. Anyone can comment (make a representation) on these proposals. Affected landowners and occupiers can make an objection.

Proposals to change the approved route at Sutton Hoo and Methersgate (VR23)

On 14 May 2025, Natural England submitted a聽variation report (FFB-VR23)聽to the Secretary of State setting out proposals to change the approved route of the King Charles III England Coast Path in Suffolk, at Sutton Hoo and Methersgate.

皇冠体育app change at Sutton Hoo affects part of the approved section聽. Since approval of the route, Natural England has agreed with Suffolk County Council and the National Trust to adjust the route slightly to follow the National Trust鈥檚 permissive route for its visitors. This takes walkers away from a sharp turn on the track that has limited visibility for traffic.

皇冠体育app change at Methersgate affects part of the approved section聽. Since publication of Natural England鈥檚 proposals, the landowner has opened and signposted a permissive route as part of their own rationalisation of access routes. It is close to the approved alignment and is intended as a replacement for the approved route. It is more direct and simpler to maintain, with a greater length on a public footpath.

Next steps

Work is now underway to prepare the new stretch of coast path for public use. 皇冠体育app first step is to contact owners and occupiers of the affected land to discuss the design and location of any new infrastructure which is needed, such as signs and gates.

When preparations are complete, new access rights will come into force along the route and adjoining spreading room.

For further advice and information see the links that follow:

See information about all stretches in preparation around England鈥檚 coast.

皇冠体育app coastal access scheme gives details of the process being followed to improve access to the coast.

Contact the coastal access team

Contact Natural England if you have any queries relating to the establishment of this stretch.

See the map below for information about progress on improving coastal access in other parts of Suffolk.