Sizewell Dog Friendly Walk

I must say it was with just a little bit of trepidation that we set out for our first dog friendly walk of 2011. My parents have always been keen environmentalists and I was brought up with a clear understanding that man has more power than is good for the planet and that nuclear power stations are prime example of this. Since then the image of these once forbidding & doom laden locations has changed considerably. Sellafield has replaced Windscale, Derek Jarman, the British film-maker, has championed the wild beauty of Dungeness and the case has been made that nuclear energy is actually ecologically preferable to coal. In that spirit of rediscovery Sizewell, on the Suffolk coast, offers up a perfect haven for energetic outdoor dogs. Unlike many more populous spots dogs are welcome on the beach all year round, and the coastal path offers swathes of grass and shingle across which dogs can sniff and play. Access to the beach is easy, with paths leading from the large parking area which is free between November and February, and just £1 for 2 hours in high season. Poo bins are plentiful and in true dog friendly style are even dotted along the beach. Free bags are provided in the parking area, should you forget your own. On the day we visited the sun was out and lots of dog walkers were taking advantage of the early good weather. As our two hounds raced around the fishing huts, we strolled along and replied to the friendly greetings of other walkers all out for a good day. The wildness of the coast still made itself felt though with a bracing wind coming onshore, and a host of sea-birds circling for fish suppers just out to sea. To counter the breeze, the council have kindly set up a number of windbreaks, where you can sit and rest in relative calm, and take a few moments to take in the spectacular view. Sizewell sits in a shallow bay and from here you can see all the way up to Southwold, a good 8 miles to the north, and back south to Thorpeness. Walking back to the village for some lunch we were tempted by the aromas emanating from the Sizewell Beach Refreshment Café which is just opposite the car park and amenities. But we were on a mission to The Vulcan Arms. Recommended to us by one of our dog friendly readers, the pub, and its Caravan Club certified location campsite, is just a stroll from the beach and is a regular haven for local dog owners and visitors. I ask you, what better way is there to end a winter morning dog walk!

View Dog Friendly Suffolk Walks & Pubs in a larger map