A pathway connecting more than 1,000 miles of the English coast has opened in Suffolk. 

The 27-mile stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path runs from Shotley Gate to Felixstowe Ferry. 

It passes up the Orwell estuary to Ipswich, across the Orwell Bridge, and then through Trimley marshes to Felixstowe. 

A small section of the path between Priory Lane to Shore Lane in Nacton opened in February.

The pathway runs from Shotley Gate to Felixstowe FerryThe pathway runs from Shotley Gate to Felixstowe Ferry (Image: Natural England) READ MORE: 'Glorious' Suffolk beach named among best in UK

Darren Braine, senior officer for the King Charles III England Coast Path at Natural England, said: “It has taken many years of working with our partners and landowners to deliver this exciting new National Trail around the Orwell estuary and through Felixstowe to the quaint hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry, to create this key link in the long-distance footpath network. 

“Opening this 27-mile stretch allows the public to enjoy the new access and ensures the route will be maintained to the high National Trails standard.  But our work isn’t done.

"Natural England continues to work with Suffolk County Council to establish more of the trail along the coast to link the county to the existing stretches in Norfolk and Essex.”

The section of the pathway includes the highest section of the 1,251-mile trail and offers views down the Orwell valley. 

Councillor Paul WestCouncillor Paul West (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Princess Anne set to visit Suffolk next month

The path brings access to new areas, particularly in and around Nacton where new pathways have been cut with boardwalks and footbridges built over ditches and sections that could become waterlogged. 

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said: “Walkers can now roam the glorious coast all the way between Shotley Gate and Felixstowe Ferry, taking in the beautiful Orwell estuary along the way.

“The collaborative working between Suffolk County Council and Natural England has enabled this initial section of the England Coast Path to open in Suffolk, providing residents and visitors more opportunities to explore Suffolk’s stunning coastline.”