If we wanted to swim the whole Suffolk Coast it looks like 44 miles in total. This could be divided into nine sections with the longest being 6.5 miles. Sections could be attempted when conditions were right, maybe one every few weeks. It can almost be done River to River if we stretch a point on what a River is and, apart from a couple of tricky bits, at places with reasonable access. The really awkward bit is Orford Ness but we get round that by doing Aldeburgh to Orford on the Alde then Orford to Shingle Street on the Ore (might be exciting as the tide runs at 4 knots here). Shingle street to the Deben is a mere 4.3 mi then it’s down to Landguard which we’ve done. There is a tidal benefit in swimming North to South so it would be done on the flood. Obviously there are significant safety issues that I’m not competent to comment upon. I’m not saying do it but it’s an interesting challenge. Essex has more tidal help but is harder.
Great Suffolk Swim 44miles 38.2 nm
- 1 Waveney to Hundred -River (just S of Kessingland) 5mi 4.4 nm Would probably finish nearer Kessingland for access.
- 2 Hundred to Blyth 5.5mi 4.8 nn (Southwold Beach
- 3 Blyth to Minsmere 6.5mi 5.6 nm (need to adjust for Road access and equalise lengths)
- 4 Minsmere to Thorpeness (Hundred R) 4.1mi 3.6 nm
- 5 Thorpeness to Alde 2.7mi 2.4 nm (Aldeburgh Beach near Sailing Club)
- 6 Alde to Ore 4.8mi 4.2 nm (do in Alde avoiding boats as no access seaward – finish at Orford )
- 7 Ore 6.1mi 5.3 nm (Orford to Shingle St. Parking here – boats unlikely as it will be a strong ebb – note strong current – 5 knots near seaward end – tide planning essential) best to go East of Island. Note if you get the last of the ebb at the Orford Haven then the flood will be going South.
- 8 Ore to Deben 4.3 mi 3.7 nm Parking at Shingle Street, poor access for shore cover but no need to go very far from shore, other end could be Bawdsey or Ferry if brave enough to cross Deben.
- 9 Deben to Orwell 4.9 mi 4.3 nm
Southwold to Felixstowe 32 mi overview