Angles Way - Belton to Great Yarmouth

An 8 mile walk along the Angles Way from its start at Great Yarmouth to Belton

The journey along the Angles Ways begins with a walk along the banks of Breydon Water to Belton. Along this route can be seen the impressive remains of the Roman fort Gariannonum at Burgh Castle. This is a simple afternoons walk with a frequent bus service linking Great Yarmouth and Belton for the return journey. On this occasion we walked the path in reverse having set up camp at Belton.

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The Peddars Way - Watton to Castle Acre

A long and straight trail across lanes and tracks from Watton to Castle Acre.

Once at Little Cressingham the Peddars Way draws a long straight line through across the landscape. Gentle undulations provide little in the way of changing scenery and The Blue Lion at North Pickenham provides a very welcome half way point to rejuvenate ones energies and rest ones weary legs and feet from the hard tracks and metalled lanes. Castle Acre is a novel little village with its castle and priory ruins, both of which are well worth exploring.

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South West Coast Path - Dartmouth to Torcross

A 9 mile walk along the South West Coast Path between Dartmouth and Torcross.

This section of the walk starts at the deep water port of Dartmouth which is famed for where the second and third crusades departed in the 12th century. Across the River Dart is Kingswear, and down the estuary is Dartmouth Castle, built in the 15th Century. Passing the castle, the path heads round the coast and up to the village of Stoke Fleming, then meanders across the hills and lanes either side of the main Dartmouth road until it meets Strete. Here it descends down to Slapton Sands, which despite its name, is a shingle beach on one side and Slapton Ley, a natural freshwater lagoon, on the other. A simple walk with a few hills to negotiate and a bus service that links the two ends of the walk.

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South West Coast Path - Avon Estuary to Salcombe

A 17 mile walk along the South West Coast Path between Churchstow and Salcombe.

This walk heads out from Churchstow through country lanes down to the South West Coast Path at Bantham on the Avon estuary. The Coast Path starts with easy walking along the low cliffs past Thurlestone and includes an 80 yard footbridge across South Milton Ley before it arrives at Hope Cove, a picturesque little fishing village. The section from Bolt Tail to Bolt Head is a little more strenuous with the path tracking up and down the cliffs and around a few craggy sections with steps built out of the stone. At Bolt Head the coast bears round to the north passing Sharp Tor which is cut out of the cliff-face, before it heads down into the pretty village of Salcombe.

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Norfolk Coast Path - Burnham Overy Staithe to Brancaster

A 6 mile walk following the North Norfolk Coast Path between Burnham Overy Staithe to Brancaster

Wide open areas of marshland provide an enticing setting for this easy walk. Sailing boats, marsh, a tidal pool and the site of a Roman fort provide plenty of interest, together with three pubs, what more could one ask for of an afternoons stroll.

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Bromeswell Village Walk

A very easy 2 mile walk around the Suffolk Village of Bromeswell

The Sandlings Path avoids the busy road between Melton and the footpath across the Heathland to Rendlesham Forest by navigating around the quiet village of Bromeswell. Although only a short distance, it is worth taking ones time to explore this quiet village with its typically East Anglian church of St Edmund.

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The Wensum Way - Dereham to Lenwade

A 13 mile walk through the Norfolk countryside following the Wensum Way

Opened in 2012, the Wensum Way was the connecting link between the Nar Valley Way and The Marriott's Way to enable a Cross Norfolk Trail from Kings Lynn to Great Yarmouth. The name of the trail is taken from the River Wensum which it follows from Swanton Morley through to Lenwade. This is a picturesque ramble through the Norfolk countryside.

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South West Coast Path - Falmouth to Helford Passage

A 10 mile walk along the Cornish section of the South West Coast Path between Falmouth and the Helford Crossing

A picturesque walk following the coast on from the Fal estuary round to the Helford River where a ferry links the village of Helford. The views are spectacular throughout this moderately challenging walk and includes a glorious stroll across the pasture-land around Rosemullion Head.

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The Iceni Way - Kings Lynn to Hunstanton

A 20 mile walk along the Kings Lynn to Hunstanton section of the Iceni Way

There is no official footpath or right of way to walk the complete distance along the coast between Kings Lynn and Hunstanton. It can be done by navigating the defence banks and farm tracks and ignoring the odd 'No Access' sign. However, an alternative walk to link these two towns is to use the Iceni Way. This is a walk designated by the Ramblers using existing tracks and footpaths linking the interesting and scenic villages of Castle Rising, Sandringham and Dersingham before it navigates back to the shores of the Wash at Snettisham. With vast expanses of sand when the tide is out, this part of the coast is truly an awe-inspiring sight looking across towards Boston and Skegness. You can walk out for miles before the sea is reached.

• Notes
• Directions
• Pubs
• Features
• Gallery

Kings Lynn to Hunstanton Walk - Essential Information

Walk Statistics:

• Start location: Kings Lynn 
• End location: Hunstanton 
• Distance:   miles (  km)
• Total Gain:   ft (  metre)
• Total Descent:   ft (  metre)
• Min Height:   ft (  metre)
• Max Height:   ft (  metre)
• Walk Time:  
• Walk type: Linear
• Walk Grade: Easy
• Terrain:

Maps:

The following maps and services can assist in navigating this route. There are links to printed maps and links to downloadable GPX route data for importing into navigational software and apps.

 

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map

OS Explorer 250 - Norfolk Coast West

GPX Route File

Accommodation:

Mill Farm Camping and Caravan siteView in OS Map | View in Google Map

Website

https://www.caravancampingsites.co.uk/norfolk/millfarm/millfarm.html

Description

Mill Farm camping and caravan site, Wells-next-the-sea. Close to town and basic amenities

Transport:

Details of public transport that is required for the walk

Various Operators - Bus Service

Service Details

Coasthopper CH1, CH2, CH3 - Unfortunately, in recent years the highly acclaimed Coasthopper bus service has suffered from subsequent takeovers with a consequent deterioration of the service and continuing doubts upon is viability. Due to its constant changing operators, it is therefore best to use the Traveline website to determine the current timetables and services.

Timetable

www.traveline.info

Route Verification Details

• Date of Walk: 2011-07-02
• Walk Time: 10:00 to 17:30
• Walkers: Griffmonster, Kat
• Weather Conditions: Very warm day, plenty of sunshine

Walk Notes

This was the final part of the Norfolk Coast which we had yet to walk and it had taken some time to work out the route to take. Initially the consideration of strictly following the coastline was contemplated but these provided some apprehension as it requires traversing private tracks with the prospect of encountering angry land-owners. It was the Ramblers Association that brought attention to the so called Iceni Way, a route to link the Kings Lynn and Hunstantion, making use of recognised public rights of way. A detailed guide can be purchased from the Ramblers Association which is well worth getting for those contemplating this route. Although the trail is some way off of the coast, it does visit the historic settlements of Castle Rising and Sandringham to provide additional interest.

Like most of the North Norfolk Coast, this section is served by the Coasthopper bus service. At the time of walking this was an excellent and well used service provided by the Norfolk Green company. Unfortunately, although well patronised the service has been sold off and has become fragmented although the western end between Kings Lynn and Hunstanton is still well served. For this specific walk, a base camp was set up at Wells-next-the-sea, the Mill Farm site a personal favourite although being fairly basic probably it nonetheless offers all that a walker requires and is in close proximity to the town centre. Setting out from Wells does provide some logistic challenges and in order to achieve the walk within the constraints of the bus timetable requires setting out on the early bus in order to provide a full days walking and rendezvous with the last bus back.

The walk will not disappoint, Castle Rising and Sandringham definitely rewarding the walker with choosing this route option. Although with limited time one can only wander through these places and briefly admire and soak up the history, it nonetheless does inspire future visits where more time is available. The broad road up to Sandringham is littered with tourist cars and motorvans parked up on the wide verges.

Once at Snettisham one is provided with the vast open panoramas of the Wash, with sands that seem to disappear into the horizon at low tide. In the distance, given a clear day such as this, the Lincolnshire coast can clearly be seen on the opposite side to this huge inlet of water, the drainage area to the rivers Nene, Ouse and Welland.

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Castle Rising Castle

Directions

The path follows the Iceni Way. Unfortunately there are no waymarkers to provide directions and therefore a copy of the Iceni Way guide from the Ramblers Association and an OS map are vital. The path uses a mixture of footpaths and tracks and some road walking to link Kings Lynn and Hunstanton. Taking in South Wooton, North Wooton, Castle Rising, Sandringham and Dersingham, the path then heads out to the coast at Snettisham from where it is a coastal walk up to Hunstanton.

Kings Lynn to Dersingham

From the centre of Kings Lynn the path follows the old railway track out to the edge of South Wooton on the A1078.Head down the road and turn the first left up0 Hall Lane. There's a path on the right heading in the same general direction as the road and this comes out by the Church. Carry straight on along the footpath opposite the church and then straight ahead up the road this comes out on. A footpath on the right of the road leads through to North Wooton, heading into the housing estate on the right of the path. Walk down to the main road, cross and carry on the footpath which bears round to the left behind the houses. Go all the way through on this path until it comes out on Little Car Road. Turn right at the junction and take the footpath on the left a few hundred yards on. This leads through to Castle Rising where it follows the road through the village, down to the Castle then back round a sharp bend. As the road bends round again carry straight on and follow this old road to the main A149. Walk along the cycle track until this ends. Cross the road and head up the little road to Sandringham. There is now a few miles of walking along these roads past Sandringham and down into Dersingham.

Dersingham to Hunstanton

Take Station Road out of Dersingham, cross the main A149 and a track leads all the way down to the beach. Follow the beach northwards passing by Snettisham and Heacham and ending at Hunstanton.

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On the left Memorial at Sandringham; On the right Sculpture marking the National Cycle Network Route 1

Pubs

Coach and Horses, Dersingham View in OS Map | View in Google Map

Address

Coach and Horses, Dersingham

Website

www.thecoachpub.com/

A traditional pub village offering Traditional home-cooked food and guest ales as well as accommodation.

Review

A thrist quenching pint of Woodfordes Wherry.

The Feathers, Dersingham View in OS Map | View in Google Map

Address

The Feathers, Dersingham

Website

www.thefeathers-dersingham.co.uk/

This former carrstone coaching inn is steeped in royal history dating back to 1882 when the hotel was purchased as part of the Sandringham estate for Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and named The Feathers in his honour. Prior to its royal connections it was named The Cock until fire damaged the building in the 1800's. It was subsequently rebuilt and named The Lamb.

The large building accommodates a range of en-suite bedrooms, a restaurant, three bars, and an outdoor patio and large landscaped gardens including a childrens area.

Review

Busy yet friendly pub with a large garden. Excellent food. Serving Adnams and Woodfordes.

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Ruins of St Felix Church

Features

Castle Rising CastleView in OS Map | View in Google Map

The castle keep at Castle Rising is one of the most famous twelfth-century hall-keeps in the country. To the north of the castle is a ruined church that dates to around 1100, and both this church and the keep appear to have been rendered and whitewashed during the early medieval period.

The earthworks surrounding the castle keep are some of the largest in the country, although both the castle and the earthworks were originally half their current size. Their present appearance is the result of a major building programme of the late 12th or early 13th century.

It is possible that this major rebuilding took place as a reaction to the Revolt of 1173–1174 and the increased military activity generated. The chief rebel in East Anglia was Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk a rival to William d'Aubigny, who seized Norwich Castle during the rebellion. William returned from Normandy to meet Bigod in battle, and the upgrading of Castle Rising may be seen as a result of this.

During the Anarchy the castle was the site of a mint producing pennies for King Stephen. Between 1330 and 1358, it was the residence of the displaced former queen, Isabella of France, known as the 'she-wolf of France'. She married Edward ll in 1308, but soon found he preferred the company of men. She had an affair Roger Mortimer and in 1326 they took the throne from Edward ll. They imprisoned him in Berkeley Castle and in 1327 had him murdered. They enjoyed a brief period in power but Isabella`s son, Edward lll, took control in 1330 and had Mortimer executed. Unable to bring himself to kill his mother, Edward III is thought to have had Isabella imprisoned within the castle. In her later years she is said to have suffered dementia and spent most of her time in the upper floors of the castle which would probably explain the screams of a mad woman which have been reported coming from the castle in the middle of the night!

References

1. Wikipedia article for Castle Rising Castle

Ruins of St Felix ChurchView in OS Map | View in Google Map

From Babingley Bridge on the former main road between Castle Rising and the modern A149 one can just view the remains of St Felix Church in the meadows close to the river. This ivy clad ruin is said to be the first Christian Church erected in the county and was still a working church in the early 19th century. All that remains is the 14th century tower and an empty shell including a blocked off chancel with a window set into it.

References

1. Wikipedia article for Ruins of St Felix Church

Sandringham EstateView in OS Map | View in Google Map

Sandringham is the country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen, and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. The house, set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens, and is at the heart of the 8,000-hectare Sandringham Estate, 240 hectares of which make up the woodland and heath of the Country Park. The Estate includes the tidal mudflats of the Wash, woodland and wetland, arable, livestock and fruit farms, and commercial and residential properties and a museum. It is open to the public free of charge every day of the year.

The site has been occupied since Elizabethan times, and, in 1771, architect Cornish Henley cleared the site to build Sandringham Hall. The hall was modified during the 19th century by Charles Spencer Cowper, a stepson of Lord Palmerston, who added an elaborate porch and conservatory, designed by architect Samuel Sanders Teulon. In 1862, the hall was purchased by Queen Victoria at the request of the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VII) as a home for himself and his new bride, Alexandra. However, in 1865, two years after moving in, the prince found the hall's size insufficient for his needs, and he commissioned A J Humbert to raze the hall and create a larger building.

Since King George VI died in 1952 at Sandringham, Queen Elizabeth II's custom has been to spend the anniversary of her father's death and her own Accession privately with her family at the House. It is her official base until February each year. The house was first opened to the public in 1977, and there is a museum with displays of Royal life and Estate history.

References

1. Wikipedia article for Sandringham Estate

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Hunstanton

Gallery

Below are a selection of images taken from from the photo album for this walk. Feel free to browse through these or click on an image to view a larger version in the Gallery.

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Summary of Document Changes

Last Updated: 2021-12-07

2011-08-07 : Initial publication

2017-02-05 : General website updates

2019-01-08 : General website updates + updates to notes

2021-03-17 : Update website improvements and removal of ViewRanger reliance

2021-12-01 : Removal of ViewRanger links due to its imminent demise

Related Walk Links

• Walks around kingslynn
• Walks around hunstanton
• Walks along the Iceni Way
• Walks for OS Map 250, Norfolk Coast West

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South West Coast Path - Looe to Plymouth

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South West Coast Path - Mevagissey to Porthscatho

A 17 mile walk along the Cornish section of the South West Coast Path between Mevagissey and Porthscatho

This walk navigates along the Roseland Peninsular with diversions from the official Coast Path along country lanes. This provides a safer alternative for when the weather conditions are poor and the paths are slippery and visibility poor. This section of coastline has some remarkable scenery when the sun does shine and the paths are not too strenuous. The drawback is the lack of public transport between the two ends of the walk.

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Nar Valley Way - Narborough to Dereham

A 22 mile walk along the Nar Valley Way from Narborough to Dereham

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The Orford Loop, Tales of Castles and Mermen

A 16 mile walk around the Orford Loop section of the Suffolk Coast Path.

The main Suffolk Coast Path cuts through Tunstall Forest from Iken Cliff to Chillesford. However, more recently, a path has been added which allows access to Orford by following the Alde estuary. This then cuts back across Gedgrave marshes and Sudbourne Hall to return to the main path at Chillesford.

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