Route details, maps, pubs, features, local history and folklore for a wide variety of walks focusing primarily on Norfolk and Suffolk

Walks
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Wednesday, 27 April 2022

Dilham and Honing Circular Walk

A circular walk taking in the Weavers Way, Honing and Dilham

This walk explores a part of the Weavers Way long distance trail, taking in the restored Honing station before departing to follow the Dilham canal around to the village of Dilham where the Cross Keys pub provides a worthy place to take a break.

Monday, 28 February 2022

Bittern Line Walk - North Walsham to Worstead

A walk liing the Bittern Line stations of NorthWalsham and Worstead

This route follows the Dilham Canal to make a pleasurable walk between the stations of North Walsham and Worstead.

Saturday, 1 May 2021

The Original Paston Way Route

Norfolk countryside

Walking the original route to Norfolk's Paston Way

The Paston Way is a long distance trail around north east Norfolk that takes its names from the eminent Paston family who lived in the area during the 15th century, originating from the village of Paston. Although the route of the trail has been altered in more recent years in order to incorporate additional villages and churches in the area, originally it was a sub-20 mile trail with branches to outlying villages and churches. The original route can still be accessed and is a great way to spend a days walking between Norfolk's North Walsham and Cromer.

Sunday, 24 January 2021

Bittern Line Walk - North Walsham to Wroxham

North Walsham woods, site of the Battle of North Walsham

An 11 mile walk linking the Bittern Line stations of North Walsham and Wroxham

A rewarding days walk through the Norfolk countryside that links the railway stations of North Walsham and Wroxham. The route passes across an historic battleground, through woodland, encountering picturesque hamlets and village churches along the way. The end section uses the Bure Valley Railway path that follows the narrow gauge steam railway past Coltishall and down to Wroxham station.

Sunday, 5 January 2020

Wroxham to Norwich via Spixworth

View of the River Bure heading out of Wroxham

A 10 mile linear walk between Wroxham and Norwich

Walk linking the Bittern Railway Line stations of Wroxham and Norwich. The route cuts across to Spixworth using tracks and country lanes from where there is pedestrian access through to the centre of Norwich. Spixworth has an interesting history of folklore which is discussed in the features of this walk.

Tuesday, 24 December 2019

Norfolk Coast Path - Wells-next-the-Sea to Burnham Overy Staithe

Burnham Overy Staithe

A 7 mile walk following the North Norfolk Coast Path between Wells-next-the-Sea and Burnham Overy Staithe

This amble includes some magnificent beach walking along the sands in front of the Holkham National Nature Reserve. Acres upon acres of golden sand when the tide is out with big skies and thousands upon thousands of razor shells which are washed up on the high tide mark. The walk ends at Burnham Overy Staithe, the quiet hamlet which is said to be where Nelson learnt to row and sail.

Thursday, 19 December 2019

Old Coast Path Route - Cromer to Sheringham

Beeston Bump

A 6 mile walk along the original route of the Norfolk Coast Path between Cromer and Sheringham

Up until December 2014 the official route of the Norfolk Coast Path from its start at Cromer Pier through to Sheringham navigated inland along the hills of the Cromer Ridge, the highest ground in Norfolk. This original route can still be walked and contrasts with the cliff-top route of the realigned path which is now part of the England Coast Path. With shady lanes and tracks through the woodland, spectacular views from the summit of Beacon Hill and the challenging ascent to the iconic Beeston Bump, this walk is a worthwhile excursion from the coastal route.

The Aftermath of the 2013 Storm Surge - Cromer and Sheringham

Damaged Beach huts

A 6 mile beach walk to witness the damage caused by the 2013 Storm Surge at Cromer and Sheringham

Both Cromer and Sheringham bore the brunt of the storm surge on the night of December 5th 2013. Although repair work is well under way there are still the signs of what damage the sea can cause. There have also been many cliff falls along this length of coastline with the cliff faces providing a fascinating view sculptured by the weather and tides and offering multi coloured strata.

Cromer to Mundesley Beach Walk

Cromer

An alternative beach walk to the official Norfolk Coast path between Cromer and Mundesley

This beach section of the Norfolk Coast can only be walked when the tide allows as high tide reaches the foot of the cliffs and is impassable at Overstrand. There is frequent erosion all along the route so the scenery changes from year to year. The beach is predominantly sand with numerous groynes that present frequent obstacles to get past - sometimes decaying steps assist getting over the groynes and sometimes, at low tide or with boots and socks off, it is possible to get around the end of some of the groynes. Mostly, it involves clambering as best as you can over these eroded, seaweed covered, mussel encrusted defences but that is half the fun of it!

Wednesday, 18 December 2019

Paston Way to Gunton - Pubs, Churches and Wartime Conspiracies

Northrepps from the lane to Overstrand

A 7 mile walk along Norfolk's Paston Way from Cromer to Gunton.

The Paston Way has a few alternative paths that stray from its main route between North Walsham and Cromer, and this walk takes the optional route out to Gunton from where a train can be taken back to Cromer. There are some worthy country pubs along this simple walk so a good old English pub crawl can also be had along with taking in the sights of the impressive churches at Northrepps and Southrepps plus local tales of wartime German conspiracies!

Inland Walk between Cley and Blakeney

View from Wiveton Downs

A 6 mile walk taking in the Wiveton Downs as an alternative to the coastal route between Cley and Blakeney

An alternative route to the Norfolk Coast Path between Cley and Blakeney taking in the high ground across Wiveton Downs. Spectacular views of the coastline can be had from this area and the route also includes the Shell Museum at Glandford and the dominating church at Cley

Norfolk Coast Path - Burnham Overy Staithe to Brancaster

Brancaster Staithe Quay

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.

Tuesday, 10 December 2019

North Walsham to Bacton Woods Circular Walk

wonky telegraph poles near Ebridge Mill pond

A 7 mile circular walk connecting the Norfolk town of North Walsham with Bacton Woods

The Norfolk countryside holds a lot of hidden gems and this walk discovers a few. The route uses country lanes and footpaths to provide an easy circular ramble. The woods are worth the effort and hold a hidden secret of the location of a gibbet on which, during the late 18th century, William Suffolk's body was hanged in chains for his murderous deeds. The return route passes the iconic Ebridge Mill and then leads onto the Weavers Way for the final section back to North Walsham

Thursday, 21 March 2019

Bittern Line Walk - Cromer to North Walsham

Antingham Pounds

A 11.5 mile walk following the Bittern Line between Cromer and North Walsham

The Bittern Line provides the rail gateway to North East Norfolk from Norwich. Although there are no officially documented walks that link its stations, this walk seeks to rectify this and links Cromer and North Walsham using country lanes, footpaths and tracks. Stunning countryside, typical Norfolk villages and always something new to discover.

Saturday, 26 January 2019

Norfolk Coast Path - Cley to Wells-next-the-Sea

Marshes near Blakeney

A 10 mile walk following the Norfolk Coast Path between Cley and Wells-next-the-Sea

An easy walk along the Norfolk Coast Path navigating out across the marshes to Blakeney then along the marsh perimeter to Wells. Blakeney is a worthy stopping point to explore Mariners Hill and the Guildhall and take in the legends of the Blakeney tunnels and the tragic story of the Blakeney Fiddler who is depicted on the village sign.

Friday, 11 January 2019

A visit to the rather curious Happisburgh

Happisburgh lighthouse

A simple 3 mile circular walk along the Norfolk Coast between Happisburgh and Eccles

Happisburgh is curious - it is slowly being taken by the sea, its houses slowly falling victim to the tides. The pub gardens boast a signal box to a railway line that never got built. A lighthouse stands guard to the south and its lifeboat is located at the next village of Eccles. In recent times the tide has uncovered prehistoric human footprints. And there is local folklore of ghostly smugglers and misdeeds. Very curious indeed.

Thursday, 10 January 2019

Happisburgh to Winterton Beach Walk

Happisburgh from Eccles

An 11 mile beach walk between along the Norfolk coast from Happisburgh to Winterton

Providing the tide is right, this is a fantastic beach walk with miles of golden sand and, if you are lucky, the sight of seals basking in the sunshine. Probably one of the best beach walks on this coastline.

Holkham to Wells Circular Walk

A 9 mile circular walk along the North Norfolk Coast between Holkham and Wells-next-the-sea

An alternative to the North Norfolk Coast Path, which follows the landward side of the large belt of pine trees known as Holkham Pines, is to walk along the glorious sandy Holkham beach. This was such a well worth experience with acres upon acres of sandy beach and dunes. With clear blue skies and a little sunshine this makes for a superb walk at any time of the year. The Albatros, a sailing ship that is permanently moored at Wells Quay provides some fine and simple lunches including fresh mussels which provide a fitting half way point to this walk. The return uses the tracks around the Holkham estate taking in views of the hall, the lake and obelisk.

Wednesday, 9 January 2019

Salthouse Sculpture Trail

Pond at Kelling Heath

A 14 mile walk around the Salthouse Sculpture Trail

Inaugurated in 2008 by The North Norfolk Exhibition Projects, this trail across Kelling and Salthouse heaths was set out to exhibit both the natural beauty of North Norfolk alongside examples of contemporary Norfolk art. Although most of the sculptures have now gone, the walk nonetheless provides a peaceful route around this part of the county.

Saturday, 29 December 2018

Mundesley to Happisburgh Circular Walk

Coastline from Mundesley to Happisburgh

A 13 mile walk between the Norfolk coastal villages of Mundesley and Happisburgh

This walk comprises of a circular route taking in both the beach and the cliff-top paths between the two Norfolk coastal villages of Mundesley and Happisburgh. The centre of this walk is at Walcott where the cliffs recede and access to the beach is obtainable. This enables the walker to customise this route according to tidal conditions as both Happisburgh and Bacton beaches can be cut off by high tides.

Indexes and Info

East Suffolk PRoW Access

The Public Rights of Way (PRoW) within the Suffolk Coastal area between Aldeburgh and Southwold are subject to being blocked up and diverted due to the extensive industrial projects that are currently taking place in the area including the Sizewell C development and various wind farm projects. A PRoW Access page details known issues in the area. There is also a link to the Works Tracker that contains details of known Blocking Up and Diversion Orders

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