Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path - Circular and Linear Walks

Starting in the seaside village of Bacton village, this 4.5 mile walk takes in a beautiful area of Norfolk. Most of the time you'll not even be aware that the extensive industrial complex of Bacton Gas Terminal lies on the cliff top to the west of the village. The route crosses verdant countryside to link St Andrew’s church (just outside the village) with the much older round tower church of St Margaret at Witton. Both are worth visiting and open to the public on a daily basis. The route is mostly flat and open, with the land rolling gently towards the sea. The views across fields and pleasant grazing meadows are particularly enjoyable on an autumn morning, with far off leaves on the turn and mist clinging to the gentle landscape. Returning to Bacton there are plenty of opportunities for refreshment, as well as the beach for picnics. To explore the area further you can easily pick up sections of Paston Way or the Norfolk Coast Path which both run nearby.

This 7.5 mile (12km) walk follow sea defence walls, roads and rights of way and visits the villages of Cley, Wiveton and Blakeney.

The River Glaven, which runs beside the route for part of the way, was once a navigable river for sea vessels and served the ports of Wiveton and Cley.  Blakeney village was also once a port, but ceased trading before 1914 as a result of the arrival of the railways and the New Cut channel silting up.

This walk is accessible by public transport via the Coast Hopper bus service. 

Download a map of the route here.

This 4.5 mile (7km) route follows some minor roads but runs mainly on soft lanes and coastal paths.  The inland sections offer superb views over the coast from the dizzying heights of up to 50 metres above sea level!  The remainder of the route follows the edge of the Brancaster Marsh on raised banks and boardwalks, with extensive views of this unique habitat and its wildlife.

This walk is accessible by public transport via the Coast Hopper bus service.

Download a map of both of the Brancaster circular walks here.

This 4.5 mile (7km) route follows minor roads, soft lanes and coastal paths and offers superb coastal views.

This walk is accessible by public transport via the Coast Hopper bus service.

Download the map for Brancaster Circular walks 1 and 2 here. 

Explore Burgh Castle on this easy 1 mile walk. Built in the late 3rd Century AD, Burgh Castle is one of the best preserved Roman sites in the country and the thick walls of the fort are still an impressive sight. Originally, the fort would have guarded an area that the Romans referred to as the ‘Saxon Shore’. Though the Roman Empire crumbled, the walls remained to house Saxons and later, Norman lords who redeveloped the fort into a motte and bailey castle.

Whilst the site is rich with history, it is also a beautiful place to wander, with panoramic views across Breydon Water to the mills and marshes beyond. The nutrient-rich mudflats of Breydon Water are teeming with life, which draws in a wide variety of wading birds to exploit the rich source of food. The surrounding grazing marshes also support a wide range of wildlife, including vast flocks of wildfowl such as pink footed geese and widgeon in the winter months.

This short walk is perfect for an afternoon out and offers good access for all. The stunning area can easily be explored further, with Angles Way passing Burgh Castle on its way out of Great Yarmouth, alongside Breydon Water and the River Waveney towards Somerleyton.

Starting in the historic village of Castle Acre, with its Cluniac Priory and eleventh century castle, this 6.5 mile (10km) walk follows the Peddars Way National Trail, old drove roads and lanes. It returns to the village following the River Nar, on part of the Nar Valley Way.

Much of the of the River Nar is a river valley Site of Special Scientific Interest and supports many interesting flowers, such as yellow rattle and meadowsweet. 

Download a copy of the map here.

Starting from the marshes at Morston, which are owned by the National Trust, this 5.5 mile (8km) walk weaves its way away from the coast along the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, through woodland adjacent to a babbling river to the village of Cockthorpe. Standing on a ridge of high land, Cockthorpe offers stunning views all around.

Heading back, the route passes through the old Langham Airfield indicatated now only by the concrete tracks and the poultry sheds which seem to dominate so many disused airfields. The airfield was built during the Second World War and was a base for planes including Beaufighters, Hurricanes, Mosquitoes and Wellingtons.

Looking down towards the coast Blakeney Point can be seen. This shingle ridge or 'spit' is 4.5 miles long and is built up by the action of the sea.

This walk is accessible by public transport via the Coast Hopper bus service. 

Please download the map here.

This 1.5 mile walk may be short but there’s plenty to see. The route follows the quickly ascending clifftop path out of Cromer, soon rewarding any walker’s efforts with stunning views across the town and undulating cliffs beyond. On a clear day, offshore wind farms can be seen, as well as the many ships that ply the North Sea routes off the Norfolk Coast.

After savouring the views, wander down through Warren Woods. The woods were once part of the pleasure grounds of The Warren, and many typical broadleaved tree species can be found here including beech, oak and lime. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in spring, you’ll be welcomed by a carpet of bluebells and white ransoms.

The walk can easily be extended to take in the lighthouse up close. While not open to the public, the area around the octagonal tower and keeper’s cottage is accessible. After finishing this walk there’s plenty to do in Cromer - not least a stroll on the pier, visiting one of the fascinating museums or simply enjoying an ice-cream on the beach.

The northern portion of this 6 mile walk skirts the woodland of Honing Common and passes St Peter’s and St Paul’s church before crossing fields back to East Ruston Village.

Though canals are commonplace across much of the country, the Dilham Canal is the only one in the whole of Norfolk. Wider than the standard, the canal was designed to carry wherries, a type of boat particular to the Broads, laden with produce to the mills. However, it was constructed at a time which soon put it in direct competition with the railways. Gradual silting up and damage caused by the great storm of 1912 hastened its decline. It now provides a haven for wildlife, especially on the wooded stretches you’ll encounter on this walk. If you’re lucky, you might spot an otter swimming quietly through the water, or even a shining blue kingfisher perched high on a branch.

This 7 mile (11km) walk follows part of the Peddars Way and the Great Eastern Pingo Trail, a circular walk created by Norfolk County Council.  

Old Farm near Illington shows some fine examples of 19th century farm buildings, and also near Illington there is the site of a Saxon Cemetery.  The Stanford Battle Area comprises some 17,000 acres, much of which is open heath unchanged for the past 200 years.  Most of the area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  The Parish of Wretham has within its boundaries Ringmere and Langmere, two of the several meres that exist in the Breckland area.  The water level in these meres is governed by the amount of water held in the underlying chalk - the meres have a history of widely fluctuating water levels.  Another large mere existed on what is now Cranberry Rough, which was the site of Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age) settlements.

Download a copy of the map below.

Starting close to the sea in Cromer, this 6 mile walk quickly shifts from town to country. Following the Weavers’ Way inland, the route soon passes Cromer Hall. Though not open to the public, the Gothic Revival architecture of this impressive building can be admired from the path.

Then, after heading across open parkland and through the sleepy village of Felbrigg, travel back in time – at least architecturally speaking – to Jacobean Felbrigg Hall. As a National Trust property, Felbrigg Hall and most of its estate are open to the public. Parts of the estate are designated as Sites of Special Scientific interest, supporting a vast array of wildlife. At dusk, it’s not uncommon to see barn owls gliding low across the parkland here.

Leaving the Felbrigg Estate and Weavers’ Way, the walk follows the intriguingly named lane called ‘Lion’s Mouth’ uphill through stunning beech woodland before looping back to Cromer via the wooded hills of East Runton.

There is much to see on this 7 mile walk from the pretty little village of Happisburgh. Heading along the clifftop towards Walcott you are walking above the site where early human footprints were found in sediment on the beach in 2013, which contributed to the coining of this area as the Deep History Coast. The famous Happisburgh Handaxe, an early flint ‘multi-tool’ was also found on the beach nearby.

Further along the cliff top, the remains of a World War II radar station are a stark contrast to the surrounding arable land. St Mary's Church at Happisburgh is also prominent in the landscape, standing proud on its hill, which makes it seem even taller. In the north east corner of the churchyard is the mass grave for the crew of HMS Invincible, which sadly foundered offshore in 1801 on its way to join Nelson's fleet. From one church to another, the walk meanders cross-country along paths and lanes to the more modest church of St Peter in Ridlington. 

The walk begins and ends close to Happisburgh’s famous red and white lighthouse, tours of which can be organised throughout the year – check the Happisburgh website for details. From the lantern room, the view is breath-taking and on clear days it is possible to see the superstructures of oil rigs, far off shore.

An 8 mile (12km) walk accessible by public transport from Wells and Fakenham.

Donwload the map here.

An 8 mile (12km) walk accessible by public transport from Wells and Fakenham.

Donwload the map here.

An 8 mile (12km) walk accessible by public transport from Wells and Fakenham.

Donwload the map here.

An 8 mile (12km) walk accessible by public transport from Wells and Fakenham.

Donwload the map here.

The northern half of this 3.5 mile walk follows the route of the former Midland and Great Northern Railway, another remnant of a more industrial past, which now forms part of the Weavers’ Way trail.

The gates of Honing Lock were removed long ago, so you will hear the water gushing through, long before you see it. On a summer’s day, this man made waterfall, the dense vegetation and wild flowers that surround it could have you thinking you’ve stepped out of Norfolk and into a jungle. The lock now represents the head of navigation for the North Walsham and Dilham Canal, so along with the various fauna of the wet woodland and the cattle that graze the fields beyond, you’re likely to encounter cheery canoeists as you walk. 

Starting from Bure Park, Great Yarmouth, this 7 mile walk follows the River Bure out of town and onto Mautby Marsh.

Though the walk takes you no further than three miles from the bustling town, there’s a delightful sense of solitude to be found on the high flood banks that cross the marsh. It’s a glimpse of a landscape that’s seen little change in hundreds of years. The drainage mills that once kept the marsh dry enough for grazing have long since been superseded by electric-powered pumping stations, but many still stand and can be seen in the distance along the banks of the Bure.

The route passes Mautby Marsh drainage mill, now a residential property, but well-restored, sails and all. Though it no longer pumps water, the owners still turn the sails every few months to keep water from settling and causing them to rot.

Back at the start, picturesque Bure Park is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.

This 6 mile walk takes a slightly elevated route between Mundesley and Gimingham, and typically of Norfolk, this slight rise in the land is all that’s needed to enjoy stunning views across the lush countryside. As you ramble along in the lee of the Cromer ridge, count the many church towers that stand proud of the patch-work arable and grazing land and watch smoke rise from the chimneys of Gimingham and Trunch. 

Two of the fine medieval churches can be enjoyed at close quarters on this walk - All Saints church in Gimingham lies just to the south of the route and in Trunch you'll pass directly by St Botolph's. 

Quiet lanes lead back to picturesque Mundesley where you can enjoy beautiful views overlooking the sea. The Norfolk Coast Path and Paston Way both pass through Mundesley, making it easy to explore the area further.

This 8.5 mile walk has lots to see, including Overstrand itself. The pretty seaside village was a very fashionable resort at the end of the 19th century and several impressive buildings date from this time. One example is The Pleasaunce, a house and gardens built in the late 19th century by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Lord and Lady Battersea. The walk skirts the grounds of this as you head south from the start.

Continuing along the walk, the disused railway that runs just south of Overstrand has returned to nature since its closure in 1953, and is now a County Wildlife Site. Heading south from here, the best views of the rolling farmland that characterises much of the route can be found.

The walk passes two fine medieval churches - St Mary’s in Northrepps and the church of St James in Southrepps with its ornate tower. Both are worth making a stop for.
Likewise, the two large 18th Century barns of Winspurs Farm (thought to have been a base for smugglers during the Napoleonic era) are striking examples of the diversity of architecture in the area.

Keep an eye out for the Shrieking Pit, a tree-shaded pond that you will pass to the east of Northrepps, which as local legend has it, is haunted by the spectre of a girl said to have been drowned there. From Hungry Hill the way descends to the disused railway line again, once a World War Two training area, before returning to Overstrand.

This 7 mile (11km) circular walk takes you round the pretty Norfolk village of Ringstead and its surrounding countryside. It starts at the Gin Trap pub, where you can see a set of stocks, as a reminder of the days when offenders were punished by fellow villagers.

The walk then takes you out of the village and along the Peddars Way National Trail and past the Sedgeford borehole where local drinking water is drawn from the rock below.

Continuing round the walk, it passes Courtyard Farm, which is the home of conservationist, Lord Melchett. Circular walks have been created on the farm, showing the work that they do and the specially created wildlife habitats.

This walk then continues up and onto some quiet grassy tracks, with magnificent views over the coastline, before continuing down onto quiet country lanes and back into the village. 

Download the map here.

In the past, Salthouse has indeed lived up to its name.  Salt from seawater was produced here as long ago as the eleventh century and Sarbury Hill, over which the route passes, was called Salt Hill on a map of 1649.

This 5 mile (8km) walk starts in the village near to the shop and pub.  It meanders upwards out of the village to Salthouse Heath, from which there are extensive views over the coastline from Sheringham to Blakeney Point and beyond.

The footpath along the ridge coincides with the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail.

This walk is accessible by public transport via the Coast Hopper bus service. 

Please download the map of this walk here.

With its offshore reefs and the small bays these have created, Sea Palling is unique on the Norfolk Coast. These sheltered inlets are the perfect place to pause and take in the atmosphere. At certain times of the year, you might see the occasional seal, or the silver flash of a low-flying flock of terns. Sea Palling beach can be a magical place.

On the beach near North Gap, the walk passes the site of the medieval village of Eccles-Juxta-Mare, which was lost to coastal erosion in the late 16th century. In the past, shifting sands on the beach have revealed hidden archaeological treasures.

The inland portion of this 6 mile walk is just as beautiful, with far reaching views across the northern area of the Norfolk Broads. The church of St Andrew's at Hempstead stands alone on its lane, with the thatched roof glimpsed through the trees as you approach. In late summer, the hedgerows around the church and those that line the local bridleways are rich with blackberries.

You'll discover a beautiful range of landscapes on this 6 mile walk - whether it’s the undulating clifftops between Sheringham and Weybourne, the sweeping parkland, ancient oak woodland and famous rhododendrons of Sheringham Park, or the quiet marsh, fen and grassland of Beeston Common, this walk has a bit of everything.

Heading between the clifftop path and Sheringham Park you'll also cross the Poppy Line railway - if you're lucky you may even see a steam train chugging past.

The varied habitats that this walk passes through mean it is particularly rich in wildlife. Beeston Common boasts no less than nineteen species of dragonfly and Sheringham Park has three species of deer. Each of these sites has its own website where you can find out lots more information.

At the end of your walk, take some time to explore the characterful seaside town of Sheringham with its independent shops, museums and series of amazing murals along the seafront.

This 9.5 mile (15km) walk (or 7 miles - 11km - without extra loop) starts and finishes in the coastal town of Sheringham.  En route it passes through Beeston Common, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, crosses over the Cromer Ridge, a remnant of the Ice Age up to 15,000 years old and traverses the Roman Camp and Incleborough Hill, now both in the ownership of the National Trust.

Part of the walk follows the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail.

This walk is accessible by public transport via the Coast Hopper bus service and the Bittern Line rail service. 

Download the map of this walk here.

Explore Southrepps Common on this 3.5 mile walk. It's an incredibly diverse and interesting area in Lower Southrepps, made up of several sites straddling Lower Street. With 160 plant species and a wide variety of bird species found across the Common, there’s much to look out for, including fragrant orchid, marsh helleborine, common cottongrass and bog bean. An extensive network of boardwalks allows you to enjoy the open expanse of reedbed and other wetland habitats on the eastern side plus woodland on the west. Take in the sights and sounds of the flora and fauna by pausing on one of the benches dotted around the sites.

The quiet lanes through Lower Southrepps are lined with pretty cottages. Away from the common, the walk follows lanes and peaceful field-edge footpaths between the northern and southern parts of Southrepps, passing Manor Farm’s 19th Century house and Barn. Though both are dated 1823, there’s evidence of older buildings having existed on the site since the medieval period.

This is a 4.5 mile (7km) walk, which takes in salt marshes, St Mary's Friary and St Margaret's Church.

Until the end of the nineteenth century Burnham Overy Staithe was a thriving sea port serving the Burnhams and inland to the Creakes. Evidence of its sea trading past are still to be seen in the form of granaries and warehouses, many of which are now converted into houses.

The dunes along the coastline now form part of a National Nature Reserve and support a fragile community of plants.

This walk is accessible by public transport via the Coast Hopper bus service. 

Please download a map here.

This 6.5 mile (10km) walk follows the Peddars Way National Trail and the tracks and roads through countryside to the east.

Of note is St Mary's Church at Houghton on the Hill. Parts of the church date from the eleventh century. Within the church there are some of the earliest known wall paintings of the Holy Trinity in Europe, in the 'Gnadenstuhl' style dating from 1090AD. These are therefore of international importance.

Again the military has had a strong association with the area. The site of an old USAF air base lies opposite the school.

Download the map here.

 

2 mile walk

Open almost every day, the church of St John the Baptist’s head is one of only three churches to bear this name. While the saint’s head was never on display here, it’s thought that a shrine, complete with a life-sized alabaster carving of the head was kept here. Although the carving was likely destroyed in the reformation, the church's impressively restored rood screen and more recent stained glass windows can still be admired. The church itself is a slightly unusual shape, having a short but heavily buttressed tower, which is thought to be unfinished.

The rest of the walk is perfect for an easy stroll along quiet lanes, paths and tracks which offer rolling views inland.

This 5.8 mile walk takes a scenic circuit around the picturesque village of Trunch, through rolling farmland and wooded paths, punctuated by a number of old farmsteads and historic buildings. St Botolph’s church is close to the start of the walk, and well worth a look around. Built in the 15th Century, the hammerbeam roof and richly ornamented screen form the perfect backdrop for the incredible font canopy. The oak canopy is rich with carved detail including fruits, flowers, leopards and lions, and is one of only four such canopies surviving in England. Many historic barns and farmhouses line both Brewery Road and Mundesley Road. The oldest of these is the 16th Century flint and brick Hall Farm House, with its two barns of a similar age. This walk can be enjoyed at any time of year - from a breezy summer's day dappled in sunlight through to a crisp winter walk.

Sharing part of its route with the longer Happisburgh Circular Walk, this 4.5 mile route still has much to offer. Leaving Happisburgh by the cliff top path, you’ll be walking above the site where early human footprints (over 800,000 years old) were found in sediment on the beach in 2013, famously the earliest evidence of human occupation found outside of Africa. Further along the cliff are the remains of a World War II radar station, which stand in contrast to the surrounding farmland.

Heading inland you’ll soon pass Walcott’s Church of All Saints, which is worth a visit for its bright and airy interior. The church is heavily Victorianised, with the screen being one of its few remaining medieval features. However, unlike its larger neighbour at Happisburgh, All Saints is home to some modern features dating from the 1920s, such as an art nouveau brass lectern, and art-deco organ.

The larger St Mary’s Church at Happisburgh is prominent throughout much of the walk. Located on top of a hill, this 15th Century church is an important landmark for travellers on both the sea and dry land. You are also treated to views of the iconic lighthouse. It is the oldest working lighthouse in East Anglia and the only independently run lighthouse in Great Britain. Built in 1790, regular open days are held throughout the year, allowing you to climb to the top and enjoy the spectacular views.

There were originally two lighthouses at Happisburgh, lined up to mark safe passage through the treacherous shallow sands offshore. Remains of the ‘lower lighthouse’ can still be seen on the beach depending on the tides and shifting sands.

This 5 mile (8km) walk follows mainly footpaths in the sandy Brecks area, once characterised by open windblown areas now typically planted with pine woodland following World War One.

Archaeological features abound on this walk:  the campsite at Thorpe Woodlands was the site of a mediaeval settlement until the early eighteenth century; the Peddars Way shows one of the best examples of 'agger' (the raised embankment which supported the Roman Road) can be seen; at West Harling Heath, Bronze Age burial grounds or tumuli can be seen. 

Please download the map here.

The West Runton Circular is a charming 3.5 mile route for families, first time walkers or those who just want a quick walk. Following the base of Incleborough hill, the route is less undulating than the nearby Roman Camp walk, but shares much of the same character and charm. Following sunken pathways between hedgerows and fields, you are often treated to glimpses of the sea. Along the clifftop path, look for paragliders launching themselves into the air and surfers enjoying the water below. The Norfolk coast is also the first port of call for many migrant birds, exhausted after a journey over the sea. At different times of the year you can see species such as the tiny goldcrest refuelling in the scrubby bushes growing on the cliff slopes and land abutting the cliff tops. On the fringes of East Runton, you’ll pass beneath two railway viaducts. One is still in use today and supports the Norwich-Sheringham line. The other, though disused, is a fine example of industrial engineering. When you’re back at the start near West Runton beach, explore the rock-pools and keep an eye out for fossils; the skeleton of the famous West Runton mammoth was found in the cliffs here so who knows what you might discover.

5 mile walk

Weybourne beach is popular with anglers and is a launch site for several commercial fishing vessels. If your timing’s right as you start the walk, you might see one of these small, traditional boats launching. It’s an impressive feat on the steep shingle beach, the splash of the boat entering the water before its crew jumps aboard and calmly puts out to sea.

Challenging for some, the first section of the walk involves crunching along the shingle beach before heading inland through grazing land and past The Quag – a large pool that often has interesting birds on it.

From here the route ascends onto Kelling Heath, a site of great geological interest as one of the best examples of a glacial outwash plain in England. The heath’s dry conditions are perfect for birdwatching too, with nightjar, whitethroat and tree pipit all nesting on the site.

From the edge of the heath’s treeline, you’ll enjoy a great view of Weybourne village, and across to the sea in the distance. You might even see a steam train chugging past on the on the Poppy Line heritage railway that runs nearby.

Looping back through the pretty village, there’s ample opportunity to refuel, with a pub, cafe and tea rooms to choose from.

Winterton Dunes    1 mile Walk summary Family friendly walking Getting started The Walk begins by the fisherman’s huts at the north end of Beach Road Car Park, Winterton. Getting there Winterton is served by First’s number 1 bus service. The Beach Road car park is open year round from dawn until dusk. Charges apply from April-October, and donations are welcomed outside of this time. Maps and guides Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 252, Norfolk Coast East. What to expect Sandy footpaths through the dunes, with some soft sand. Beach Road should be crossed twice, to make use of the tarmac footpath Facilities Winterton Dunes Beach Café is right by the start of the route, as are public toilets (open April-October). Winterton also has a shop, fish and chip shop and pub, all a short walk from the car park. Along the way At just one mile, the Winterton Dunes circular walk is a perfect route for young families wanting to explore this beautiful landscape. Don’t let the short length fool you; this area of the dunes is packed with exciting finds for the nature-lover. The site is home to an abundance of ferns, mosses and lichens, and nationally rare plant species such as the grey hair grass. Recent conservation work can be seen at the heart of the walk in the form of a rope fence, and this aims to help the dunes to recover and allow their naturally rich biodiversity to recover. In the summer months, the dunes host large colonies of butterflies, such as the dark green fritillary and grayling, and in the winter, there are often grey seals to be seen swimming off the beach. The walk is perfect for a still autumn day, cool blue skies and a pleasant quiet stroll across the landscape.

3.5 mile walk

Winterton Dunes is internationally significant as a site of special scientific interest, and interestingly, with its acidic plant communities, has more in common with the dune systems of the Baltic than those found elsewhere on the Norfolk coast.

The dunes are also home to the threatened natterjack toad. You’re far more likely to hear them than see them though – the mating call of the male is very loud!

Away from the scenic dunes and beach, the walk explores the area inland, heading to the magical ruins of St Mary’s church at East Somerton. Though the church survived the reformation, it fell into disuse once the church parish of East Somerton was subsumed into that of Winterton. Today, it is quite spectacular. Set in woodland and overgrown with ivy, a great oak tree grows straight up though the now-roofless chancel.

One of the most prominent landmarks on the walk is another church – the Holy Trinity and All Saints in Winterton village. It is one of several churches built in the 14th century with particularly large towers to act as status symbols. Many generations of sailors have looked to these towers as landmarks from the sea.