Norfolk boasts coast, country, forest and fen walking, much of it easily accessible and fun for all the family. When on your family short breaks, UK, explore the great outdoors in Norfolk on one of the many walking routes, enjoying gorgeous scenery and spotting the local wildlife.
May is National Walking Month, so we have put together some of the best walking routes in Norfolk, all a short distance from our holiday parks in the area. Many walking routes stretch for miles, but we recommend just strolling along a short stretch. Check back next week to see the best walking routes in neighbouring Suffolk.
Norfolk Coast Path
The Norfolk Coast Path runs for 63 miles, from Hunstanton to Sea Palling, and much of the route takes you through the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The most westerly point of the coast path is the seaside town of Hunstanton, and then the walk takes you through areas rich in wildlife: the salt marshes near Brancaster, the Holkham National Nature Reserve and pine woodland.
After Wells-next-the-Sea, the Coast Path skirts along the salt marshes and provides you with views of Blakeney Point, famous for its common and grey seals. Near Cley-next-the-Sea, the path takes you along a shingle beach and fresh-water marshes, again full of wildlife. Towards Sheringham and Cromer, the path follows the top of sandy cliffs, and takes you inland through wooded hills, before returning to the coast at Sea Palling.
Boudicca Way
Named after the legendary warrior queen Boudicca, whose tribes inhabited the region hundreds of years ago, the Boudicca Way runs for 36 miles between Norwich and Diss. The lovely walk passes through the rural countryside of south Norfolk, using public rights of way and quiet country roads. You can spot all sorts of fauna and flora along the way. The villages the route passes through includes Shotesham, Saxlingham, Nethergate and Pulham Market. The area also has an interesting history, linked to the Romans.
Paston Way
Between Cromer and North Walsham is Paston Way, a 22-mile walk which takes you past the areas beautiful medieval churches. Each church has its own hidden history, and one was even moved, brick by brick, away from the cliff edge to save it from crumbling into the sea. To visit all 14 of the churches on Paston Way, the trail covers 29.5 miles, but we suggested choosing a section with churches that appeal most to your interests. The route takes you down quiet lanes, through picturesque towns and villages and across lush green fields, with views out to the North Sea.
Wensum Way
The shortest route on this list is Wensum Way, which passes some beautiful landscape in the centre of the county. Much of the route follows Wensum River. The name of the river comes from Old English, meaning ‘winding’ and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation. The walk’s route will take you through rural landscape between Gressenhall and Swanton Morley, following the river valley and in areas abundant with wildlife.
Weavers’ Way
Named after the weaving industry which flourished in the Middle Ages in this eastern area of Norfolk, Weavers’ Way runs a total of 61 miles between Cromer and Great Yarmouth. The route will take you through various contrasting scenery, from woodlands, farmland and grazing marshes beside the rivers Thurne, Bure and Yare. Some of the highlights of the route include a number of flint churches, large country houses and historical railways. Part of the route also takes you through the stunning Norfolk Broads. This section is the one we recommend most.
Image by: Martin Pearman