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Step on it: The epic walking trails and running routes around Burnham Market
From wildlife-rich circular walks to picturesque park runs, here’s where to put your best foot forward, all within striking distance of the ever-popular village
With the weather warming up, there’s every reason to head outside and up your BPM. The North Norfolk coast and countryside is crisscrossed with walking and running routes, each one as photogenic as the next. And where better to base yourself than Burnham Market, which is in the heart of the action?
The Railway, a boutique hotel in the centre of the village, is the ideal jumping off point for your adventuring. The eight en-suite bedrooms, with their cloud-soft beds and fluffy robes, are perfect for catching up on sleep before/after you set out; while the bubbling hot tub in the garden is where you’ll want to soothe post-exercise muscles.
If you need to fuel up in anticipation of burning all those calories, The Railway is well located for Burnham Market’s finest restaurants and pubs. Or if you’re feeling a little post-workout weary, curl up in the hotel’s communal lounge with its honesty bar and snack station, you deserve it!
Feeling inspired? These are the best walking trails and running routes near Burnham Market – and just think of all that relaxing afterwards …
The Burnhams Circular Walk
This 4.5-mile circular walk takes you through three of the historic ‘Seven Burnhams by the Sea’ – Burnham Norton, Burnham Overy Staithe and Burnham Overy Town. As it happens, you’ll also be following in the footsteps of Captain Richard Woodget, a Norfolk sea captain who was best known as master of the Cutty Sark. Woodget was a Burnhams man – he was born, baptised, married, retired and is buried here. You can hop onto this walk at Burnham Market, stopping at The Hero halfway for a refreshing pint of Wherry.
Burnham Overy Staithe Circular Walk
Burnham Overy Staithe is one of the most charming villages along this stretch of coastline. Park in the harbour car park, making sure to check tide times as you don’t want your car submerged. The 4-mile trail will take you along the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, through nature reserves and fields, past the Norman tower of St Clement’s church, and back onto the coast path to the village centre. Keep eyes peeled along the way for kingfishers and Burnham Overy Tower Mill, which was last used as a corn mill in 1914.
Brancaster Staithe Wildlife Walk
Brancaster Staithe is a seven minute drive from Burnham Market, making this 3.8-mile walk a perfect morning or afternoon excursion. Starting from the quay car park, the trail takes you along the coastal path; around the edge of Barrow Common (the sea views are standout from here – look out for the WWII wreck SS Vina on the end of Scolt Head Island); past the Branodunum Roman Fort; and back to Brancaster. Bring your binos to spot the year-round birdlife, from the skeins of Brent geese to the multiple species of wading birds.
Walking Women
If you fancy meeting like-minded female souls, join Walking Women at Holkham, which takes place on the first Tuesday of every month. The safe and friendly 90-minute morning walks (starting at 10am) are an opportunity for some gentle exercise while exploring the stunning landscapes and seascapes, yes. But they’re also a great way of indulging in a little sociability. The group meets at a different start point each month – sometimes it’ll be Wells or Holkham beach, other times it might be the Park.
Young Friendly Walking Group
This walking group organises monthly excursions in Northwest Norfolk for people between the ages of 20 and 50; the regular walks require no specialist equipment, no participation fee and involve routes that usually start with a free parking spot. Each one tends to be between 5 and 9 miles, taking place on the last Sunday of every month. While some are a distance from Burnham Market, others are closer – last year there were walks between Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea and Holme to Brancaster Staithe. Register via the website for more information.
Parkrun
If you’re more into running or jogging, have you considered parkrun? The volunteer-led organisation runs (excuse the pun) free 5km events every Saturday morning in more than 1300 locations across the UK – including Holkham, which is a stone’s throw from Burnham Market. The course takes you through the sweeping parkland, past woods, historic buildings and monuments such as the obelisk, the Ice House and, of course, the Hall. All ages and abilities can take part in the runs (one thing they are not is a race).
The Norfolk Superhero
What started as a small group of friends taking on an annual challenge has turned into a quadrathlon event with 200 competitors that has raised over one million pounds for local charitable causes. Taking place every June, people do it in pairs, as they tackle a 1-mile swim from Scolt Head to the quay at Burnham Overy Staithe; a 4-mile kayak through the creeks; a 45-mile cycle route; before finishing off with an 8-mile run. There’s a waiting list but even if you aren’t competing, it’s great fun to watch.
Outlaw Half Holkham Weekend
On 5 to 6 July it’s the Outlaw Half Holkham Weekend, a series of sporty events against the backdrop of Holkham Hall. Saturday sees the Outlaw Gravel Sprint, a traffic-free event within the rolling grounds, as well as the 10k and Future Outlaw for younger competitors. On Sunday, it’s the actual Outlaw Half Holkham, a popular middle distance triathlon (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run) which takes you through nearby countryside and villages. There’s also an event village with food stalls and entertainment for those who are there to watch and cheer on the athletes.
Rooms at The Railway start from £95 per night; discover more here.