From sand dunes to salt marsh to shingle, and a serious amount of wildlife, put your best foot forward along North Norfolk’s wildly beautiful coastline
HUNSTANTON CIRCULAR WALK
The route: This is a chance to experience the bustle of the seaside town, the stunning coastal path, as well as take in the quieter, more sedate Old Hunstanton. Start off outside The Golden Lion Hotel, looking out for the statue of Henry Le Strange, the Victorian landowner responsible for developing Hunstanton as a seaside holiday resort. Head along the North Promenade, up towards the cliffs with their sweeping views over the North Sea. As you follow Peddars Way and the Norfolk Coast Path, you’ll pass the ruins of St Edmund’s Chapel and the lighthouse. Head inland through Old Hunstanton, before returning to ‘Sunny Hunny’ via the Esplanade Gardens.
Length: 3.75 miles
Don’t miss: Do this walk at dusk – Hunstanton is one of the few places on the east coast of England where the sun can be seen setting over the sea.
Rest at: Seeing as it’s a circular walk, you’ll end up at The Golden Lion Hotel, where the on-site pub the Lion Inn, with its large beer garden, pulls a refreshing pint.
BLAKENEY CIRCULAR WALK
The route: This is an exceptionally pretty coastal walk around the village of Blakeney. Start in the public car park before heading through the village, picking up a coffee at Buoy Coffee House en route. You’ll walk past the pretty harbour before picking up the waymarked Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path, following it west towards Morston. As you go, look out for bearded tits, marsh harriers and avocets – you may even spot a seal or two. You’ll head back to Morston Downs before turning south to climb along Blakeney Downs to Kettle Hill, over Wiveton Downs. Cross the River Glaven into Cley-next-the-Sea and then follow the coast path back to Blakeney.
Length: 9 miles
Don’t miss: A potter around Cley – stock up with treats at deli Picnic Fayre, browse Made in Cley pottery, Pinkfoot Gallery and the Barn at Artemis and make sure you get a photo of the 19th century windmill.
Rest at: It has to be the Blakeney Hotel for afternoon tea in the first-floor Lookout lounge, with its huge glass window overlooking the salt marsh towards Blakeney Point.
WELLS QUAYSIDE
The route: This is an accessible route that takes you from the charming harbour town of Wells-next-the-Sea to the beach and back. Start out at the harbour with its bobbing fishing boats, before heading to the Coast Path on the seawall in the direction of the beach – it’s a smooth tarmac footway, and there is regular seating provision offering great coastal views. As you get to the beach, there is both a ramp and steps with handrails both leading to accessible toilets and the excellent Wells Beach Café. If you like, you can contine on the Path towards the Holkham Estate though the track does become a little more difficult for some.
Length: 1 mile each way
Don’t miss: The Lifeboat Horse at Wells… made from steel bars and whiskey barrels, the statue, created by artist Rachael Long, is a tribute to the horses that once pulled the town’s lifeboat. You’ll see it on the harbour sand, where it’s fully visible at low tide and partly submerged at high tide.
Rest at: Fresh fish and chips are best eaten overlooking the harbour (just mind those cheeky seagulls). Choose from Platten’s or French’s, both of which you’ll find on the quayside.
BURNHAM OVERY STAITHE CIRCULAR WALK
The route: Start in the pretty coastal village of Burnham Overy Staithe, which lies on the North Norfolk coast between Holkham and Burnham Norton. There’s a carpark in the harbour (make sure you check the tides as you don’t want your car to be sumerged) – and you can get a boat from here to Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve. The trail will take you along the wildlife-rich Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, through nature reserves and fields, past the Norman tower of Burnham Overy’s Church of St Clement, and back onto the coast path to Burnham Overy Staithe.
Length: 4 miles
Don’t miss: Burnham Overy Tower Mill, which was last used as a corn mill in 1914 and now belongs to the National Trust.
Rest at: The Hero in Burnham Overy Staithe is a relaxed, dog-friendly pub. In winter, sit by the crackling wood burner and order a steaming bowl of Hero Fish Stew or the generous roast. There are tables outside for drinks in the sunshine. Talking of dogs, make sure to take a look at our dog friendly cottages in Norfolk so your entire family can enjoy these amazing walks too.
SHERINGHAM TO CROMER
The route: With its independent coffee shops, quirky street art and tiny lifeboat museum, it’s tempting to linger in the seaside resort of Sheringham. But walk you must, so leave the town and head over the top of the Beeston Bump (part of Cromer Ridge, a range of hills left behind from the Ice Age). Take your binos as you might well spot skuas, gannets and shearwaters over the North Sea, as well as porpoises in it. As you follow the cliff path, you’ll pass West Runton Cliffs, where the famous West Runton Elephant was discovered in 1990. Follow the sea wall and promenade to Cromer Pier, where the walk ends.
Length: 4.5 miles
Don’t miss: Spend some time on Cromer Pier. As well as being home to a theatre and the only end-of-the-pier show in the country, there’s also a working lifeboat station that’s fascinating. And do visit the Henry Blogg Museum, which celebrates the most decorated lifeboatman in RNLI history.
Rest at: A good hearty walk deserves cocktails so make buzzing cafe-meets-bar The Gangway, in the heart of town, your final stop. Will it be the Pineapple Maverick or the Passionfruit Martini?
THORNHAM CIRCULAR WALK
The route: Described as a “pretty coastal walk from the village of Thornham”, this route blends rolling countryside with salt marshes – and of course Holme Dunes. You’ll go through Thornham (passing the deli – perfect for sustenance) before taking the path towards Holme. Pine woods and a sweeping beach follow; Holme Dunes is a NWT reserve and its habitats support every manner of wildlife from natterjack toads, butterflies and dragonflies to lots of interesting species of plants. You’ll return to the Norfolk Coast Path, past the Old Harbour and Coal store, before eventually ending up in Thornham village again.
Length: 5 miles
Don’t miss: Look out for Seahenge. This extraordinary site is a 4000-year-old early Bronze Age monument (only unearthed in 1998) that consists of an upturned oak tree root surrounded by a timber circle has been described as one of the most “enthralling archaeological discoveries of our time”.
Rest at: Thornham is home to excellent pubs that come packed with character and charm. There’s the storied Lifeboat Inn and The Orange Tree, which serves the likes of Truffle Linguine, Brancaster Mussels and Rib-Eye to hungry walkers and bird watchers.
Now you have walking routes plotted take a look at our luxury Norfolk holiday cottages to find the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
For more information about walking trails around North Norfolk, visit norfolk.gov.uk
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