Top 8 walks in Norfolk

Our top 8 coastal and countryside walks in Norfolk

If pretty countryside ambles or relaxing beach walks are your jam then here are our top 8 walking routes in Norfolk.

Skelding Hill, Sheringham

Kicking off with one of our absolute favourites, is the walk from Sheringham boating pond along the cliff tops to Weybourne windmill. This walk is known as Skelding Hill and skirts Sheringham’s links golf course before heading down to the pebbled beach which both Sheringham and Weybourne are known for. Hit the time right and you will be walking right into the marvellous sunsets which North Norfolk regularly enjoys.

Go for a walk in Holt

Holt County Park is particularly great in the winter as you can choose to spend all your time under the 100 acres of mixed woodland, in particular Scots Pine and native broadleaves. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife which are great to enjoy looking for with the littlest members of the family. Owned and managed by North Norfolk District Council, Holt Country Park was awarded the Green Flag which is a scheme that recognises and rewards the very best green spaces around the country. Most walks are circular and easy going (although some may be muddier than others) and all leave from the car park.

Top 8 walks in Norfolk

Have you ever heard of Marriott’s Way?

Marriott’s Way is another firm favourite with tourists and residents alike. It is a 26-mile footpath, bridleway and cycle route, which follows the routes of two disused railway lines, and runs between the historic market town of Aylsham and the mediaeval city of Norwich. Characterised by wide, flat paths Marriott’s Way is suitable for prams, wheelchairs, a gentle bike ride, horses, and dogs – making it an ideal walk away from muddy, hilly terrain. If you’re considering a day along Marriott’s Way we highly recommend checking out the dedicated website which offers routes, guidance and inspiration.

Make sure you check out The Norfolk Coast path

Brancaster Staithe Circular Walk is always a good’un at any time of year, but head there during the off-peak tourist season and you can really enjoy nature and the salt marshes without any disturbances. The walk is a mixture of marshes, woodland and incredible views – perfect for anyone looking for a walk along the Norfolk coast. Bird watching, wildlife observing, boat spotting, paddle boarding, yoga practising – this stretch of land is enjoyed by many and for many different reasons.

Head inland for some Norfolk countryside

Blickling Hall is not only steeped in history, but it’s also home to some lovely walks and weekly park runs. The paths at Blickling are a little rougher than the likes of Marriott’s Way so it’s not recommended for prams and wheelchairs (that said, we’ve always been fine with our buggy). There are many walks to choose from, some which take in towers and Mausoleums and others which skim lakes and provide great views of the Hall from all angles.

Why you shouldn’t forget about Peddars Way

If you’re after a longer walk then why not experience Peddars Way, a 49-mile route which follows a Roman road between Knettishall Heath Country Park and Holme-next-the-Sea. Highlights along the route include beautiful medieval ports, quaint fishing villages, medieval churches and gastro pubs serving fresh seafood – an ideal way to sample the local cuisine. The countryside is ever-changing along Peddars Way, there is approximately 1 village every 11.5 miles along the pathway making it a wonderfully isolating time; time to think, time to switch off and time to be at one with nature.

Go crazy at Thetford Forest

We could hardly miss Thetford Forest as there are so many walks, activities and things to do within the 18,730 hectares of the UK’s largest man-made lowland forest. Pines, heathland and broadleaves provide the ideal setting for a great day out, perhaps head to the High Lodge Visitor Centre which is a hub of tourist activity with a café, adventure playground, Go-Ape course nearby, and information.

Staying in a holiday home near Sandringham?

At Norfolk Cottage Agency we love a woodland walk (can you tell!) so we’re going to end with the hugely popular royal parkland at Sandringham Estate in West Norfolk. For the full experience, we recommend parking at one of the main car parks and exploring the 243 hectares of evergreen and deciduous trees which are home to many animals, birds and plants. The estate is hugely dog and family-friendly and boasts a brand-new playground which is located near the courtyard which houses a terrace café, picnic benches, a restaurant and an estate shop.

If you’re staying in the area we highly recommend undertaking at least one of these walks. For more information or ideas for things to do, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Hugs,

the Norfolk Cottage Agency team

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