Shipdham walks

A 13 mile walk through the Norfolk countryside following the Wensum Way

Opened in 2012, the Wensum Way was the connecting link between the Nar Valley Way and The Marriott's Way to enable a Cross Norfolk Trail from Kings Lynn to Great Yarmouth. The name of the trail is taken from the River Wensum which it follows from Swanton Morley through to Lenwade. This is a picturesque ramble through the Norfolk countryside.

A lovely walk along rural footpaths and lanes, starting at the village of Weston Longville, taking in the village of Lyng and Sparham Pools Nature Reserve before returning to Weston Longville.

This short walk starts from Booton and goes onto Marriotts Way and via Whitwell Station, with a final short downhill stretch back to Booton. This is a wheelchair-friendly route.

A walk along the Nar Valley Way from Narborough to Dereham.
This route is full of historic features including ruins of priories and castles as well as magnificent halls and watermills. The walk provides a varied landscape with woodland trails, riverside paths and saunters across open fields of this pleasant Norfolk countryside. Although a lengthy section of the Nar Valley Way there is plenty of time to accomplish the feat with late buses linking the two ends.

A simple walk alongside the River Wensum through Norwich.
This picturesque walk through the centre of Norwich links the Marriott's Way at Barn Road roundabout on the inner ring road with The Wherryman's Way and Boudicca Way at Norwich Railway Station. There is a lot of history to the bridges over the River Wensom and associated folklore which is detailed in the features to this walk.

A walk roughly following Norfolk's Boudicca Way. This walk uses the Boudicca Way to navigate from Norwich to Shotesham, with an excursion away from the official route to the ruins of the Roman town Venta Icenorum. Shotesham forms the furthermost reaches of the Boudicca Way on this route, from where country lanes cuts across the country to the A140 where there is a frequent bus service back into Norwich.

A walk linking Norwich and Wymondham. Kett's Oak is a tree that folklore states was the meeting place for what was to become Kett's Rebellion in the year of 1549. The ageing tree still stands forlorn by the roadside, passed by 1000's of motorists each day, no doubt most of whom are oblivious to this piece of roadside history. This walk seeks to pay homage to Robert Kett by returning to his tree, and researching into the whys and wherefores of the infamous rebellion which followed.

A walk along Norfolk's Tas Valley Way. Probably one of the least known long-distance paths in Norfolk, the Tas Valley Way links Norwich and Attleborough following the River Tas. This first section navigates through to Mulbarton, then onto Flordon before going off route to Tasburgh where there is a pub and public transport back to Norwich.

A walk along Norfolk's Wherryman's Way. This is a delightful riverside walk following the River Yare out of Norwich and through to Rockland St Mary. Public transport can link the start and end by navigating down quiet country lanes to Thurton. Whitlingham Country Park provides an easy route to start and there's refreshment stops at Woods End and the Ferry Inn at Surlingham.

A walk along Norfolk's Bure Valley Path between Aylsham and Wroxham.
The Bure Valley Path follows the former Great Eastern Railway trackbed alongside the Bure Valley Narrow Gauge Railway. There are outstanding views of the river Bure and stops on route at Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall. Being a former trackbed gives a well drained path so the route is suitable for all weathers.

Very quiet lanes with cafe en route. Lovely countryside with rose fields and a number of interesting churches.

This Norfolf walk visits a number of villages with pretty cottages and interesting churches lying to the south-west of Norwich. The route uses quiet country lanes, field paths and ends with a section of the Boudicca Way long distance footpath.

A stroll along the southern side of the River Bure to the ancient hamlet of Heggatt.
This short walk takes one through country lanes and along old tracks and footpaths on the southern side of the River Bure. Highlights include the ruins of Horstead Mill and views across the valley to Coltishall and Belaugh. Plus a walk would not be complete without a little piece of folklore, and this one is all about a prophesy centered around a tree on Heggatt Common.

An easy and captivating walk along Norfolks River Bure.
Not only does this walk provide some classic Norfolk scenery and historic features but it also traces the route said to be taken by the phantom carriage of Sir Thomas Boleyn in his annual act of penance for betraying his daughter Anne when she was sentenced to be executed. The walk is then made into a circular route by returning via the Bure Valley Path alongside the narrow gauge Bure Valley railway.

A circular walk using footpaths and bridleways through the attractive Norfolk countryside between Holt Country Park and the Mannington Estate. This trail takes in woodland, open countryside, lanes, and even a stream which one has to jump across to provide a variety of landscapes.

A walk around the Salthouse Sculpture Trail.
Inaugurated in 2008 by The North Norfolk Exhibition Projects, this trail across Kelling and Salthouse heaths was set out to exhibit both the natural beauty of North Norfolk alongside examples of contemporary Norfolk art. Although most of the sculptures have now gone, the walk nonetheless provides a peaceful route around this part of the county.

A walk following the Poppy Heritage Steam Railway Line between Holt and Sheringham.
An easy ramble roughly following the Poppy Line from Holt to Sheringham. The varied landscape that this route navigated is heathland, woodland and coast with the ever-present steam railway always in range either audibly or physically. A great way to see the engines in full steam with a return being hauled back on this iconic railway. The best place to watch the engines close up is the level crossing on Kelling Heath where the steam engines require a full head of steam to get their loads up the incline from Weybourne.

A circular walk from Wells-next-the-sea taking in Burnham Thorpe, Burnham Market and Burnham Norton.
This full days walk has everything to offer the adventurous rambler. There is a wander through the stately grounds of Holkham Hall in order to reach the humble church at Burnham Thorpe with its tributes to Norfolk's most famous son, Lord Nelson who was born and grew up in the area. Country lanes lead down to Burnham Market and the church of the old parish of Burnham Ulph. Heading down to the coast there is the church of Burnham Norton with its resplendent medieval paintings. The ramble returns along the vast expansive beaches in front of Holkham.

A walk following the North Norfolk Coast Path between Wells-next-the-Sea and Burnham Overy Staithe.
This amble includes some magnificent beach walking along the sands in front of the Holkham National Nature Reserve. Acres upon acres of golden sand when the tide is out with big skies and thousands upon thousands of razor shells which are washed up on the high tide mark. The walk ends at Burnham Overy Staithe, the quiet hamlet which is said to be where Nelson learnt to row and sail.

This Norfolk walk starts from the attractive village of Burnham Market and continues via Burnham Overy Staithe and Burnham Overy Town. There is much of interest along the route including two fine churches.

A walk following the Norfolk Coast Path between Cley and Wells-next-the-Sea.
An easy walk along the Norfolk Coast Path navigating out across the marshes to Blakeney then along the marsh perimeter to Wells. Blakeney is a worthy stopping point to explore Mariners Hill and the Guildhall and take in the legends of the Blakeney tunnels and the tragic story of the Blakeney Fiddler who is depicted on the village sign.

A circular walk along the North Norfolk Coast between Holkham and Wells-next-the-sea.
An alternative to the North Norfolk Coast Path, which follows the landward side of the large belt of pine trees known as Holkham Pines, is to walk along the glorious sandy Holkham beach. This was such a well worth experience with acres upon acres of sandy beach and dunes. With clear blue skies and a little sunshine this makes for a superb walk at any time of the year. The Albatros, a sailing ship that is permanently moored at Wells Quay provides some fine and simple lunches including fresh mussels which provide a fitting half way point to this walk. The return uses the tracks around the Holkham estate taking in views of the hall, the lake and obelisk.

A walk taking in the Wiveton Downs as an alternative to the coastal route between Cley and Blakeney.
An alternative route to the Norfolk Coast Path between Cley and Blakeney taking in the high ground across Wiveton Downs. Spectacular views of the coastline can be had from this area and the route also includes the Shell Museum at Glandford and the dominating church at Cley

This short walk explores some of the features of Holkham Park and provides an opportunity to see the large Hall built by the Earl of Leicester in the 18th century. If you are lucky you will also see the large herds of deer that graze in the park. Toilets and cafés are open in Holkham village on most days of the year.

A walk around the Suffolk villages of Eye and Hoxne.
Hoxne is said to be where St Edmund was Martyred by the Viking invaders in the 9th century. The village is full of reminders of the gruesome event including the cross which marks the place of the oak tree his assailants tied him to, beat him, fired arrows at and eventually beheaded and the bridge he reputedly hid trying to escape his captors.

An easy walk along the Norfolk coast that includes Cley next the Sea and Salthouse. The route uses a section of the Norfolk Coast Path. In season there are many oportunutites to see extensive bird life.

A walk following the North Norfolk Coast Path between Burnham Overy Staithe to Brancaster.
Wide open areas of marshland provide an enticing setting for this easy walk. Sailing boats, marsh, a tidal pool and the site of a Roman fort provide plenty of interest, together with three pubs, what more could one ask for of an afternoons stroll.

An alternative route for the North Norfolk Coast Path between Sheringham and Cley.
This walk takes diversions from the official route of the North Norfolk Coast Path via the North Norfolk Railway and the Weybourne Priory Ruins. A further alternative is then used to navigate away from the strenuous shingle walk along the coast to a more gentle amble up to the village of Salthouse and across the hills to Cley. This provides a scenic and interesting alternative to the official route of the North Norfolk Coast Path and gives some spectacular views across the marshes from the hillside between Salthouse and Cley.

This Norfolk walk visits the beach and lagoons on the western coast of the county overlooking the Wash. Don't forget to take your binoculars to watch the extensive bird life.

A walk out to Brancaster Beach returning across the marsh to Titchwell.
Although not included in the official Norfolk Coast Path route, this simple walk is a well worth excursion to witness the expanse of sand and dune as well as a petrified forest and an old wreck. Always be mindful of tide conditions and particularly do not attempt to get across to the wreck which lies across the Harbour channel.

A walk between East Runton and Sheringham in Norfolk, searching out a couple of good pubs and following Beeston Beck across Beeston Common.
This picturesque trail follows the foot of Inkleborough Hill to West Runton then navigates down to the northern end of Beeston Back Common where it follows the stream known as Beeston Beck down into Sheringham, past the site of an old watermill, now replaced by terraces of housing. Return is via West Runton with a stop at the Village Inn.

A walk between East Runton and Cromer searching out old folklore.
Using country lanes and tracks, this circular trail navigates around East Runton to visit the various locations in Runtons history and folklore. Woodhill House is the location of an unidentified skeleton found during road widening. Thains Lane has the village's old smithy. The old Windmill sets the scene for the emanation of ghostly lights that cross over to a copse. With a pub stop at Cromer and return via the redefined course of the Norfolk Coast Path, this makes for an excellent short walk on a spooky Autumn evening.

This short circular walk takes in the promenade, pier and town centre with the church of St Peter and St Paul at the end.

A walk along the original route of the Norfolk Coast Path between Cromer and Sheringham.
Up until December 2014 the official route of the Norfolk Coast Path from its start at Cromer Pier through to Sheringham navigated inland along the hills of the Cromer Ridge, the highest ground in Norfolk. This original route can still be walked and contrasts with the cliff-top route of the realigned path which is now part of the England Coast Path. With shady lanes and tracks through the woodland, spectacular views from the summit of Beacon Hill and the challenging ascent to the iconic Beeston Bump, this walk is a worthwhile excursion from the coastal route.

A walk along Norfolk's Paston Way from Cromer to Gunton.
The Paston Way has a few alternative paths that stray from its main route between North Walsham and Cromer, and this walk takes the optional route out to Gunton from where a train can be taken back to Cromer. There are some worthy country pubs along this simple walk so a good old English pub crawl can also be had along with taking in the sights of the impressive churches at Northrepps and Southrepps plus local tales of wartime German conspiracies!

The Norfolk Coast Path provides excellent walking and this linear route is easy to follow. Return to the start uses the excellent "Coast Hopper" bus service along the main road. The landscape is varied and in season you will have the opportunity to see a variety of sea birds.