Gentle Norfolk Coast Walk

Whether you’re up with the lark, or prefer to get going after a leisurely breakfast, set off south today with your binoculars down the coast towards the pier and proms of family favourite resort Hunstanton. At St Edmunds Point, the remains of a chapel mark the spot where the future King of East Anglia landed in 855. Head inland through the town to where paths edge the wooded parklands of Hunstanton Hall and you’ll soon be reaching for your binoculars along one of Norfolk’s rare areas of downland – Ringstead Downs Nature Reserve.

Follow the ridge to meet the ancient trading route of the Peddars Way as it leaves the stretch of Roman Road which it joined on its journey up from the iconic Icknield Way on the Suffolk border. On the Peddars Way, the walk in time-honoured footsteps north towards the sea is imbued with a strange sense of significance. Beyond the village of Ringstead, once home to two churches, you’ll pass an historic tower mill, built originally – and unusually for Norfolk – with six sails and six storeys. But it is the coast which is calling – on the sands not far from the village of Holme-next-the-Sea, is the site of two ancient ‘Sea Henges’. Was the Peddars Way once a processional path? What was the significance of it’s the place where it met the sea? Ponder as you wander back along the coast to Old Hunstanton

Overnight: Old Hunstanton

Heading north out along the Norfolk Coast Path, you’re in for a day of some of Norfolk’s most inspiring coastal scenery. Beyond the parish of Holme-next-the-Sea where Sea Henge (now in King’s Lynn Museum) was discovered in the sand, the Holme Dunes Nature Reserve stretch out as you hug the marshes and pass the creeks towards the little village of Thornham. Alongside Brancaster Bay, Titchwell Nature Reserve is a real treat for birdwatchers and best accessed by the Coast Hopper bus services from Thornham. Meanwhile the Norfolk Coast Path diverts inland to rejoin the creeks and marshes at Brancaster, once the site of a Roman fort, before hugging the wetlands towards Brancaster Staithe.

Walk alongside young Horatio Nelson’s early sailing grounds, as you approach the villages near the River Burn where he grew up. Collectively known as ‘The Burnhams’, you’ll find reference to the naval hero everywhere. Walk via Burnham Deepdale, nudge past Burnham Norton and Burnham Overy Town to Burnham Market where you’ll spend your next overnight. Nelson was born slightly further inland at Burnham Thorpe parsonage, but Burnham Market’s galleries and restaurants are top attractions these days. The charming village is so fashionable that it’s often nicknamed ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’.

If you fancy cutting back on the walking miles today to spend more time exploring Nelson’s haunts or the local bird reserves en route, then no problem –there are all sorts of options from short taxi rides to jumping on / off the much-loved Coast Hopper bus at specific points. We are happy to talk you through options and (if agreed in advance) will organise appropriate taxi transfers for you.

Overnight: Burnham Market

Mileage:  Min 9 Max 15

Burnham Overy Staithe is the place to rejoin the Norfolk Coast Path today for a walk through the wonderful Holkham National Nature Reserve and the awe-inspiring, wild, sandy expanse of Holkham Bay. Well worth the detour from Holkham Gap (additional 2.8 miles), a visit to Holkham Hall, the Earl of Leicester’s Palladian style mansion is a must for heritage-lovers as it counts amongst Norfolk’s finest stately homes. Inside the Roman Basilica-style entrance hall by William Kent is hugely impressive, but so too are the fountains and parklands outside.

Finally, the Norfolk Coast Path shelters alongside a pine wood strip to reveal beach huts on stilts by the sandy stretch of coast at Wells-next-the-Sea. From here, it’s ¾ mile to the town and historic quayside, but there’s a miniature railway which follows the beach road inland – jump on board and it will take you almost to your overnight accommodation!

Overnight: Wells-next-the-Sea

Another day to have the binoculars to hand! Set out east on the edge of the wild Warham and Stiffkey salt marshes along the sea wall path and when you reach the creek, quayside village of Morston, why not take a boat trip to watch seals basking on Blakeney Point National Nature Reserve. If you prefer to keep going the last mile or so to destination for the day, Blakeney, seal-watching boat trips are available there too.

A truly historic little port, Blakeney is a village of tiny lanes and a towering church, set on higher ground, a marker to mariners for centuries and reminder of wealthy trading times past. Be sure to visit and see the medieval glass, possibly rescued from nearby Binham Priory or from Blakeney’s own’s own, long-lost Carmelite priory. Its haunting ruins stand on the edge of the marshes and those of the guildhall are close to the quay. Whatever you chose to explore, you’ll be sure to work up an appetite for supper – some superb local seafood or a taste of samphire perhaps

Overnight: Blakeney

Choose to start your walk either from Blakeney today or from Cley-next-the-Sea (with a pre-arranged taxi transfer). Dominated by its iconic five storey tower mill on the edge of the marshes, Cley is a much-loved little village with the occasional artisan shop/ café and beyond it you’ll find the Norfolk Coast Path hugging the shoreline whilst, on the landward side, there’s another nature reserve which attracts millions of wild birds to this part of the county’s coastline. Continue inland, and there’s a chance to encounter the bygone age of steam as you cross the North Norfolk Poppy Line as you head for Sheringham Park, the beautifully maintained National Trust (NT) property.

Local lad and landscape designer, Sir Humphry Repton, created his vision for the park in 1812. Many have since enjoyed its rhododendrons, bluebells, butterflies and birdlife, but stunning views of the coast were a key part of his plan. Save some energy for the 192 steps up the towering gazebo and  you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking vistas across the Norfolk coast and countryside as you look out above the tree canopy. From this high-point, it’s only a short walk to your final night’s accommodation located adjacent to the park in Upper Sheringham.

Overnight: Upper Sheringham

Mileage: Min 9.4 (with taxi transfer at no extra cost) Max 10.6

Depart after breakfast – or if you’d like to savour a little bit more of Sheringham, enjoy a gentle stroll with your binoculars back through the Park or a longer walk to explore the Victorian charm of Sheringham resort – where a steam train ride on North Norfolk Railway could transport you back through the Norfolk countryside to Holt.

To return to Old Hunstanton, you can take advantage of the coastal hopper service or, with notice, we can arrange a taxi transfer back (prices on application).

Alternatively, Sheringham is just a short taxi ride from your accommodation. From here

you can take the nostalgic steam railway to Holt where there are appropriate bus connections to Old Hunstanton.

At Sheringham also has access to the national rail network with services to Norwich and beyond. 

Mileage: Min 0 Max 6