Walking on Waxham Beach, Norfolk (c) Britainonview / Rod Edwards

Walking in Norfolk

Norfolk can boast coast, country, fen and forest walking, so with the exception of mountains, we can offer you pretty much everything here! Pull on your walking boots and get out to explore. Enjoy tramping through golden leaves and russet woodlands in the autumn, or take a brisk walk past crisp hedgerows in the crackling frosty winter. And spring and summer are spectacular with colourful wild flowers such as our famous Norfolk poppies and sun-washed sandy beaches.

Jump to: Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path // Long distance walks // Shorter Walks // Access for all // Areas of Norfolk // Autumn Walks

Peddar's Way fingerpost (c) Norfolk Tourism

Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path

If you're up to some long distance walking in Norfolk, we can certainly oblige. Try the ancient Peddars Way which links to the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail - 93 miles along a distinctive Roman road from Knettishall Heath Country Park through to Holme-next-the-Sea, and then following wide sandy beaches to Cromer pier.

The complete route passes through some of the most diverse and beautiful countryside in Britain, from the mysterious landscape of the Brecks to wild and magnificent marshes and crumbling cliffs of North Norfolk.

There are lots of places where you can start walking and plenty of pubs, tearooms, guest houses and campsites en route where you can stop for a well deserved break. Along the way you will be tempted by a variety of attractions from museums and galleries to family adventure parks and nature reserves.

You can find out more about the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path on the National Trail website.

Walking one of the long distance routes in Norfolk (c) Norfolk Tourism

Long distance walks

Throughout Norfolk there are trails and routes which will challenge, delight and inspire you. Ranging in length from 9 to 78 miles you can choose a route which suits your energy level and experience and takes you through the type of countryside you enjoy the most. Some of the main routes are listed below, but please also visit Norfolk County Council's Countryside Access website for more information.

Boudica's Way is a 40 mile route linking Norwich and Diss in the south of Norfolk. The long distance path is named after the legendary queen of the Iceni tribe and incorporates a strong historic theme.

The Nar Valley Way is a 34 mile walk, running from the historic port of King's Lynn to the Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse near East Dereham, and is contained almost entirely within the watershed of the River Nar. The route follows Public Rights of Way, tracks and minor roads, and also links with other long distance routes, the Wash Coast Path at King's Lynn, and the Peddars' Way at Castle Acre.

Other long distance paths to explore in Norfolk include the Angles' Way which links the Brecks to the Broads, and runs 77 miles from Knettishall Heath to Great Yarmouth; the Fen Rivers Way, from King's Lynn to Ely; the Wherryman's Way (35 miles following the course of the River Yare between Norwich and Great Yarmouth), and the Weavers Way (61 miles), from Cromer to Great Yarmouth. There is also the Marriott's Way (21 miles along the old railway line from Norwich to Aylsham) and the Bure Valley Path, which is just nine miles long following the old railway line from Aylsham to Wroxham.

Many routes are accessible to people with restricted mobility so it's an ideal opportunity to get out and explore. And you can break up the journey by staying in a welcoming B&B where your host will fortify you with a hearty breakfast, a relaxing bath and a comfortable bed for a perfect deep night's sleep! Many accommodation providers now have the Welcome Walkers award which means that they cater for walkers with facilities such as a room to dry off boots & jackets, maps available and much more.

Find accommodation in Norfolk with the Welcome Walkers award

Boudicca Way - Norwich to Diss

The Boudicca Way is a long distance footpath which runs for approximately 36 miles between Diss and Norwich. The Way is named after the legendary warrior Queen of the Iceni, whose tribes once inhabited the area, and passes through the beautiful, unspoilt rural countryside of South Norfolk and the Waveney Valley.

The area has a strong heritage, passing by Venta Icenorum Roman Town, the hill fort site at Tasburgh, and what is believed to be the site of a Roman Villa at Tivetshall St Mary. A great place to go walking, cycling, bird watching or exploring in beautiful, unspoilt South Norfolk countryside.

Available: PDF leaflet

Shorter walks

If that's a little too ambitious, why not try a shorter circular walk, that can take in country lanes, bridleways and footpaths. They are perfect for inexperienced walkers and a great way to experience the Norfolk countryside close up. You can choose the type of countryside which appeals to you, whether that is marshland, fens, rivers or heath and select a village as a starting point. You can find out more about circular walks from the Norfolk County Council Countryside Access website.

You can also find out more about the Health, Heritage and Biodiversity Walks. Explore Norfolk's market towns, villages and surrounding countryside and at the same time increase your physical activity!

There are also two Railway Rambles booklets on walks from the Wherry and Bittern Lines. The walks have something for everyone, offering the opportunity for walkers to experience the wonderful sights and sounds from the north Norfolk coast to the Norfolk Broads. So leave the car at home, hop on the train and enjoy the beautiful Norfolk countryside whilst helping the environment too! The booklets are available free of charge while stocks last from local railway stations with staffed ticket offices, Tourist Information Centres or by contacting Norfolk County Council on environment@norfolk.gov.uk or 0344 800 8003.

Or if you're in Norwich, why not try one of the Norwich Trails - a new series of historic walking trail booklets from HEART (Heritage Economic & Regeneration Trust) covering various geographic areas and themes relating to the city‘s past, to help you explore Norwich‘s outstanding heritage by foot. You can buy the leaflets and maps for the Cathedral Quarter & Elm Hill, Timberhill, Wensum River Parkway and Norwich Lanes areas from Norwich TIC in the Forum, Jarrolds or Colman's Mustard Shop & Museum.

Lynford Arboretum (c) Impbat - http://www.flickr.com/photos/impbat/

Access for All

Many of the walking routes in Norfolk are accessible for people with restricted mobility. The Brecks Countryside Project (see the Leaflets section on their website) has produced guides to routes including Lynford Arboretum and Stow Bedon and Thompson Commons, where you can enjoy the forest, heathland and twisted pines of this stunning landscape. The Norfolk Coast Access Project produced an Easy Access Guide for sites along the Norfolk Coast. Please see their website for more details.

Some of the Circular Walks on the Countryside Access website show detailed route information (including stiles, gates and bridges) to help you decide if the walk is suitable for you.

Couple walking in Norfolk (c) Waveney River Centre

Areas of Norfolk

If you fancy walking in Norfolk alongside water, head to the beautiful Norfolk Broads or our endless rivers and far-reaching fens. You can ramble by riverside nature reserves and saunter past sun-lit moorings and creaking windmills or crumbling ancient ruins. Or experience the mysterious Fens - an area of dykes, drains, ditches, rivers and remote villages with its own distinctive beauty.

Many of the paths and trails are in the heart of Norfolk - Broadland - and take you through a wide range of habitats including woodland, parkland, marshland, broads and heaths. Why not download the Walking & Cycling in Broadland leaflet and discover more? Or try out one of the 11 circular ones in Out & About in Broadland? You can also discover the Bure Valley Path in a new leaflet available to download.

And if you're in the South Norfolk area, then you've got plenty to choose from, including Boudica's Way (running 40 miles from Norwich to Diss), part of the Angles' Way, the Tas Valley Way (25 miles, from Eaton to Attleborough), Kett's Country and the Tiffey Valley trail. For more information on these routes, and to download walks for many South Norfolk parishes, visit the South Norfolk Council website.

Many areas offer guided walks so you can learn more about the history or wildlife as you ramble on by. Or, if you're feeling brave, you can even try one of our ghost walks...!

And finally, we can't talk about walking in Norfolk without mentioning Thetford Forest. With miles and miles of waymarked trails though Britain's largest lowland pine forest, everyone can come along and learn more about our plants and wildlife or take part in the special events and activities that are run from the visitor centre. Feel that rugged bark, enjoy the cool shade on a hot summer's day, and keep an eye out for the creepy crawlies!

Norfolk is a wonderful place for walking.

Felbrigg in the Autumn (c) J C Papworth - www.joolsnorfolkimages.co.uk

Autumn Colours and Walks

Norfolk is a beautiful place to ramble anytime of the year, but October and November in particular are great months to get out in the fresh air, enjoy the beautiful autumn colours and go for a walk in the Norfolk countryside or visit a garden.

The Plantation Garden in Norwich is a perfect place to explore, or go for a stroll on the Norwich Riverside Walk. Take in one of the circular walks on the Norwich to Great Yarmouth Wherryman's Way or walk The Marriott's Way near Reepham. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden and The National Trust's Blickling Park are renowned for their autumn colours, as is The Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Foxley Wood. Lovers of sea air should explore the Norfolk Coast Path, with the help of the Coasthopper Bus, and enjoy the glories of Holkham Park on the way.

Discover January walks. Image River Bure at Brampton (c) J C Papworth - www.joolsnorfolkimages.co.uk

Out and About in January

January is a wonderful time to get out and about in the beautiful Norfolk coast and countryside.

Go to WWT Welney or Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and enjoy the winter floodlit feeds, or check out a wader spectacular or the pink-footed geese at RSPB Snettisham.

Take the Bittern Line from Norwich to Sheringham, hop off at a station and do a Railway Ramble, or explore one of the circular walks on the Norwich to Great Yarmouth Wherryman's Way. Then walk part of the Norfolk Coast Path, with the help of the Coasthopper Bus.