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Walking in Norfolk

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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.

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Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path

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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.

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 routes are listed below, with links to the 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!

A gentle stroll

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!

Or if you're in Norwich, why not try one of the Norwich Trails - a new series of historic walking trail booklets covering various geographic areas and themes relating to the city‘s past, to help you explore Norwich‘s outstanding heritage by foot.

Visit the HEART (Heritage Economic & Regeneration Trust) website to download leaflets and maps for the Elm Hill and Timberhill areas, or pick up at the Norwich TIC in the Forum.

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.

Something for everyone in Norfolk...

Or 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?

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.

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