The 84 miles of Norfolk Coast Path can be yomped in just a few days or sections can be taken in isolation. Either way, if you’re after fresh air, exercise and stunning scenery this coastline walk from old Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea is for you.
The route, which was opened in 1986, takes walkers through different landscapes and is generally considered to be fairly easy going most of the way.
Passing through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it takes in low cliffs, sand dunes and fresh and salt water marshes. There are also fabulous beaches as well.
Sand dunes in Norfolk – how to protect and enjoy them
It also passes through or nearby a number of attractive towns and picturesque villages, including Hunstanton, Holme-next-the-Sea, Thornham, Titchwell, Brancaster, Burnham Deepdale, Burnham Overy Staithe, Wells-next-the-Sea, Morston, Blakeney, Cley-next-the-Sea, Salthouse, Kelling, Weybourne, Sheringham, Beeston Regis, East Runton, Cromer.
Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, especially beside the marshes, where a wealth of birdlife may be spotted. Around the area of Blakeney, in particular, look out for seals in the water and on the shores. If it’s a clear day you’ll be able to see them on the end of Blakeney Point.
Why Norfolk’s coast is the most dynamic in the UK
Keen walkers will find the Norfolk Coast Path links with the Peddars Way at Holme-next-the-Sea and at Cromer connects to the Weavers Way.
It is worth noting that a Coast Hopper bus service operates along the A149 coast road between Sheringham and King’s Lynn. This enables walkers to enjoy different sections of the path as they choose and to return to their start point easily if necessary.
Explore the north coast of Norfolk
From Cromer, the Coastal Path heads along the cliffs to Overstrand and Mundesley, then down the east coast where the coast becomes low marram-topped dunes. You’ll see lots of sea defences, particularly from Happisburgh down to Horsey – this is an area where coastal erosion is taking its toll and where the sea broke through in the storms of 1953.
After Winterton-on-Sea you’re on to the 15 miles of lovely sandy beaches of the Great Yarmouth area, including Hemsby, California, Caister-on-Sea and Gorleston-on-Sea. Take some time off walking by enjoying the delights of Great Yarmouth’s Golden Mile.
The Coastal Path includes Norfolk’s Deep History Coast and is part of the national England Coast Path.
Explore the east coast of Norfolk
Y is also for Yarmouth – which is on the Isle of Wight. Norfolk’s Yarmouth is GREAT!
