North Norfolk’s paths and trails are perfect to enjoy all year round. From the Norfolk Coast Path and Peddars Way to quiet village lanes and nature‑reserve boardwalks, there are routes for every pace and season. Wide skies, salt marshes, dunes and woods make every walk a chance to see changing landscapes, wildlife and coastal light, whatever the weather.
Walking Trails (All Seasons)
Norfolk Coast Path (84 miles)
The Norfolk Coast Path is an 84‑mile National Trail running along Norfolk’s dramatic coastline from Hunstanton to Hopton‑on‑Sea, through beaches, marshes, woodlands and classic seaside towns. It forms part of the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail and now connects with the King Charles III England Coast Path, opening up the entire Norfolk coast to walkers.
URL: https://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com/see-and-do/norfolk-coast-path-national-trail-p1526651
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Trail type: National Trail, long‑distance coastal walking route.
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Total length: 84 miles (approx.).
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Terrain & character: Mix of wide sandy beaches, tidal salt marshes, shingle, pine woodland and cliff‑top paths, with big skies and exposed coastal sections.
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Named after: Follows the Norfolk coastline (not named after a person).
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Route: Hunstanton to Hopton‑on‑Sea, including the 42‑mile section Hunstanton–Cromer through the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Start: Hunstanton (western end).
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Finish: Hopton‑on‑Sea (eastern end).
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Main access points: Hunstanton, Brancaster Staithe, Burnham Deepdale, Burnham Overy Staithe, Wells‑next‑the‑Sea, Morston Quay, Blakeney, Cley‑next‑the‑Sea, Weybourne, Sheringham, Cromer, Overstrand, Mundesley, Happisburgh, Sea Palling; rail at Cromer and Sheringham; Coasthopper and other local buses.
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Typical duration: Commonly walked in sections over several days; whole trail often planned as a week‑plus holiday (no fixed official duration).
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Best times of year: Year‑round; winter notable for huge flocks of pink‑footed geese and dramatic skies, summer for easier walking and long days.
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Users: Primarily walkers, with public transport links enabling linear day walks.
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Maps: Norfolk Trails interactive map; overview map and Google Trekker view available via route website.
Marriott's Way (26 miles)
Marriott’s Way is a 26‑mile, largely traffic‑free trail for walking, cycling and horse riding, following two disused railway lines between Norwich and Aylsham through quiet countryside and villages. The route is a designated county wildlife site, with rich habitats, artwork, and historic railway features along the way.
URL: https://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com/see-and-do/marriotts-way-walking-route-p1528281
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Trail type: Off‑road multi‑use route (walking, cycling, bridleway).
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Total length: 26 miles (approx.).
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Terrain & character: Mostly level, traffic‑free path on former railway track‑bed, through river valleys, farmland, woodland and villages; tranquil and sheltered in many sections.
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Named after: William Marriott, chief engineer and manager of the Midland & Great Northern Railway.
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Route: Norwich to Aylsham, following two disused railway lines via Reepham.
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Start: Norwich – entrance near Barn Road/Barker Street roundabout on the inner ring road.
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Finish: Aylsham – entrance on Norwich Road, opposite the Bure Valley Railway station.
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Main access points: Norwich (Barn Road/Barker Street), Aylsham (Norwich Road), plus multiple village and road‑junction access points along the route.
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Typical duration: 1–3 days depending on whether walked or cycled and how it is broken into stages.
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Best times of year: Year‑round; particularly pleasant in spring and summer for wildlife and greenery.
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Users: Walkers, cyclists and horse riders (bridleway).
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Maps: OS Explorer OL40 and 252; OS Landranger 133 and 134.
Peddars Way (46 miles)
Peddars Way is a 46‑mile National Trail following an ancient route and former Roman road from Knettishall Heath in Suffolk to the north Norfolk coast near Hunstanton. It passes through forests, heaths and low river valleys before joining the Norfolk Coast Path to form one continuous long‑distance trail.
URL: https://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com/see-and-do/peddars-way-national-trail-walking-route-p1524751
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Trail type: National Trail, long‑distance walking route with some multi‑use sections.
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Total length: 46 miles (approx.).
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Terrain & character: Follows an ancient track and Roman road through Brecks forest, heathland and low river valleys, becoming more coastal towards Hunstanton; generally firm, straightforward walking.
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Named after: “Peddars Way” likely from Latin “pedester” meaning “on foot,” reflecting its history as a walking route rather than a personal name.
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Route: Knettishall Heath in Suffolk northwards to the north Norfolk coast near Hunstanton, where it meets the Norfolk Coast Path.
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Start: Knettishall Heath, Suffolk.
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Finish: Near Hunstanton on the north Norfolk coast, linking into the Norfolk Coast Path.
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Main access points: Knettishall Heath and various villages and road crossings along the Brecks and through north Norfolk (local access points not individually listed on the summary).
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Typical duration: Around eight days to walk the combined Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path; Peddars Way alone often planned as a 3–4 day walk.
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Best times of year: Walkable year‑round; summer for better weather and blossom, spring and autumn for bird migration, winter for atmospheric coastal sections when combined with the coast path.
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Users: Primarily walkers; much of the route also available to cyclists, with a special route for horse riders.
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Maps: Overview map and interactive map via National Trail/Norfolk Trails resources; typically covered by local OS Explorer and Landranger sheets for the Brecks and north Norfolk coast.
Weavers' Way (61 miles)
Weavers’ Way is a 61‑mile walking route linking Cromer on the north Norfolk coast with Great Yarmouth on the east coast, through countryside, Broadland landscapes and historic villages. Its name comes from the area’s former weaving and cloth industry, reflected in grand churches and manor houses along the route.
URL: https://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com/see-and-do/weavers-way-walking-trail-p1526141
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Trail type: Long‑distance walking trail, with some multi‑use sections (cyclists and horse riders).
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Total length: 61 miles (approx.).
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Terrain & character: Undulating but generally gentle walking on field paths, tracks and old railway lines, with riverside and Broadland stretches; a mix of rural quiet and small settlements.
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Named after: The weaving and cloth industry historically important in this part of Norfolk.
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Route: Cromer to Great Yarmouth via Hanworth, Blickling, Aylsham, Acle and Halvergate.
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Start: Cromer pier, north Norfolk coast.
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Finish: Great Yarmouth, east Norfolk coast.
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Main access points: Cromer, Hanworth, Blickling, Aylsham, Acle, Halvergate and other villages and road junctions along the route.
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Typical duration: Usually completed over several days (for example 3–5 days) when walked in stages.
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Best times of year: Year‑round; particularly good in spring and summer for Broads wildlife, greenery and long daylight.
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Users: Primarily walkers; selected stretches suitable for cyclists and horse riders.
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Maps: PDF route guide and Norfolk Trails resources linked from the webpage; covered by local OS Explorer and Landranger maps for north and east Norfolk and the Broads.
Circular Routes
This PDF is a guide to 20 circular routes from 1 to 9 miles on the east Norfolk coast, designed as companion routes to sections of the Norfolk Coast Path and nearby long‑distance trails. It showcases varied landscapes, rich wildlife and local heritage, with routes suitable for everyone from new walkers to experienced ramblers and trail runners.
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Total length: Individual walks range from about 1 to 9 miles; overall coverage spans Weybourne to Burgh Castle and the east Norfolk coast/Broads area.
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Terrain & character: Mix of clifftop paths, shingle and sandy beaches, quiet lanes, farm and cross‑field tracks, woodland paths, reedbeds, boardwalks, riverside and canal towpaths; generally gentle but with some steep sections (e.g. Cromer ridge).
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Named after: Not a single named trail; this is a themed set of “National Trail – 20 Circular Walks (East Norfolk Coast).”
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Route: Each walk is a standalone loop (e.g. Weybourne, Sheringham, West Runton, Roman Camp, Felbrigg, Happy Valley, Overstrand, Trimingham, Southrepps, Trunch, Mundesley, Bacton, Walcott, Happisburgh, Honing Lock, East Ruston, Sea Palling, Winterton, Mautby Marsh, Burgh Castle).
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Start: Varies by walk; typically village car parks, beach car parks or town centres (e.g. Weybourne Beach Lane, Sheringham Esplanade, Cromer Meadow Road, Mundesley TIC, Beach Road car parks at Happisburgh, Winterton and Sea Palling, Bure Park at Great Yarmouth, Burgh Castle car park).
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Finish: Same as start (all circular).
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Main access points: Weybourne, Sheringham, West Runton, Cromer, Overstrand, Trimingham, Southrepps, Trunch, Mundesley, Bacton, Walcott, Happisburgh, East Ruston, Sea Palling, Winterton, Great Yarmouth/Bure Park, Burgh Castle and nearby villages.
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Typical duration: Roughly 25 minutes to 3.5 hours depending on route length (1–9 miles) and pace.
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Best times of year: Year‑round; many routes highlighted for spring and summer flowers and wildlife, with some especially atmospheric in autumn and winter coastal light.
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Users: Primarily walkers; several routes are suitable for trail runners, and sections intersect with multi‑use Norfolk Trails (e.g. Marriott’s Way, Weavers’ Way).
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Maps: Detailed downloadable route maps available at www.norfolktrails.co.uk; coverage on OS Explorer 251, 252 and OL40.
National Trust Properties Year-Round
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens & Estate
Felbrigg is an intimate Jacobean house with richly furnished rooms, a beautiful walled garden and a large wooded estate laced with waymarked walks and lakes. You’d come for house history, formal borders, kitchen garden produce, and relaxed parkland walks that feel very “classic Norfolk country house.
Approx. distance from Riverbank: about 7–8 miles by road (15–20 minutes’ drive).
Seasonal flavour: Snowdrops and early bulbs, spring blossom and fresh greens, full summer borders, autumn colour in the woods; ad‑hoc family trails and outdoor events depending on the year.
Open: Year-round (limited winter hours)
Parking: £5 non-members
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/felbrigg-hall-gardens-and-estate
Blickling Estate
Blickling is a grand showpiece Jacobean mansion in extensive parkland beside the River Bure, with formal gardens, a big lake, woodland and farmland walks. You’d go for impressive architecture, Anne Boleyn connections, riverside and lakeside circuits, bluebells in the woods and big “stately home” atmosphere.
Approx. distance from Riverbank: roughly 9–10 miles by road (around 20 minutes’ drive) via local lanes.
Seasonal flavour: Spring bluebells and woodland flowers, summer lakeside walks, standout autumn colour, and major illuminated Christmas and festive events in November–December.
Open: Varies seasonally; check ahead
Highlights: Festive decorations November–December
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate
Sheringham Park
Sheringham Park is all about landscape: rolling wooded hills, open grassland, long views to the sea and the North Norfolk Railway steaming below. You’d visit for big rhododendron and azalea displays in late spring, waymarked trails of varying lengths, sea‑view gazebos and a very “outdoorsy” feel rather than house‑touring.
Approx. distance from Riverbank: about 11–12 miles by road (20–25 minutes’ drive) towards Sheringham.
Seasonal flavour: Spectacular azaleas/rhododendrons in April–May, butterflies and wildflowers in summer, strong autumn foliage, plus periodic guided walks and family nature events.
Open: Year-round
Best for: Spring flowers (azaleas/rhododendrons April–May), autumn foliage (Sept–Oct)
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheringham-park
Holkham Estate
Holkham combines a grand Palladian hall, deer park and lake with one of England’s finest beaches, pine woods and dune systems. You’d go for the sweeping, cinematic landscapes, the long boardwalk out to Holkham Beach, birdlife on the nature reserve, cycling and walking routes, and occasional big‑ticket events in and around the hall.
Approx. distance from Riverbank: around 18–20 miles by road (about 35–40 minutes’ drive) towards the north coast near Wells‑next‑the‑Sea.
Seasonal flavour: Wide, quiet winter beaches and migrating birds, spring and summer for dunes, wildflowers and family days out, plus food fairs, outdoor cinema/concerts and Christmas at Holkham in late November–December.
Hall: Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays only (March–October); special events November–December
Beach & Nature Reserve: Open year-round; parking £3.60–£13.50
Website: https://www.holkham.co.uk
Cycling Routes
Quiet lanes on the Cromer Ridge (Kelling Heath area): Flat, scenic cycling through countryside
Norfolk Trails: https://www.norfolktrails.org.uk
Over 1,000 miles of cycling routes throughout Norfolk
Booking Recommendations
Summer (July–August): Book restaurants 4–6 weeks ahead; popular hotels book months in advance
Autumn & Spring: More flexibility; book 2–3 weeks ahead
Winter: Christmas/New Year busy; otherwise good availability
Seal trips: Book online in advance; walks-ups possible but not guaranteed
Local Resources
Visit North Norfolk: https://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com (comprehensive local information, what's on calendar, accommodation)
National Trust (Norfolk properties): https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Norfolk Wildlife Trust (Cley Marshes): https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
Coasthopper bus service: Serves the Norfolk Coast Path (Hunstanton to Cromer); ideal for walkers without cars
Practical Essentials
Weather: Layers essential year-round; waterproofs for coastal walks; winter means cold winds
Tide times: Essential for beach planning; check https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather before visiting
Dog-friendly: Most attractions welcome dogs; some beaches have seasonal on-lead restrictions (April–August at Holkham)
Accessibility: Many walks have accessible options; check individual attraction websites
Payment: Most attractions and restaurants accept card; some smaller cafés cash-preferred (always check)
Notes
Facilities, opening times, and restaurant availability may change seasonally. Always:
- Check official websites ahead of visits
- Book restaurants in advance (especially summer)
- Confirm opening times for seasonal attractions
- Download tide tables for beach visits
- Bring layers, waterproofs, and good walking shoes
Phone numbers provided where available; contact via websites for most current information.
