My favourite retreat is the stretch of the old Great Eastern Railway that begins in the market town of Aylsham (market day Monday). Its quiet rural seclusion is a haven for wildlife and passes through open countryside and woodland and the ancient village of Cawston. Start your journey at the car park of the Bure Valley Railway – a narrow gauge steam railway that runs to the Broadland town of Wroxham (the walk commences on the other side of the road to the station – maps available from the Tourist Information Centre based here).

Come in the early morning to catch the spectacular red sunrises of the huge Norfolk skies and watch the patrolling owl and the deer in the meadows. Bring your binoculars to identify the vast array of bird life. Stop awhile at Cawston to take refreshment at the small deli (closed Mondays) and visit the ancient 14 th Century church of St. Agnes with its magnificent Rood screen and double hammer-beam nave roof. The twenty panels of the screen depict the Saints and were painted by Flemish artists in the 15 th Century.

Return to the line at the bridge by Old Cawston station and wander the 3 miles further to Reepham Station Tea Shop, crossing the B1149 at the end of the path and passing under the old railway bridge. Return to the road and visit the picturesque Tudor market place and explore Back Street (market day Wednesday). Quench your thirst at one of the hostelries in the square before your return journey.

The whole round trip is approximately 14 miles and maps are available from Tourist Information Centres. It is suitable for cyclists, walkers and horse riders).

Eileen Lerpiniere

Back to staff focus