Walking in Norfolk

Walking in Norfolk will bring you breath-taking coastal landscapes, hidden woodland gems and sensational countryside. Whether you enjoy a walk in the summer sunshine, a brisk morning run with the dog, or a winter walk before enjoying a hot chocolate at a nearby cafe; Norfolk has many walks you’ll love. 

Norfolk has ten main walking routes which are all well-maintained and signposted. Along the way you’ll discover plenty of cafes, pubs and tearooms to keep you hydrated in the summer and warm in the winter. The walks are aimed at ranging walking abilities so have a read through the descriptions below and discover what one is for you.

1. Angles Way 

Angles Way is a 93 mile walking trail, from Great Yarmouth to Thetford. Following the Norfolk/Suffolk border, you’ll have the chance to admire both landscapes. Starting at Great Yarmouth, Angles Way follows the Waveney Valley to the source of the River Waveney, passing through the gorgeous open countryside, broad river valleys, beautiful villages and the ancient market towns of Beccles, Bungay, Harleston and Diss. The route then joins the River Little Ouse at Knettishall Heath and changes scenery as it twists through the heathland and woodland of the Suffolk Brecks before finishing in Thetford. During the walk, make sure to look out for Burgh Castle, Fritton Lake, Somerleyton Hall, Oulton Broad and Billingford Windmill.

2. Boudicca Way 

Boudicca Way, running roughly parallel to the old Roman ‘Pye’ Road, is a 36 mile walking trail connecting Norwich and Diss. The trail is named after the legendary warrior and Queen of the Iceni, whose tribe once inhabited the area. Boudicca Way passes through the rural countryside of south Norfolk and the Waveney Valley. The path is gently undulating, and visitors can often find unusual wildlife and plants along the quiet country roads and paths. Along the walk, you will pass through beautiful villages such as Shotesham, Saxlingham Nethergate and Pulham Market. 

3. Marriott’s Way 

Marriott’s Way is a 26 mile footpath, bridleway and cycle path, which follows the routes of two retired railway lines. Marriott’s Way runs between Aylsham and Norwich. The route was named after William Marriott, the chief engineer and manager of the Midland and Great Northern Railway system. Marriott’s Way passes through many wonderful landscapes and wildlife-rich habitats, such as the Wensum river valley and Whitwell Common. Along Marriott’s Way, you may see a variety of birds, animals and plants, including kestrels, owls, hares, deer, butterflies, orchids, primroses, otters and kingfishers. Bring your binoculars and camera along as you never know what beauty you may come across.

Linking with Marriott’s Way at Aylsham is the Bure Valley Path. This is a nine mile long foot and cycle path, running through to Hoveton and Wroxham. The route will guide you through beautiful, picturesque landscapes and some lovely villages too, such as Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall. 

4. Nar Valley Way 

Nar Valley Way is a 33 mile long walking trail, connecting the medieval town of King’s Lynn and the Farm and Workhouse museum in Gressenhall. The route guides you through quiet tracks and lanes, crossing farmland and travelling through woods, meadows and commons. The walking trail runs close to the River Nar and you will enjoy some beautiful riverside landscapes. During the walk, make sure to keep an eye out for Pentney Abbey, Narborough Bone Mill, Narborough Mill, West Acre Priory and the Castle Acre castle remains and Priory. 

5. Norfolk Coast Path 

The Norfolk Coast Path runs for 84 miles from the unique striped cliffs of Hunstanton to the sandy beach of Hopton-on-Sea. A majority of the walking trail runs through the gorgeous landscape of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. When exploring Norfolk via the Norfolk Coast Path, you will experience wonderful seaside towns, beautiful tidal marshes endless sandy beaches, dramatic woodlands and enormous horizons. The Norfolk Coast Paths runs through Burnaham Deepdale, Wells-next-the-sea, Blakeney Point, Cley-next-the-sea, Sheringham, West Runton, Cromer, Happisburgh, Sea Palling, and lots of lovely places in between.

6. Paston Way 

Pastwon Way is a 22 mile walking trail, connecting Cromer and North Walsham. This beautiful walk will enable to discover the area’s most stunning medieval churches, all of which has its own fascinating history. In order to visit all 14 churches, the trail covers a total area of 29.5 miles. To show you every church, the trail guides you down quiet lanes, through gorgeous towns and villages, across vast fields, retired railway lines and lovely meadows with views of the North Sea. A few of the churches you will visit include the old church of St Michael’s at Sidestrand, Northrepps St Mary the Virgin church at Northrepps, St John the Baptist’s Head at Trimingham, the church of All Saints’ at Gimingham, Church of St Andrew at Bacton and the trail ends in the market place next to St Nicholas Church in North Walsham.

7. Peddars Way 

Peddars Way is a 46 mile walking trail which connects Knettishall Heath and Holme-next-the-sea. Peddars Way follows a Roman road built along the line of an even older trackway. The trail starts in the Brecks, a beautiful area of forest, heath and low river valleys. The trail runs north from Knettishall Heath in Suffolk, passing through varying countryside up to the north Norfolk coast, near Hunstanton. When combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, which is one of the 15 National Trails in England and Wales. The Norfolk Trail's top tips for completing the 50 mile bike ride are:1. Always wear a cycle helmet when riding.2. Take enough food and drink for your journey.3. Carry a map of the area,4. Consider carrying a small first aid kit.5. Consider carrying a mobile phone.6. If you are riding alone, always tell someone your route and when you'll be back.

8. Weaver’s Way 

The Weaver’s Way is a 61 mile walking trial, connecting Cromer and Great Yarmouth. The path is named after the once important weaving industry which flourished in the Middle Ages. When walking the Weaver’s Way, you will experience a varied landscape; from the woodlands and farmland of north Norfolk to the marshes beside the rivers Thurne, Bure and Yare, you’ll be amazed by the contrast of Norfolk scenery. On your walk through Weaver’s Way, keep an eye out for Felbrigg Hall, Blickling Hall, St Nicholas Church of North Walsham, the North Walsham and Dilham Canal, Heigham Bridge, the Halvergate Marshes, the Berney Arms station and the Berney Arms Windmill. 

9. Wensum Way

Wensum Way is a 12 mile walking trail, linking the Nar Valley Way at Gressenhall to the Marriott’s Way at Lenwade. The path runs through stunning rural landscape between Gressenhall and Swanton Morley. It then follows the river valley, rich in wildlife, through to Lenwade. Much of the path travels alongside the river, hence the name. When walking the Wensum Way trail, look out for the Mid Norfolk Railway, St Mary’s Church at Elsing, Elsing Mill and Sparham Pools. 

10. Wherryman’s Way 

Wherryman’s Way is a 37.5 mile walking trail, running between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. Wherryman’s Way runs through alongside the stunning Norfolk Broads, through Surlingham, Rockland St Mary, Reedham and up the sea at Great Yarmouth. The path twists along the banks of the River Yare and guides you through the beautiful open marshes, reedbeds, meadows and riverside villages.