With over 2,000 miles of footpaths, byways, and bridlepaths, Norfolk has a fantastic choice of walking routes for you to explore. There are 13 long-distance paths, known as the Norfolk Trails, as well as tracks that link with railway lines, historic routeways, and dozens of circular walks to get you out and about discovering this wild and beautiful landscape.
Norfolk is so walker-friendly that there is even an Interactive Map of the entire region, allowing you to plan your route and link walks together before your boots even get muddy!
But with so much choice it can be hard to decide where to start or which routes best suit your time and ability – so we’ve (pardon the pun) done the legwork for you and put together our top picks for the very best walks in Norfolk to enjoy at your own pace.
Short and circular walks
A circular walk can be the most satisfying and practical way to stretch your legs, especially if you have limited time, and the walks we’ve chosen below make a perfect escape into nature.
Blakeney Point
Best for: Seal spotting
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This easy seaside ramble takes you through one of the most wildlife-rich areas of the Norfolk coast. Following the flat, shingle ridge from Cley Beach, you can follow the line of the coast, walking on the sand if the tide is out.
The route skirts along the edge of the Blakeney Nature Reserve where there is an abundance of rare wild plants and flowers to see throughout the year and stunning views of the coastline.
This beach is also home to a large breeding colony of grey seals and towards the end of the walk, near to Blakeney Point, there is a raised boardwalk that allows an elevated view of the beach. During pupping season (late October to mid-January), this allows you to get a great view over the colony without disturbing the seals and their pups.
Sheringham circular walk
Best for: Variety of scenery
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This excellent circular walk takes in the best that Norfolk has to offer in a relatively short distance – the sheer range of landscape you pass through is fascinating. From parkland to marshland, clifftop to ancient oak woodland, the range of environments is wonderful in itself.
And if the amazing scenery isn’t enough, there is plenty to watch out for along the way – including three species of deer to spot in the Sheringham parkland, 19 species of dragonflies in the fens, and even the Poppy Line steam train as you cross the track!
The walk ends in the lovely seaside town of Sheringham, where you can find lots of interesting independent shops, museums, and a picturesque seafront.
Cromer to Felbrigg circular walk
Best for: Woodlands and National Trust visits
Distance: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
This undulating walk starts in the middle of the lovely seaside town of Cromer and returns there via some truly wonderful sights along the way. As well as passing through pretty beech woodland about halfway along the walk there is the opportunity to visit the impressive Jacobean National Trust property of Felbrigg Hall.
Felbrigg Hall is one of the most opulent houses in Norfolk and as well as exploring the delights of the house there are acres of gardens and a tearoom to grab refreshments.
Another highlight of this walk is the West Runton Roman Camp, a mysterious site with ancient earthworks, which is also one of the highest points in Norfolk. The picturesque site has been used as a lookout and for lighting beacons for thousands of years, hence its name. It now makes a lovely spot for a picnic or a rest before walking on, back towards the coast and Cromer.
When you return to Cromer, the family-run tearoom, Browne’s on Bond Street, is the perfect place to refuel after your adventures!
Wensum Way
Best for: Peaceful countryside walks
Distance: 3 to 12 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Although the entire Wensum Way runs for 12 miles, between Gressenhall and Lenwade, the route can also be broken into shorter circular or linear strolls. The Hoe Rough Walk is 3 miles long and takes the walker through an idyllic rural landscape, encircling the Hoe Rough Nature Reserve, which is managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
Another great choice is the Gressenhall to Swanton Morley walk, which runs for 4 miles. It starts at the fascinating Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum, then traverses quiet countryside and nature reserves, passing historic Hoe Hall before ending at the large 14th-century Church of All Saints in the quaint village of Swanton Morley.
Railway rambles
Is there anything more delightful than combining a lovely walk with a train ride through stunning British countryside? In Norfolk, there are a whole series of routes that do just that – the only difficulty is choosing which one to try next!
Bittern Line walks
Best for: Refreshing pub stops
Distance: 3 to 7 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Bittern Line railway heads north from Norwich passing through The Broads and on to the dramatic north Norfolk coast. As well as the scenic railway journey there are also a number of walks starting from each of the stations on the line.
A good example of this is the circular walk from Salhouse station. Running for just over 5 miles, it takes you to the lovely Salhouse Broad via historic villages, conveniently passing the Bell Inn where you can enjoy a meal and a drink before returning to the train.
Wherry Lines walks
Best for: A choice of routes
Distance: 2 to 8 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Norfolk’s Wherry Lines head east out of the city of Norwich following the river valleys of The Broads and on to the picturesque coastal towns of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. There are a series of walks that can be enjoyed from each of the nine stations along the tracks. Most of the routes are circular, bringing you back to the stop you alighted ready for your onward journey.
One of the easiest and shortest walks is the Buckenham to Brundall route. At just 2.5 miles, it is a relaxed stroll between two stations and allows you to visit the Strumpshaw Steam Museum as well as the nearby RSPB reserve and local pubs.
Discovery walks
Norfolk is a county absolutely packed with historic sites and fascinating places to visit so it is little surprise that there are several walks specifically designed to help visitors get the most out of this incredible heritage!
Paston Footprints heritage walks
Best for: Families
Distance: Various lengths
Difficulty: Easy
Discover the history of Norfolk by following in the footsteps of one of its most interesting and influential families – the Pastons.
The Paston Footprints award-winning walks have been entertaining and informing visitors since 2022 and are designed to encourage walkers to be curious about their surroundings and about those who may have walked these paths before them. Some even include audio guides so that the Paston characters can talk you through the history of the area.
The walks range in length and include routes aimed at families and wellbeing as well as discovery, whether you fancy a relaxed stroll through Norwich or the rolling Norfolk countryside.
King’s Lynn weird walk
Best for: A spirited stroll
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This wonderful walk takes you to some of the most haunted places in King’s Lynn and introduces you to the stories connected to the sites. Starting at the True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum, which is said to have a jaw-dropping 38 ghosts within its walls, this walk is enormous fun and takes you on an unexpected journey through the town and its past.
There is the Exorcist’s House, stories of witchcraft, spectral piano-playing and of course plenty of murder (historical, that is)!
After all that excitement there might just be time to pop into the historic riverside pub, the Crown & Mitre, for some fish and chips.
Boudicca Way
Best for: Roman sightseeing
Distance: 36 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Named after the legendary Queen of the Iceni, this longer walk roughly follows the route of the old Roman ‘Pye’ Road, passing through the Waveney Valley and the surrounding undulating countryside.
The walk doesn’t have to be completed in one go and can be broken up into shorter stints, taking in some of the many historic Roman sites that the path encompasses.
Long-distance trails
For those who like a challenge, Norfolk also boasts some amazing long-distance walks that can be completed over a number of days or in more manageable bite-size pieces. Each is clearly signposted and there are also PDF guides available to keep you on track and informed as you go!
Norfolk Coast Path
Best for: Coastal explorations
Distance: 83 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Although a few hardy individuals tackle the entire length of the Norfolk Coast Path in one go, which runs between Hunstanton and Hopton-on-Sea and takes three to four days, most walkers enjoy this wonderful track in smaller chunks.
Opened in 1986, the path passes through some of the most stunning scenery and picturesque seaside settlements in the county. The Norfolk Coast Path is part of a National Landscape and perhaps needs no more introduction than that! If stunning coastal vistas are your thing, then this is the walk for you.
The path also links up with a number of the other paths we have mentioned so the opportunities to explore are endless.
Marriott’s Way
Best for: Breathtaking benches
Distance: 24 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
The Marriott’s Way is a long-distance walking, cycling, and bridle path in North Norfolk that starts in the medieval city of Norwich and ends in the interesting little town of Aylsham via Themelthorpe. Rather fittingly, as the path follows the track bed of two old railway lines for much of the way, the name of the walk comes from the local railway engineer, William Marriott.
The lines were laid in the 1880s and finally closed to traffic in 1959, making an ideal route for walkers and cyclists. The initial industrial landscape soon gives way to woodland, water meadows, river views, plantations and passing historic market towns. Being an old railway line also means that it’s relatively flat for most of the way.
There are several public works of art along the way, including several eye-catching concrete benches that make for a rather spectacular spot to rest. We also recommend stopping by nearby Blickling Estate, which is famous for its incredible bluebell displays in the spring.
Wherryman’s Way
Best for: Dappled strolls
Distance: 35 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
This wonderful walking route starts in Norwich and ends on the coast in Great Yarmouth. Following the course of the River Yare, it passes through The Broards, taking in the diversity and beauty of this lovely part of England. From open marshland to flower-filled meadows and riverside villages, this walk has it all. It also takes in a number of nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
There are plenty of places of importance to enjoy along the route, including the ruins of the 13th-century Langley Abbey and Burgh Castle Roman Fort.
There are also lots of way markers, picnic spots, and information boards all along the path and the delight of reaching the coast is hard to beat!
Weavers Way
Best for: Wetland walks
Distance: 61 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Taking you through the largest wetland reserve in the whole of the UK, The Norfolk Broads, is the Weaver’s Way. From Cromer to Great Yarmouth, this track navigates a rich contrast of scenery, including historic county estates, woodlands, riverbanks and railway tracks as well as marsh and tidal mudflats.
Named after one of the region's most important industries, cotton weaving, the walk also passes several points of interest. RAF Oulton Museum was a bomber base during World War II, while the Berney Windmill was used to grind corn in the 19th century. Blickling Park, with its 5,000 acres of parkland and landscaped lake was originally the site of two medieval deer parks and once belonged to the family of Anne Boleyn.
The path crosses canals and medieval bridges as it meanders its way to the coast and the seaside haven of Great Yarmouth, making it truly idyllic backdrop for your Sunday strolls.
It is fair to say the Norfolk has an enormous amount to offer the walker and anyone who loves the great outdoors, so hopefully this guide has not only given you a taster of what you can expect but also inspired you to get out there exploring! Why not make one of our lovely holiday cottages in Norfolk the base for your next adventure?
