Norfolk walks

Norfolk offers miles of scenic views so if you’re seeking respite from your 9-5 it’s an ideal choice. Spend your days meandering through the woodland walks, join coastal paths for breathtaking views, and walk along a sandy beach before returning to your cosy family hot tub cabin at Thorpe Forest.

Our top 5 Norfolk walks

1. Marriott's Way

One of the best woodland walks in Norfolk, the Marriott's Way is a 39.5km trail boasting a footpath, bridleway, and cycling route. Following two old railway lines, the trail runs between the historic market town of Aylsham and ends in the medieval city of Norwich. With something for everyone, the trail is perfect for families with older children, runners, cyclists, and horse riders. If you’re looking for an accessible trail for wheelchair users there are suitable surfaces along the majority of the trail. Expect to see countryside views, an abundance of wildlife, and a wealth of history along the way.

If you’re starting your journey in Norwich, you will find the entrance by the roundabout at Barn Road and Barker Street on the inner section of the ring road. If you’re starting at Aylsham, you will find the entrance on Norwich Road, adjacent to the Bure Valley rail station. Alternatively, access from one of the many access points along the way.

2. Wherryman's Way

Wherryman's Way is a 56km walking trail, running between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. It takes its name from the wherry, a large cargo-carrying barge and runs through the heart of the Broads. Winding along the banks of the River Yare, this trail takes in beautiful views of Broads landscape, open marshes, riverside villages, and an abundance of wildlife. There are a range of circular walks to choose from on Wherryman’s Way, including short and long trails making it suitable for everyone whether you’re looking for a stroll through beautiful Norfolk countryside or a dog-friendly route.

Map of Norfolk circular walk, Wherryman’s Way

3. Horsey Windpump near the Norfolk Broads

Norfolk is renowned for the man-made Broads spanning across 125-miles. 1 of 15 National Parks in the UK, the Norfolk Broads is a haven for wildlife making it ideal for nature lovers. There are plenty of Norfolk circular walks to choose from, but we recommend you visit Horsey Windpump, which is situated on the edge of the Broads landscape in the village of Horsey. Choose from two circular walks or a return beach walk and explore the area around Horsey Windpump on foot.

Horsey Beach and village circular walk, an easy dog-friendly trail, which spans 5.8km lasting up to 1 hour 20 minutes. Take in spectacular coastline views paired with iconic broadland as you explore Horsey Beach, famous for its seals, before walking around Horsey village. Horsey Windpump and beach walk is a moderate trail spanning 4.8km and will take up to 2-hours to complete. You might even get a glimpse of Grey Seals along this trail. A relatively easy circular trail, Horsey Windpump and Estate Walk will take you around 2-hours to complete spanning 7.2km. The trail is made up of distinct, but at times uneven dirt paths, with slopes, steps, and stiles along the way. It can get very muddy during wet weather so bear this in mind.

Dogs are welcome on these trails but must be kept on leads unless stated otherwise as livestock call this land their home. Being a National Trust site, parking is free to members, but there are pay and display facilities available. Horsey Windpump is a 47-mile drive from Thorpe Forest taking you past Norwich.

4. The Great Eastern Pingo Trail

The Great Eastern Pingo Trail is an easy circular walk taking in 8km of scenic views in the heart of The Brecks. Also known as ‘kettle ponds’, these ‘pingos’ date back to the ice age and are the Eskimo word for ‘hill’. The Pingo Trail starts through a kissing gate, with signposts to guide you on your way. Expect to see glistening pingos, long horned cattle grazing, wetland woodland, and man-made lakes. This trail is dog-friendly, but owners must keep their pets under control. Thompson Water, a man-made lake, is a lovely spot to stop before you start on the next stretch of the walk on a wide farm track. This is now part of the Peddars Way Long Distance Trail, which brings us on to our next trail.

5. Pedders Way and Norfolk Coast Path

Pedders Way and Norfolk Coast Path is 1 of 16 National Trails across England and Wales. A massive 208km long, the route is one of the gentler National Trails offering mostly flat terrain with some gentle gradients. Whether you’re looking for Norfolk walks rich in history, or trails with pubs en-route, this trail offers the best of both. Explore the trail throughout the year, but we recommend visiting during summer for warmer weather and beautiful views. If you do visit during spring or autumn, you’ll likely be greeted to a glimpse of wildlife as this is the main bird migration period. If you’re visiting in winter, be sure to wrap up, but you won’t regret venturing out, the views are just as wonderful.

The Norfolk Coast Path is a modern walking trail created from a network of new and existing footpaths to link the coastal end of the Pedders Way. These two trails were joined as a long distance National Trail in 1986. The name ‘Pedders Way’ originates from the Latin word ‘pedester’, which translates to ‘on foot’ and at a staggering 74km long it’s clear why it takes this name. This trail starts in the Brecks and passes through a unique area of forest, moorland and low river valleys. It is easily accessible and can be used by cyclists and walkers alike. There is a special route available to horseriders. Highlights include magnificent medieval ports, quaint fishing villages, medieval churches and gastro pubs serving fresh seafood.

There is so much to be discovered on your walking holiday in Norfolk with miles of trails to be explored. If you’re looking for a place to call home, out pet-friendly accommodation at Thorpe Forest. Spend the day wandering through woodlands, join coastal walks for breathtaking views and walk along sandy beaches before returning to your cosy hot tub cabin in the forest.