Events in Norfolk and Suffolk / Holidays / Tourist Attractions Norfolk and Suffolk / walks / Wildlife March 18, 2014
Make the most of north Norfolk’s stunning coast and countryside by leaving the car at home and donning walking boots or getting on the saddle to explore marshes, crumbling cliffs, Roman roads, heathland, forests, sandy beaches, grand country estates, Area’s of Outstanding Natural Beauty and salt marshes. Whatever the route, you’ll never be far from the sea.
Plus, north Norfolk is flat enough to be accessible to all levels of walkers and cyclists and is a winning destination to incorporate a break with an outdoor adventure.
With the imminent arrival of the Royal baby and Kate and William rumoured to be moving to north Norfolk, indulge in the royally good 22-mile Sandringham Explorer Loop. Passing by the Sandringham Estate and with its well-kept roadsides, pretty cottages and wooded areas, this route is the best way to see the beauty of rural north Norfolk. Plus, you never know who you might bump into!
Nelson’s Norfolk Cycling route is a 29-mile circular route starting and ending in Fakenham Market Place. It includes visits to Nelson’s birthplace Burnham Thorpe, Holkham Hall and the attractive village of Little Walsingham, world-renowned as a centre of pilgrimage.
The ancient Peddars Way, which links to the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea, is one of the most famous paths in the UK. The majority of the trail runs through the Norfolk coast area and the Brecks, a unique area of forest, heath and low river valleys. As the bird-watching capital of Britain, many walkers like to indulge in a spot of bird-watching en route. Keep your eyes peeled to spot barn owls, kingfishers and avocets. Plus, discover Blakeney point with its grey and common seals. After a long walk, paddle in the sea as a reward! The majority of the route is suitable for cyclists.
The Norfolk Coast Cycleway covers 59 miles from Kings Lynn to Cromer and much of the route passes through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, enjoying a ride through beautiful countryside and quiet lanes just inland from the coast. Rich in wildlife, stop-off at the salt marshes near Brancaster and Holkham National Nature Reserve’s sandy beaches. Thanks to the gentle gradients of the area, the cycleway is perfect for all ages and abilities.
Another favourite is The Bittern Line; not a cycle route but a cycle friendly railway line operated by Greater Anglia. The line links Cromer and Sheringham with Norwich and the Norfolk Broads and allows cyclists to take bikes on the trains.
Whatever route is chosen, there are plenty of pubs, tearooms and restaurants for a cheeky pint or seafood lunch, including Norfolk’s famous Cromer Crabs!
Bike hire is available at several locations with Broadland Cycle Hire at the Norfolk Broads Cycling Centre between Hoveton and Horning highly recommended.
Cycle friendly accommodation:-
- Kelling Heath Holiday Park – www.kellingheath.co.uk / 01263 588181
- Virginia Court Hotel – www.virginiacourt.co.uk / 01263 512398
- Bayleaf Guest House – www.bayleafbandb.co.uk / 01263 823779
- Oyster House – www.oysterhouse.co.uk / 01485 528327
- The Beaumaris Hotel – www.thebeaumarishotel.co.uk / 01263 822370
- Overcliff Lodge – www.overclifflodge.co.uk / 01263 720016
- The Lantern House – www.thelanternhouse.co.uk / 07785 728546
Accommodation Members of Walkers Welcome scheme:-
- Rookery Farm – www.rookeryfarmnorfolk.com / 01263 821232
- Pollywiggle Cottage – www.pollywigglecottage.co.uk / 01603 471990
- Hard Farm Barns – www.hardfarm.co.uk / 01328 830655