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The ethos for the Griffmonster Walks site is to share information with fellow walkers and hikers to assist in planning their own routes
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Published route(s)
Ouse Valley Way - Oakley to Carlton
A North Bedfordshire walk along the Ouse Valley Way between Oakley and Carlton taking in the charming villages of Pavenham, Sharnbrook, and Odell. Follow the river from Oakley through to Stevington where The Ouse Valley Way is clearly waymarked all the way through to Carlton
Although the Ouse Valley Way does not actually go into Oakley, there is a convenient bus stop here that links the two ends to this walk. The bus stop is a mile or so from the river, from where there is a footpath which joins the official route at Stevington and then winds its way through the rolling Bedfordshire countryside. There's plenty to see and explore along the route with medieval river bridges, the Holywell at Stevington, the ghostly tales of Odell and the picturesque villages of Pavenham, Radwell, Sharnbrook, and Harrold.
Sussex Coast Path - Hastings to Eastbourne
Coast route following the proposed route for the England Coast Path. A very typical English seaside walk passing through the resorts of Hastings, St Leonards and Bexhill to end at Eastbourne. There is plenty of promenade walking with some beach walking. The beach is predominantly shingle throughout which makes it hard going. Because of this the section around Normans Bay and Pevensey Bay uses the coast road behind the coastal embankment to make it easier going. The ends of the walk are linked by the railway making for a very pleasant one day sectional walk.
In Search of Leiston Gibbet, Friday Market Heath and St Andrews Green
This walk follows an investigation to seek out the location of the Leiston Gibbet and an area of heathland that was known in the 1600's as Friday Market Heath. The only reference to these places comes from an old book from 1910 entitled 'The Chronicles of Theberton' which details the route past the gibbet. This walk attempts to retrace this route by navigating along the heathland and footpaths around the River Hundred which marks the boundary between the hundreds of Blything and Plomestead. Extensive research which has been undertaken and documented in the feature of this walk with some revealing insights to long forgotten places.
Lincolnshire Coast Path - Wrangle to Wainfleet
A beach walk from Wrangle to Wainfleet. An alternative route to the coastal defence banks that provides a little more interest. Open flat farmland, tiny hamlets and a long straight footpath that was once thought to have been a Roman road. The end of the walk is at Batemans Brewery where a worthy reward of some handsome ale can be purchased in this unique setting within the confines of an old windmill.
Lincolnshire Coast Path - Boston to Wrangle
A beach walk from Boston to Wrangle. An alternative route to the coastal defence banks that provides a change to the marsh views. Open flat farmland, tiny hamlets, large churches and plenty of pubs along the way. Not strictly part of a coast path but this route roughly follows the coast of medieval times when Wrangle boasted the third largest harbour along this section of coastline.
Knebworth
A walk around Knebworth taking in Rabley Heath nature reserve.
A short circular walk that includes a section through woodland of Rabley Heath Nature Reserve. Refreshments can be found at The Robin Hood and The Lytton Arms which has a large selection of real ales.
Great Dunmow Town Trail
A circular walk around the small Essex town of Great Dunmow.
With plenty of historic buildings, a fine 13th century church, some great pubs and a fantastic Indian Restaurant this provides any visitor a taste of this ancient town. The walk is simple and easy and one cannot visit Dunmow without discovering the interesting history of the Dunmow Fitch which is the main feature to this walk.
Ouse Valley Way - St Neots to Houghton
A walk along the Ouse Valley Way from St Neots to Houghton.
A perfect river side walk following the gentle flowing River Ouse as it meanders past nature reserves to Godmanchester. From here there is easy access into Huntingdon or across the meadows to Houghton and its infamous mill. A perfect way to enjoy a summers day.
Ouse Valley Way - Houghton to St Ives
A circular walk from Houghton to St Ives using the Ouse Valley Way.
A simple and easy riverside walk following the course of the River Ouse. The walk uses the Ouse Valley Way to St Ives, returning via the picturesque Hemingford villages, full of thatched cottages and world charm. There's plenty of pubs, there's river locks, there's the iconic mill at Houghton which makes this a well worthwhile wander. Make a whole day of it and take in the sights and sounds and, of course, the quintessential English pubs.
In Search of The King of the Belgians
A pub crawl to the Huntingdonshire pub known as The King of the Belgians.
The unique pub name of The King of the Belgians is not the only reason to search out this hostelry. It has an excellent range of ales, offers good food, provides good company and has an intriguing history with regard to its names. This walk uses the road from Houghton so it is an easy stroll with other pubs along the route.
Ouse Valley Way - Bedford to St Neots
A riverside walk along the Ouse Valley Way between Bedford and St Neots.
Despite the increasing urbanisation between Bedord and St Neots, the riverside sections of this walk provide some pleasant rambles. Particularly notable is the 15th century river bridge at Great Barford and the riverside parks at St Neots.
Wroxham to Norwich via Spixworth
A linear walk between Wroxham and Norwich. Walk linking the Bittern Railway Line stations of Wroxham and Norwich. The route cuts across to Spixworth using tracks and country lanes from where there is pedestrian access through to the centre of Norwich. Spixworth has an interesting history of folklore which is discussed in the features of this walk.
Wherrymans Way - Norwich to Thurton
A walk along Norfolk's Wherryman's Way. This is a delightful riverside walk following the River Yare out of Norwich and through to Rockland St Mary. Public transport can link the start and end by navigating down quiet country lanes to Thurton. Whitlingham Country Park provides an easy route to start and there's refreshment stops at Woods End and the Ferry Inn at Surlingham.
The Wherrymans Way - Rockland to Loddon
A walk along Norfolks Wherrymans Way. The only way one can see the sights of the River Yare is to either sail the river or walk the Wherrymans Way. Even in a boat, one cannot get as good a view as the path along the heightened defence banks. This is stereotypical Norfolk in all its glory and although it is a lengthy section of walking, it is well worth the effort.
Horstead to Heggatt
A stroll along the southern side of the River Bure to the ancient hamlet of Heggatt.
This short walk takes one through country lanes and along old tracks and footpaths on the southern side of the River Bure. Highlights include the ruins of Horstead Mill and views across the valley to Coltishall and Belaugh. Plus a walk would not be complete without a little piece of folklore, and this one is all about a prophesy centered around a tree on Heggatt Common.
Bure River from Coltishall to Brampton
An easy and captivating walk along Norfolks River Bure.
Not only does this walk provide some classic Norfolk scenery and historic features but it also traces the route said to be taken by the phantom carriage of Sir Thomas Boleyn in his annual act of penance for betraying his daughter Anne when she was sentenced to be executed. The walk is then made into a circular route by returning via the Bure Valley Path alongside the narrow gauge Bure Valley railway.
Angles Way - Belton to Great Yarmouth
A walk along the Angles Way from its start at Great Yarmouth to Belton.
The Angles Ways journey begins with a walk along the banks of Breydon Water to Belton. Along this route can be seen the impressive remains of the Roman fort Gariannonum at Burgh Castle. This is a simple afternoon walk with a frequent bus service linking Great Yarmouth and Belton for the return journey. On this occasion, we walked the path in reverse having set up camp at Belton.
A visit to the rather curious Happisburgh
A simple circular walk along the Norfolk Coast between Happisburgh and Eccles.
Happisburgh is curious - it is slowly being taken by the sea, its houses slowly falling victim to the tides. The pub gardens boast a signal box to a railway line that never got built. A lighthouse stands guard to the south and its lifeboat is located at the next village of Eccles. In recent times the tide has uncovered prehistoric human footprints. And there is local folklore of ghostly smugglers and misdeeds. Very curious indeed.
⚠️It must be stressed before reading any further that tide times need to be consulted before attempting the beach section of this walk. In particular the beach in front of Happisburgh where the tide can cut you off well before high tide.
A Norfolk Broads from Neatishead to Horning
An easy walk following the River Ant down to the Bure at Horning.
The Norfolk Broads are full of ghostly stories and this walk brings a few to life. From the spooky lights of Hoards Hole, encounters with Black Shuck and the curious transformation of Horning's riverside houses to Saxon days when it was just a grassy bank, there is plenty to reflect upon as one wanders the footpaths and quiet country lanes that make up this route. And maybe, who may tell, given the right conditions, you may even glimpse a spectral view from another dimension.
The Poppy Line - Holt to Sheringham
A walk following the Poppy Heritage Steam Railway Line between Holt and Sheringham.An easy ramble roughly following the Poppy Line from Holt to Sheringham. The varied landscape that this route navigated is heathland, woodland and coast with the ever-present steam railway always in range either audibly or physically. A great way to see the engines in full steam with a return being hauled back on this iconic railway. The best place to watch the engines close up is the level crossing on Kelling Heath where the steam engines require a full head of steam to get their loads up the incline from Weybourne.
Paston Way to Gunton - Pubs, Churches and Wartime Conspiracies
A walk along Norfolk's Paston Way from Cromer to Gunton.
The Paston Way has a few alternative paths that stray from its main route between North Walsham and Cromer, and this walk takes the optional route out to Gunton from where a train can be taken back to Cromer. There are some worthy country pubs along this simple walk so a good old English pub crawl can also be had along with taking in the sights of the impressive churches at Northrepps and Southrepps plus local tales of wartime German conspiracies!
Old Coast Path Route - Cromer to Sheringham
A walk along the original route of the Norfolk Coast Path between Cromer and Sheringham.
Up until December 2014 the official route of the Norfolk Coast Path from its start at Cromer Pier through to Sheringham navigated inland along the hills of the Cromer Ridge, the highest ground in Norfolk. This original route can still be walked and contrasts with the cliff-top route of the realigned path which is now part of the England Coast Path. With shady lanes and tracks through the woodland, spectacular views from the summit of Beacon Hill and the challenging ascent to the iconic Beeston Bump, this walk is a worthwhile excursion from the coastal route.
North Walsham to Bacton Woods
A circular walk connecting the Norfolk town of North Walsham with Bacton Woods.
The Norfolk countryside holds a lot of hidden gems and this walk discovers a few. The route uses country lanes and footpaths to provide an easy circular ramble. The woods are worth the effort and hold a hidden secret of the location of a gibbet on which, during the late 18th century, William Suffolk's body was hanged in chains for his murderous deeds. The return route passes the iconic Ebridge Mill and then leads onto the Weavers Way for the final section back to North Walsham
In search of the Becks and Ponds of Beeston Regis
A walk between East Runton and Sheringham in Norfolk, searching out a couple of good pubs and following Beeston Beck across Beeston Common.
This picturesque trail follows the foot of Inkleborough Hill to West Runton then navigates down to the northern end of Beeston Back Common where it follows the stream known as Beeston Beck down into Sheringham, past the site of an old watermill, now replaced by terraces of housing. Return is via West Runton with a stop at the Village Inn.
Holt to Mannngton
A circular walk using footpaths and bridleways through the attractive Norfolk countryside between Holt Country Park and the Mannington Estate. This trail takes in woodland, open countryside, lanes, and even a stream which one has to jump across to provide a variety of landscapes.
Happisburgh to Winterton Beach
A beach walk between along the Norfolk coast from Happisburgh to Winterton.
Providing the tide is right, this is a fantastic beach walk with miles of golden sand and, if you are lucky, the sight of seals basking in the sunshine. Probably one of the best beach walks on this coastline.
⚠️ It must be stressed before reading any further that tide times need to be consulted before attempting this beach walk. Although there is easy access to the dunes throughout it must be noted that certain high tides can cover the beach up to the sea defences. Throughout the route there are alternative paths through the dunes and the tracks behind them.
Along the Bure Valley Path
A walk along Norfolk's Bure Valley Path between Aylsham and Wroxham.The Bure Valley Path follows the former Great Eastern Railway trackbed alongside the Bure Valley Narrow Gauge Railway. There are outstanding views of the river Bure and stops on route at Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall. Being a former trackbed gives a well drained path so the route is suitable for all weathers.
Folklore Trail around East Runton
A walk between East Runton and Cromer searching out old folklore.
Using country lanes and tracks, this circular trail navigates around East Runton to visit the various locations in Runtons history and folklore. Woodhill House is the location of an unidentified skeleton found during road widening. Thains Lane has the village's old smithy. The old Windmill sets the scene for the emanation of ghostly lights that cross over to a copse. With a pub stop at Cromer and return via the redefined course of the Norfolk Coast Path, this makes for an excellent short walk on a spooky Autumn evening.
Salthouse Sculpture Trail
A walk around the Salthouse Sculpture Trail.
Inaugurated in 2008 by The North Norfolk Exhibition Projects, this trail across Kelling and Salthouse heaths was set out to exhibit both the natural beauty of North Norfolk alongside examples of contemporary Norfolk art. Although most of the sculptures have now gone, the walk nonetheless provides a peaceful route around this part of the county.
Norfolk Coast Path - Wells-next-the-Sea to Burnham Overy Staithe
A walk following the North Norfolk Coast Path between Wells-next-the-Sea and Burnham Overy Staithe.
This amble includes some magnificent beach walking along the sands in front of the Holkham National Nature Reserve. Acres upon acres of golden sand when the tide is out with big skies and thousands upon thousands of razor shells which are washed up on the high tide mark. The walk ends at Burnham Overy Staithe, the quiet hamlet which is said to be where Nelson learnt to row and sail.
Norfolk Coast Path - Cley to Wells-next-the-Sea
A walk following the Norfolk Coast Path between Cley and Wells-next-the-Sea.
An easy walk along the Norfolk Coast Path navigating out across the marshes to Blakeney then along the marsh perimeter to Wells. Blakeney is a worthy stopping point to explore Mariners Hill and the Guildhall and take in the legends of the Blakeney tunnels and the tragic story of the Blakeney Fiddler who is depicted on the village sign.
Norfolk Coast Path - Burnham Overy Staithe to Brancaster
A walk following the North Norfolk Coast Path between Burnham Overy Staithe to Brancaster.
Wide open areas of marshland provide an enticing setting for this easy walk. Sailing boats, marsh, a tidal pool and the site of a Roman fort provide plenty of interest, together with three pubs, what more could one ask for of an afternoons stroll.
Between Cley and Blakeney
A walk taking in the Wiveton Downs as an alternative to the coastal route between Cley and Blakeney.
An alternative route to the Norfolk Coast Path between Cley and Blakeney taking in the high ground across Wiveton Downs. Spectacular views of the coastline can be had from this area and the route also includes the Shell Museum at Glandford and the dominating church at Cley
Holkham to Wells
A circular walk along the North Norfolk Coast between Holkham and Wells-next-the-sea.An alternative to the North Norfolk Coast Path, which follows the landward side of the large belt of pine trees known as Holkham Pines, is to walk along the glorious sandy Holkham beach. This was such a well worth experience with acres upon acres of sandy beach and dunes. With clear blue skies and a little sunshine this makes for a superb walk at any time of the year. The Albatros, a sailing ship that is permanently moored at Wells Quay provides some fine and simple lunches including fresh mussels which provide a fitting half way point to this walk. The return uses the tracks around the Holkham estate taking in views of the hall, the lake and obelisk.
Alternative Coast Path Route from Sheringham to Cley
An alternative route for the North Norfolk Coast Path between Sheringham and Cley.
This walk takes diversions from the official route of the North Norfolk Coast Path via the North Norfolk Railway and the Weybourne Priory Ruins. A further alternative is then used to navigate away from the strenuous shingle walk along the coast to a more gentle amble up to the village of Salthouse and across the hills to Cley. This provides a scenic and interesting alternative to the official route of the North Norfolk Coast Path and gives some spectacular views across the marshes from the hillside between Salthouse and Cley.
Brancaster Beach
A walk out to Brancaster Beach returning across the marsh to Titchwell.
Although not included in the official Norfolk Coast Path route, this simple walk is a well worth excursion to witness the expanse of sand and dune as well as a petrified forest and an old wreck. Always be mindful of tide conditions and particularly do not attempt to get across to the wreck which lies across the Harbour channel.
A Norfolk Ramble around the Burnhams
A circular walk from Wells-next-the-sea taking in Burnham Thorpe, Burnham Market and Burnham Norton.
This full days walk has everything to offer the adventurous rambler. There is a wander through the stately grounds of Holkham Hall in order to reach the humble church at Burnham Thorpe with its tributes to Norfolk's most famous son, Lord Nelson who was born and grew up in the area. Country lanes lead down to Burnham Market and the church of the old parish of Burnham Ulph. Heading down to the coast there is the church of Burnham Norton with its resplendent medieval paintings. The ramble returns along the vast expansive beaches in front of Holkham.
The Wensum Way - Dereham to Lenwade
A 13 mile walk through the Norfolk countryside following the Wensum Way
Opened in 2012, the Wensum Way was the connecting link between the Nar Valley Way and The Marriott's Way to enable a Cross Norfolk Trail from Kings Lynn to Great Yarmouth. The name of the trail is taken from the River Wensum which it follows from Swanton Morley through to Lenwade. This is a picturesque ramble through the Norfolk countryside.
Tas Valley Way - Cringleford to Tasburgh
A walk along Norfolk's Tas Valley Way. Probably one of the least known long-distance paths in Norfolk, the Tas Valley Way links Norwich and Attleborough following the River Tas. This first section navigates through to Mulbarton, then onto Flordon before going off route to Tasburgh where there is a pub and public transport back to Norwich.
Norwich to Wymondham - In Search of Kett's Oak
A walk linking Norwich and Wymondham. Kett's Oak is a tree that folklore states was the meeting place for what was to become Kett's Rebellion in the year of 1549. The ageing tree still stands forlorn by the roadside, passed by 1000's of motorists each day, no doubt most of whom are oblivious to this piece of roadside history. This walk seeks to pay homage to Robert Kett by returning to his tree, and researching into the whys and wherefores of the infamous rebellion which followed.
Norwich Riverside
A simple walk alongside the River Wensum through Norwich.
This picturesque walk through the centre of Norwich links the Marriott's Way at Barn Road roundabout on the inner ring road with The Wherryman's Way and Boudicca Way at Norwich Railway Station. There is a lot of history to the bridges over the River Wensom and associated folklore which is detailed in the features to this walk.
Boudicca Way - Norwich to Shotesham
A walk roughly following Norfolk's Boudicca Way. This walk uses the Boudicca Way to navigate from Norwich to Shotesham, with an excursion away from the official route to the ruins of the Roman town Venta Icenorum. Shotesham forms the furthermost reaches of the Boudicca Way on this route, from where country lanes cuts across the country to the A140 where there is a frequent bus service back into Norwich.
Nar Valley Way - Narborough to Dereham
A walk along the Nar Valley Way from Narborough to Dereham.
This route is full of historic features including ruins of priories and castles as well as magnificent halls and watermills. The walk provides a varied landscape with woodland trails, riverside paths and saunters across open fields of this pleasant Norfolk countryside. Although a lengthy section of the Nar Valley Way there is plenty of time to accomplish the feat with late buses linking the two ends.
Nar Valley Way - Kings Lynn to Narborough
A walk following the River Nar from its outlet to the River Ouse up to Narborough. It starts along the quayside at Kings Lynn with all its fascinating historic buildings. The path soon heads out into open countryside following the river across this open landscape. Big skies. Views for miles and little in the way of civilisation until Narborough is reached.
Geldeston Locks from Beccles
A circular walk along the Angles Way from Beccles to Geldeston Locks. This walk passes the location of the historic Barsham Hall, source of the ghostly legend of Old Blunderhazard who is said to ride in his coach drawn by four fire breathing headless horses to Norwich and back each Christmas Eve.
Flatford Mill
A walk along the River Stour incorporating sections of the Stour Valley Path, the Essex Way and St Edmund's Way.
Flatford Mill is the idyllic English country scene encapsulated by John Constables renowned paintings including the instantly recognizable 'Haywain'. This circular route is an exceptional walk by all accounts and the perfect way to engross oneself in this landscape that sits on the Suffolk and Essex border.
Angles Way - Belton to Oulton Broad
A walk along the Angles Way between Belton and Oulton Broad, crossing the border from Norfolk to Suffolk.
The Angles Way roughly follows the River Waveney down to Oulton Broad from Belton although there are very few locations where the river can be viewed. Most of the route is across fields, along country lanes and through little bits of woodland. It is a pleasant full afternoons walk with a couple of pubs en route for refreshment. The main place of interest is Somerleyton, named after a peace loving Viking, Sumarlithi, who arrived in the 10th century. It is now a sleepy little village, famed for being the home to Christopher Cockerell, the inventor of the hovercraft, but more renowned for its connection with Gradabor, a giant who once ransacked the area. Some say his ghost still returns to re-enact this destruction.
Suffolk Coast Path - Lowestoft to Southwold Beach Route
The Suffolk Coast Path runs between Lowestoft and Southwold but due to coastal erosion has been diverted inland which results in some road walking, including along the main A12 between Pakefield and Kessingland. An alternative route is to follow the coast as it is possible to walk the entire distance along the beach providing one times the walk to coincide with low tide. This section is worth making the effort to walk, just to view the trees that are slowly being taken by the sea at Benacre and Covehithe broads where the distance between the broad and the sea is a mere sandy section of beach.
⚠️ Check the tide timetable before attempting this walk.
Southwold to Covehithe
A walk along the beach route of the Suffolk Coast Path to the tiny hamlet of Covehithe with its impressive ruins of St Andrews church. Return is along the inland route of the Coast Path. This walk is dependant upon tides and consultation of tide times is vital in order to negotiate the beach route.
Southwold to Blythburgh along the former Southwold Railway
A linear walk along the former trackbed of the Southwold Railway to Blythburgh.
The Southwold Railway was a narrow gauge line that linked Halesworth and Southwold. This closed in 1929 but the track bed is still in existence to Blythburgh and makes an excellent walk. The White Hart pub offers a place for refreshment before returning along the same route. Outstanding views across the Blyth estuary and easy walking across heath and woodland make this a well worthwhile excursion.