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.

Technical sheet

n°43915629
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.15 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 10 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 8 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 9 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: -1 m
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Photos

Acres of sandy beach
Razor shells on the beach
The beach at Holkham
Burnham Overy Staithe

Description of the walk

Start: Wells Harbour car park, Wells-next-the-Sea (NR23 1AT) Grid ref. TF 915 438

Waymarkers: The path is simple and easy to follow, with the distinctive acorn National Trail waymarkers pointing out the route.

(S) From Wells Harbour car park, follow the embankment Northward alongside the quay down towards the caravan site. Where this meets the cafe and car park, descend and walk in front of the cafe and along the edge of the car park following the waymarkers alongside the woods. Eventually this meets the road up to Holkham.

(1) Turn right and follow the path down to the beach. Depending upon tides, any part of this broad sandy beach can be walked though one has to keep eyes peeled as the coast turns for the path down into Burnham Overy Staithe. There is no waymarker on the sand and it is difficult to see. If you get to the river you have gone too far! The path heads up and over the dunes, then follows the defences by the side of Overy Creek down to Burnham Overy Staithe.(E)

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 7 m - Wells Harbour car park
  2. 1 : km 4.59 - alt. 4 m - Road up to Holkham
  3. E : km 11.15 - alt. 9 m - Burnham Overy Staithe

Practical information

Start: Wells Harbour car park, Wells-next-the-Sea (NR23 1AT) Grid ref. TF 915 438

Waymarkers: The path is simple and easy to follow, with the distinctive acorn National Trail waymarkers pointing out the route.

Transport :
Coasthopper CH1, CH2, CH3 - Unfortunately, in recent years the highly acclaimed Coasthopper bus service has suffered from subsequent takeovers with a consequent deterioration of the service and continuing doubts upon is viability. Due to its constant changing operators, it is therefore best to use the Traveline website to determine the current timetables and services.

Accommodation : Woodhill Park Campsite

Refreshments :
The Jolly Sailors, Brancaster Staithe
The Hero, Burnham Overy Staithe

Longer Alternative:
Continue out of Burnham Overy Staithe along the road until the path heads back onto the marshes. Follow this through to Burnham Deepdale. Continue along the path behind the back of the houses until it meets a Staithe marked with fishing huts and lobster pots. A track here leads up to the road where the Jolly Sailors pub is located opposite.

Find more information and walks at Griffmonsters Great Walks here.

In the nearby area

Burnham Overy

Other walks in the area

Walking A Norfolk Ramble around the Burnhams

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A Norfolk Ramble around the Burnhams
↔25.37 km ↗+105 m ↘-112 m ◔7h 35 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Wells-Next-the-Sea (Norfolk)
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.

Walking Holkham to Wells

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Holkham to Wells
↔14.20 km ↗+78 m ↘-77 m ◔4h 15 ▲Moderate
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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.

Walking Holkham Park from Holkham

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↔6.79 km ↗+37 m ↘-37 m ◔2h 05 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Holkham (Norfolk)
This short walk explores some of the features of Holkham Park and provides an opportunity to see the large Hall built by the Earl of Leicester in the 18th century. If you are lucky you will also see the large herds of deer that graze in the park. Toilets and cafés are open in Holkham village on most days of the year.

Walking Norfolk Coast Path - Burnham Overy Staithe to Brancaster

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Norfolk Coast Path - Burnham Overy Staithe to Brancaster
↔10.11 km ↗+12 m ↘-9 m ◔2h 55 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Burnham Overy (Norfolk)
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.

Walking Around Burnham Market

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↔8.10 km ↗+56 m ↘-49 m ◔2h 30 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Burnham Market (Norfolk)
This Norfolk walk starts from the attractive village of Burnham Market and continues via Burnham Overy Staithe and Burnham Overy Town. There is much of interest along the route including two fine churches.

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