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.

Technical sheet

n°44002803
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.62 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 3h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 160 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 142 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 109 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5 m
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Old Coast Path Route - Cromer to Sheringham
Old Coast Path Route - Cromer to Sheringham
View from Roman Camp
Old Coast Path Route - Cromer to Sheringham

Description of the walk

Start: Cromer Pier (NR27 9HE). Grid ref. TG 219 423

(S) From the Pier, keep to the cliff top walking Westwards away from the pier alongside the Cliff Gardens until Beach Road is reached on the left hand side of the road which is easily noticed by the car park on its far side.

(1) Follow Beach Road, past Morrisons Supermarket on the right, then turn right onto the main Holt Road. Beyond the commercial complex, take the right into Sandy Road and keep to the track beyond the houses. The route is easy to follow, going under the railway and across a road then along the lane known as Cross Lane.

(2) As you walk along the lane, be sure not to miss the path that leads straight ahead when the lane bears right as this leads down into East Runton. In reality, one needs to turn left to keep straight ahead as the track curves onto Runton Lane first.

(3) Continue straight ahead, soon passing a campsite on the right. The path joins a track that leads through the woods and up to the West Runton road. Go directly across the road and onto Roman Camp. There is a clearing here with some magnificent views of the coast.

(4) From the camp, bear round to the right and the path starts to descend the hillside through the woods. This then joins Calves Well Lane for a few hundred yards before descending further down past Hall Farm.

(5) When the track meets a small road, turn left and go out onto the main road. Cross over and the road to continue down a lane on the opposite side. Continue across the railway crossing and on to Beeston Bump. Go over the Bump which is a steep climb from the East and then a gentle slope back down the west side.

(6) When the path meets a putting Green take the steps on the right down to the promenade.

(7) When you reach High Street on the left, follow it straight down to a roundabout at Cromer Road and turn left to reach Sheringham Railway Station. (E)

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 9 m - Cromer Pier
  2. 1 : km 0.7 - alt. 27 m - Beach Road
  3. 2 : km 3.33 - alt. 38 m - Cross Lane
  4. 3 : km 3.76 - alt. 51 m - Campsite
  5. 4 : km 5.25 - alt. 102 m - Roman Camp
  6. 5 : km 6.93 - alt. 31 m - Hall Farm
  7. 6 : km 7.91 - alt. 45 m - Putting Green - Steps right
  8. 7 : km 8.96 - alt. 14 m - High Street
  9. E : km 9.62 - alt. 27 m - Sheringham Railway Station

Practical information

Start: Cromer Pier (NR27 9HE). Grid ref. TG 219 423

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 :
Windham Arms, Sheringham

Find more information and walks at Griffmonsters Great Walks here.

In the nearby area

Roman Camp
Beeston Bump

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.