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!

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.47 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 3h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 71 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 46 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 68 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1 m
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Photos

NATS radar station at Overstrnd
St. Marys church, Northrepps
St James church, Southrepps
Cromer Pier

Description of the walk

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

(S) The Paston Way officially starts at Cromer Pier and then follows the promenade East out of Cromer. At the end of the promenade, a ramp leads down onto the sandy beach. Below high tide there is firm sand which can be walked across with ease, negotiating around the groynes as best as possible. Overstrand is signalled by another promenade. Walk up onto this then up the steep path to the top of the cliffs. Follow the road to the left, keeping to it as it bends round to the right, past the cafe. At the end of the road is the White Horse pub.

(1) Turn left and follow the road through the village, keeping to this road as it turns sharp right and up to the main road. Officially the Paston Way continues left along this road to the turning up to Hungry Hill on the right, but for this walk there is a track opposite the junction.

(2) Take this, around the double bend, over the old railway and down to Northrepps. The track turns into a road that leads into the centre of the village. Continue straight ahead until the road bends sharp left. The Foundry Arms is just around this corner.

(3) The Paston Way continues turning right and following the road around past the church. Once out of the village take the lane on the left and keep to this until the Rectory on the right. Take the track down the side of the Rectory and follow it around the corner. Keep to this track, over the road until it emerges at a corner on a road (Craft Lane).

(4) Turn right and follow the road into Southrepps. Continue straight ahead through the village until it junctions with High Street (B1436), with the Vernon Arms to the left of the junction.

(5) Go straight over and follow the footpath along the field boundary. This emerges at a road junction. Go straight over and follow the road down to the next junction.

(6) Turn right and Gunton railway station is on the left.(E)

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 6 m - Cromer Pier
  2. 1 : km 3.54 - alt. 34 m - Junction - White Horse pub
  3. 2 : km 4.09 - alt. 46 m - Junction - Track
  4. 3 : km 5.45 - alt. 52 m - Road junction
  5. 4 : km 7.27 - alt. 46 m - Junction Craft Lane
  6. 5 : km 8.8 - alt. 45 m - Junction - High Street
  7. 6 : km 10.28 - alt. 37 m - Junction - Toward Railway station
  8. E : km 10.47 - alt. 40 m - Gunton railway station

Practical information

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

Transport :
Greater Anglia Trains - bus Service : 4/5 - The Bittern Line - Railway line linking Norwich, Cromer and Sheringham

Terrain : A beach walk to Overstrand is followed by tracks, lanes and footpaths across to Northrepps, Southrepps and ending at Gunton railway station.

Accommodation : Woodhill Park Campsite

Refreshments :
The White Horse, Overstrand
The Foundry Arms, Northrepps
Vernon Arms, Southrepps

Find more information and walks at Griffmonsters Great Walks here.

In the nearby area

  • The Conspiracy of The Norfolk German Landing Grounds
  • Church of St Mary the Virgin, Northrepps
  • Church of St James, Southrepps

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