Worstead walks

Quiet Northern Broadland landscapes of one of the less known areas of the County.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

River banks and quiet lanes taking in St. Benets Abbey on the way.

A walk that includes the unique character of the Norfolk Broads. The route does include some road walking but provides the opportunity to see one of the finest windmills in the area.

A longer walk in the Norfolk Broads that includes a number of water features as well as some rural landscapes. The route is generally easy to follow and provides an insight into the many unique features of this watery landscape.

This short circular walk takes in the promenade, pier and town centre with the church of St Peter and St Paul at the end.

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.

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!

A half day walk exploring the Norfolk Broads. The route stars in Acle and then follows the River Bure north past Clippesby Drainage Mill to the village of Upton. The return route crosses fields back to the start and offers a chance to visit the lovely round-towered church at Fishley.

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.

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.