Walking the Norfolk trails

The Norfolk Trails are a series of long distance footpaths that enable walkers to explore Norfolk’s beautiful and varied landscapes, from captivating coastal trails to striking inland treks. Some of the Norfolk Trails are also cycle paths and bridle paths, so there are a variety of options for exploring these routes. All these trails are introduced below and can be enjoyed in short sections or as part of shorter circular walks.

Angles Way

Angles Way follows the Norfolk and Suffolk border for 93 miles from Great Yarmouth to Thetford. The trail leads through river valleys, heathland, woodland, villages and markets and offers a variety of historical architecture to intrigue walkers in addition to the diverse and beautiful landscapes.

Boudicca Way

Boudicca Way travels through the interior of Norfolk, leading walkers through south Norfolk and the Waveney Valley. The trail stretches for about 36 miles between Diss and Norwich, passing through several pretty villages along the way.

There are many towns and villages in the area around the trail which are well worth making a quick detour to explore too. Sights to see include the likes of a hill fort, ancient churches and the site of a Roman villa in addition to the lovely surrounding landscapes.

Fen Rivers Way

Almost 50 miles long, Fen Rivers Way stretches between King’s Lynn and Cambridge. This beautiful route follows the course of the rivers which run into the Wash, the huge bay and estuary on the coast where Norfolk meets Lincolnshire. The route passes through eye-catching fenland and you may be lucky enough to spot some of the local wildlife on your way.

Marriot’s Way

Marriot’s Way is a 26-mile trail that is suitable for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. The trail runs between Aylsham and Norwich along two disused railway lines and offers the chance to see diverse wildlife including deer, owls, otters, kestrels and butterflies to name a few.

There are seven sub-sections of the trail, making it easy to navigate at a schedule that suits leisurely and quicker paces alike.

Nar Valley Way

Nar Valley Way leads walkers on a 33-mile trail from King’s Lynn to Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum. The beautiful surroundings range from woodland to meadows, farmland and commons. An abundance of historical attractions wait to greet you on your way, such as Pentney Abbey and the castle ruins in Castle Acre.

Peddars Way

Peddars Way is a 46-mile route that takes in some wonderful contrasting landscapes. Starting at the Brecks, the trail passes through the likes of forest and heathland as it follows a Roman road to the coast near Hunstanton.

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The trail joins with the Norfolk Coast Path to form the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail. A large part of Peddars Way is suitable for cyclists and there is also a designated horse riding route.

Norfolk Coast Path

The Norfolk Coast Path offers gorgeous coastal scenery for walkers who traverse the 42 miles from Hunstanton to Cromer. Most of the trail leads walkers through the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Woodland, marshes, beaches and sea cliffs provide a variety of scenery. The trail links to Peddars Way at Holme-next-the-Sea.

Paston Way

Paston Way is a great choice for walkers who are keen to discover Norfolk’s ancient churches. The trail runs for 22 miles between North Walsham and Cromer and you pass 14 churches as you make your way along lanes, over fields and pastures and through pretty villages and towns.

Weavers’ Way

Weavers’ Way is primarily suited to walking but two sections of disused railway line along the trail accommodate horse riding and cycling. The trail stretches from Cromer to Great Yarmouth and there are plenty of sights to see along its 61 miles.

You'll pass through woodland, farmland and marshes and there are a variety of manmade attractions to see too, including flint churches, country houses, wind pumps and railway crossing cottages.

Wensum Way

A large part of the Wensum Way follows or passes close to the River Wensum which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. This footpath is relatively new, having been opened in 2013, and is comparatively short at just 12 miles long.

The route was introduced to fill a missing link between the Nar Valley Way and Marriott’s Way, and the three trails together now make a 96 mile cross country route allowing you to walk the entire width of Norfolk from Great Yarmouth to King’s Lynn.

Wherryman’s Way

Wherryman’s Way is a picturesque trail perfect for discovering the Broads, Britain’s biggest wetland. Walkers can explore its 37.5-mile length between Norwich and Great Yarmouth, taking in the River Yare, marshes, meadows, villages and sculptures along the way.

Outstanding outdoor explorations

The Norfolk Trails are an unforgettable way to explore Norfolk’s cultural and historical heritage as well as its stunning contrasting landscapes. The trails can be completed in full or in part depending on personal preferences and time constraints and offer an array of sights to keep walkers captivated every step of the way.