TOP 5 WINTER WALKS
It is literally one of our favourite things to do in the winter – pull on some walking boots and a warm jacket and get out for a good long stomp!
North Norfolk is just as breathtaking in January as it is in the height of summer and most locals will tell you it’s the best time to enjoy our coastline and countryside because you largely have it to yourself.
So, we have got our heads together to bring you five of our personal favourites. Follow the links for full details and get yourselves over here and join us!
Holkham Beach
Probably one of the best known and still best loved beaches to walk along. Vast open spaces as well as beautiful, woodland walks. We’ve all spent many hours over the years on this beach and are still all agreed it has to be in the Top 5. You can walk along the beach for miles, all the way to Wells-next-the-Sea if you follow the trail behind the beach.
The visitor centre ‘The Lookout’ is open daily (apart from Christmas Day) Mon-Thurs 10am-3pm and Fri-Sun 10-4pm. The car park is open 6am – 6pm and costs £3.50 up to 2 hours and £6.50 up to 4 hours. Head to The Victoria for a spot of lunch by the open fire!
Find out more info here, including our lovely Norfolk Holiday Cottages to rent near to Holkham and check out opening times etc on the Holkham website.
Thornham Beach
A bit more of a ‘hidden gem’. It’s quite a long (but beautiful) stroll out from the village but you are rewarded with an often deserted stretch of stunning sandy beach to explore.
You can walk out from the village, joining the coastal path at the bottom of Staithe Lane past the Old Coal Shed and follow the raised path and boardwalk for about 25 minutes to reach the 2.5 miles of unspoiled, dog friendly, beach. There isn’t any designated parking though, so if you have the car and can’t park in Thornham village, head to Holme Nature Reserve car park and walk back towards Thornham. It is advisable to check the info on opening times here www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
Find out more info here, including our lovely Norfolk Holiday Cottages to rent near to Thornham: https://bigskiesholidaycottages.co.uk/explore-norfolk/beaches/thornham/
Weybourne Circular Walk (5 miles)
There are so many fabulous, well sign-posted, walks in North Norfolk and this is one of Hetti’s favourites (since she can get to it from her front door without getting in the car!)
Taking in the spectacular cliffs and the rugged coastline and also the beauty of Kelling Heath, this is one of several stunning walks in this area.
See the National Trails website for the map, or just park up and follow the signposts. www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/short-routes/weybourne-circular-walk-2/
Find out more info here, including our lovely Norfolk Holiday Cottages to rent near to Weybourne: /https://bigskiesholidaycottages.co.uk/explore-norfolk/beaches/happisburgh/
Blickling Estate (3 miles)
Blickling Hall is situated in 5,000 acres of parkland and is ideal for walks in the rolling fields, ancient woodlands and around the lake. There is a lovely circular walk around the lake which takes in some lovely parts of the estate. You will find lots to explore and there is even a Mausoleum to discover. Check out The Bucks Arms for a hearty pub meal and a pint when you are done.
Blickling Hall is beautiful in itself, so you could make a day of it and do both. Visit the National Trust website for more information on visiting the hall: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blickling-estate .
Find out more info here, including our lovely Norfolk Holiday Cottages to rent near to Blickling: https://bigskiesholidaycottages.co.uk/explore-norfolk/area-guides/blickling-aylsham-and-surrounding-area/
Happisburgh Circular Walk (7 miles)
One not to miss, beautifully bleak winter views along the Jurassic part of our History Coast. You’ll start off at the car park close to Happisburgh beach where you will also see the prominent red and white striped Happisburgh Light House, walking along the cliff tops up to Walcott and back. For more details of the walk, visit the National Trails website: www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/short-routes/happisburgh-circular-walk-2/
Find out more info here, including our lovely Norfolk Holiday Cottages to rent near to Happisburgh: https://bigskiesholidaycottages.co.uk/explore-norfolk/beaches/happisburgh/
