Best walks in Norfolk by train
MapA day hike in the countryside is just a simple train journey away — explore the most charmingly located railway stations in Norfolk and plan your next day of green.
Downham Market Station to King's Lynn Station
1h 15m from Norwich, with one change.
An excellent, predominantly rural riverside route along an embankment beside the river, on mostly flat, firm ground through meadows. It is very exposed to wind and rain with no shelter and there is a step-over stile at the Downham Market end. Follows the Fen River Way; very quiet away from King's Lynn. Several interesting churches along the river are worth visiting, including the ruined church at Wiggenhall St Peter.
20km. Moderate ascents.
The route is fully exposed to the weather with no shelter from wind or rain. A step-over stile at the Downham Market end limits access.
Lunch: A couple of pubs along the way.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Norwich Station to Hoveton and Wroxham Station
A mostly flat route that leaves Norwich over Mousehold Heath, where flint-stone paths are steep and uneven underfoot, before settling into quiet country lanes and field paths and a wide farm track. Some sections can be muddy after rain; pavements are generally wide. Several shops and supermarkets in Sprowston for supplies early on; little in the way of facilities for the final five miles after Spixworth. Frequent trains and buses run back to Norwich from Hoveton.
16km. Gentle ascents.
The route crosses the busy B1150 North Walsham Road twice, including a 50mph section, with no pedestrian crossing; take great care. The flint paths over Mousehold Heath are steep and uneven.
Lunch: Shops, supermarkets and takeaways in Sprowston, plus a cafe at Spixworth village hall around two-thirds of the way.
End-of-walk reward: the Kings Head.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Attleborough Station to Wymondham Station
15m direct from Norwich.
A route making more use of footpaths and quiet country lanes than the alternative, with several railway crossings over stiles and gates, field paths and woodland edges. Some lanes are narrow with occasional traffic; pavements can be very overgrown forcing you into the road in places and pedestrian railway crossings get overgrown. No amenities or shops between Attleborough and Wymondham; plenty at both ends, with buses to Norwich from Wymondham. Wildlife and cottages add interest.
13km.
Bunwell Road is the busiest stretch with little space either side. Care needed crossing to the pavement after the A11 roundabouts at a blind corner, and at the narrow road by Wymondham recycling centre. Frequent trains on the level crossings, so care is needed.
Lunch: No amenities or shops between Attleborough and Wymondham.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Hoveton and Wroxham Station to Acle Station
15m direct from Norwich.
A mix of field paths, pavements and quiet lanes, mostly on small lanes. Field sections can be muddy and harder to navigate in wet weather and with road-based alternatives in places; some parts have become overgrown. Passes Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, well worth visiting. Heads through the Broads.
16km.
There are short sections of fast 60mph road where stepping onto the bank is the only option when traffic comes.
Lunch: A pub, shop and cafe by Malthouse Broad at Ranworth, part-way along.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Brandon Station to Thetford Station
30m direct from Norwich.
Stunning route; a really lovely route, mostly through forest and fields. A mostly wooded walk through native and plantation forest on broad, clear gravel and compacted-dirt tracks, with sandy sections and a final stretch along the River Ouse on narrow and sometimes muddy riverside paths. A short road section on the outskirts of Brandon has no footpath. There is a campsite beside the River/Little Ouse with a swim spot. Deer can be seen on the route.
Easy: 12km, gentle ascents.
A short section on the edge of Brandon has no pavement (walk the verge). Near the river crossing by the Weir, fallen trees must be climbed over and two small streams crossed; not suitable for those with mobility issues. Riverside paths can be sloppy. Can be muddy.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Sheringham Station to Cromer Station
45m direct from Norwich.
Fantastic, far reaching views of the sea. A fairly easy coastal walk along clifftop paths, both paved and unsurfaced, with far-reaching sea views and becoming an urban trail in parts. Beeston Bump (Beeston Hill) has steep steps on either side; sections of roadside pavement are narrow. Follows much of the Norfolk Coast Path and is for foot only, as cyclists cannot use the footpath. West Runton, midway, has public toilets, a cafe and a small shop; several bus stops along the roadside sections.
Tough: steep ascents. 7km.
The clifftops can be unstable, so keep to the marked paths. A stretch of the A149 through East Runton has a very narrow pavement, forcing single file and occasional steps onto the busy road. Steep steps on Beeston Bump create access issues.
Lunch: A cafe, shop and toilets at West Runton midway, plus refreshments at both Cromer and Sheringham.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
North Walsham Station to Hoveton and Wroxham Station
30m direct from Norwich.
Heads towards the Broads.
15km. Flat terrain.
A stretch of over 1.5 miles follows the extremely busy B1150 Norwich to North Walsham road, with no path for most of it, which one walker considered too dangerous to take.