Walks in Norfolk by train

Quiet country lanes and field-edge paths through Broads farmland and reed beds; three-quarters surfaced with cycle barriers, slight gradients in places.

1 end-of-walk reward: the Bell Inn

Walk details: Bittern Line (PDF).

Field paths and a former-railway trail through Broads countryside to a riverside village; mostly unsurfaced with kissing gates, stiles, gates and steps, slight with one steep hill.

Coltishall

Lunch: Riverside pubs at Coltishall.

End-of-walk reward: Pubs and cafés in Wroxham.

Walk details: Bittern Line (PDF).

Field paths and quiet lanes around a historic weaving village; half surfaced with some steps, slight gradient.

1 lunch spot: the New Inn

Walk details: Bittern Line (PDF).

Field paths, woodland and a former-railway nature reserve; mostly unsurfaced with steps, slight gradient.

Stump Cross

End-of-walk reward: Pubs and cafés in North Walsham.

Walk details: Bittern Line (PDF).

Field and woodland paths out to a parkland estate and back; three-quarters surfaced with kissing gates and steps, moderate gradient.

Felbrigg Hall

1 lunch spot: Felbrigg Hall Tea Rooms

End-of-walk reward: Cafés and pubs in Cromer.

Walk details: Bittern Line (PDF).

Coastal hills, commons and heath with sweeping sea views; half surfaced with kissing gates, steps and gates, moderate with occasional steep slopes.

Roman Camp

End-of-walk reward: Pubs and cafés in West Runton and Cromer.

Walk details: Bittern Line (PDF).

Coastal hills, commons, woodland and parkland with long flights of steps; mostly unsurfaced, moderate with some steep slopes.

Beeston Regis Priory

Sheringham Park

End-of-walk reward: Pubs and cafés in Sheringham.

Walk details: Bittern Line (PDF).

Field paths to the coast then an exposed clifftop coastal path; three-quarters surfaced with a kissing gate and steps, moderate with some fairly steep climbs.

Overstrand

2 lunch spots: Overstrand — the White Horse Inn, or Cliff Top Café

End-of-walk reward: Pubs and cafés in Cromer.

Walk details: Bittern Line (PDF).

Recommended: Norfolk Coast Path for most of the way.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Recommended: 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.

Waterway: nine tenths along the River Great Ouse.

Time: 5h30–10h30

Lunch: A couple of pubs along the way.

Warnings: 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.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

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.

Time: 4h30–8h30

Lunch: Shops, supermarkets and takeaways in Sprowston, plus a cafe at Spixworth village hall around two-thirds of the way.

1 end-of-walk reward: the Kings Head

Warnings: 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.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

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.

Time: 4h30–8h30

Lunch: A pub, shop and cafe by Malthouse Broad at Ranworth, part-way along.

Warnings: There are short sections of fast 60mph road where stepping onto the bank is the only option when traffic comes.

Walk details: Slow Ways.