Best walks from Acle
MapJump on a train, get off at Acle Station and lose yourself in a beautiful hike for the day.
Hoveton and Wroxham Station to Acle Station
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
Acle Station to Great Yarmouth Station
An almost entirely off-road walk following the established Weavers Way, with a long flat, exposed stretch beside Breydon Water and fields that can become waterlogged and muddy and especially after Tunstall. No shade on the open marsh sections. Follows the Weavers Way through RSPB-managed marshland with abundant overwintering birds, including short-eared owls. Can be split at Berney Arms request stop.
19km.
The stretch beside Breydon Water is very exposed with no shade; dress for wind and sun. There is one hairy crossing of the Acle Straight (A47). Cattle may be encountered on the marsh, and some fields can be very wet.
Lunch: Nowhere to eat en route — pack lunch!
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Norwich Station to Acle Station
A flat, long route characteristic of the Norfolk landscape: an easy paved start out of Norwich along the River Yare and past an industrial estate, then country roads and farmland and woodland with a gentle climb towards Blofield Heath. Field sections can be muddy in wet weather and there are stiles along farm lanes. Few facilities en route, with Blofield Heath (roughly halfway) offering a newsagent, an Indian restaurant and a bus stop for onward travel. Look out for kestrels and other wildlife in the woods.
Tough: 22km. Gentle ascents.
Some lanes (Smee Lane, Dye's Road) have no footpath, so you must step onto the verge for traffic; there are stiles and a long flight of steps at Thorpe St Andrew (avoidable); fields can be muddy after rain.
Lunch: Noticeable lack of facilities along the route; Blofield Heath roughly halfway has a newsagent and an Indian restaurant, but otherwise bring your own food and drink.