Walks you can reach from North Walsham by train

Hoveton and Wroxham Station to Acle Station (Norfolk)

9m direct from North Walsham.

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

Norwich Station to Hoveton and Wroxham Station (Norfolk)

9m direct from North Walsham.

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

Sheringham Station to Cromer Station (Norfolk)

15m direct from North Walsham.

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

Norwich Station to Acle Station (Norfolk)

30m direct from North Walsham.

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.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Wymondham Station to Norwich Station (Norfolk)

30m direct from North Walsham.

A walk that is primarily on roads, but outside the towns mostly on quiet country lanes, with some off-road footpaths and a field section. Footpaths get narrow and overgrown in places, the terrain varies and field paths can be muddy or boggy. Largely flat with steps at the Wymondham end. No facilities in the middle of the route until Cringleford and Eaton, around 8 miles in. Regular trains run between Wymondham and Norwich for the return journey. Eaton Park makes a worthwhile detour.

18km. Moderate ascents.

The Lizard Circular boardwalk near Wymondham is in poor condition and the river crossing has been removed, so the route cannot be followed as drawn; an alternative along Browick Road is a 60mph road with no pavements. Crossing the A11 at the roundabouts is unpleasant. Sections are heavily overgrown with tall stinging nettles. Fields contain sheep and cattle. Can be muddy.

Lunch: No facilities in the middle of the route; bring plenty of food and drink, with shops appearing only on reaching Cringleford and Eaton around 8 miles in.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route