Walks you can reach from Spooner Row by train
MapA day hike is just a simple train journey away — plan your next day of green.
Attleborough Station to Wymondham Station (Norfolk)
4m direct from Spooner Row.
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
Wymondham Station to Norwich Station (Norfolk)
4m direct from Spooner Row.
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
Norwich Station to Hoveton and Wroxham Station (Norfolk)
15m direct from Spooner Row.
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
Norwich Station to Acle Station (Norfolk)
15m direct from Spooner Row.
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.