The 10 best walks in Norfolk

Thetford Forest is the largest man-made lowland pine forest in the UK – Digital Vision/Justin Paget"Very flat, Norfolk". So said Noël Coward in his 1930s play, Private Lives. But what the county might lack in dramatic elevation, it makes up for in its immense variety of landscapes. Within the county's boundaries are the peat-rich enclaves of The Broads to the east; the gently undulating Brecks to the west; the deer parks of Norfolk's grand 18th-century estates in the north; and the bucolic river valleys of the Nar, Wensum and Bure, which dissect its rural heartland.

Encircling its rounded shoreline is the spectacular long-distance Norfolk Coast Path, which takes walkers past impressive pine-backed beaches, atmospheric salt marshes, pretty harbourside towns and villages including flint-built Blakeney and the lively seaside resorts of Sheringham and Cromer.

Whether you seek a gentle stroll along a pushchair-friendly lakeside path, a leisurely potter along a leafy inland lane, or a challenging walk along a centuries-old trail, there's a walk to suit everyone in this region.

There are 200 acres of woodland, meadow, fen and wetland to enjoy at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve – Alamy/SJ Image

Start/end: Sculthorpe Moor Visitor CentreOS Grid Reference: TF 891 304Explorer map: 251Route details: sculthorpe.hawkandowltrust.org

This overlooked nature reserve near Fakenham contains 200 acres of wildlife-friendly terrain, including woodland, meadow, fen and wetland. Sculthorpe's well-maintained walkways looping around the banks of the river Wensum allow mobility scooter users, wheelchair users and families with pushchairs to access the hides for spotting a variety of birds, including hawks and barn owls. Bring a picnic and leave a donation.

Thetford Forest covers more than 18,000 acres, made up of pines, heathland and broadleaves – Getty/Justin Paget

Start/end: Santon Downham, Thetford ForestOS Grid Reference: TL8160 8779Explorer map: 229Route details: norfolk.gov.uk

Explore England's largest lowland forest, marking Norfolk's southern border with Suffolk, on this gentle walk which starts at the Forestry Commission Office or at St Helen's Picnic Site (TL8259 8737). There are no stiles to negotiate, and the walking is mainly along forest tracks. This is where Dad's Army was filmed and fans will recognise some of the locations. Pop into the church of St Mary to spot Breckland animals depicted in the stained glass.

Visit the Blickling Estate for a gentle but rewarding walk – Getty/Grahamphoto23

Start/end: Blickling car parkOS Grid Reference: TG178286Explorer map: 252Route details: nationaltrust.org.uk

This gentle walk skirts the lake at Blickling – simply follow the green arrows on white-topped posts. From the main car park, the path follows the road through large black and white gates and leads past the mausoleum, ha-ha and orangery. Keep an eye out for the Grade II-listed Doric temple at the halfway point. The highlight is the view of Blickling Hall's grand Jacobean facade along the main driveway followed by tea at the Farmyard Café.

The footpath from Morston to Blakeney is flat and scenic – Stuart Aylmer/Alamy

Start/end: Morston QuayOS Grid Reference: TG006442Explorer map: 251Route details: nationaltrust.org.uk

Park in the National Trust car park at Morston and head west along the Norfolk Coast Path, following signs to Blakeney. From the level path, raised on the sea wall, you get a grandstand view of boats moored along the creek and wading birds including oystercatchers, terns and spoonbills. Take a look around Blakeney before returning along the path to Morston. Or hitch a ride back on the handy Coast Hopper bus.

Peddars Way was used by the Roman army after the defeat of the Iceni tribe – Alamy

Start/end: Knettishall Heath to Holme-next-the-SeaOS Grid reference: TL944807 (south), TF714449 (north)Explorer map: 229, 236, 250Route details: nationaltrail.co.uk

This ancient long-distance walk dates back to Neolithic times and in AD 61 it was used by the Roman army after the defeat of the Iceni tribe. Later it became a pilgrimage route to Walsingham, cutting through a mix of woodland, heathland, open countryside and farmland. It's best to take a picnic and snacks with you as there are surprisingly few shops and pubs along the route.

Reddish-brown, sandy paths along the Norfolk Coast Path near Blakeney – Alamy/Jim Laws

Start/end: Sutton Bridge to Hopton-on-SeaGrid reference: TF 47752128 (west) / TM536997 (east)Explorer maps: 250, 251, 252, OL40Route details: nationaltrail.co.uk

This classic trail traditionally starts in Hunstanton, but a recently added extension links it to the Lincolnshire border at Sutton Bridge to form part of the King Charles III England Coast Path. It takes in the best of the Norfolk Coast National Landscape, but if you want to shorten it, pick the most scenic 42-mile stretch between Hunstanton and Cromer.

Caistor St Edmund in South Norfolk (pictured here) is home to Venta Icenorum, East Anglia's largest Roman town – Alamy

Start/end: Norwich to DissGrid reference: TG238083 (north) / TM127797 (south)Explorer map: 237, 230Route details: norfolk.gov.uk

Winding through the rural enclaves of south Norfolk and the Waveney Valley, this demanding trail, named after the Queen of the Iceni tribes who lived in this area, criss-crosses the old Roman "Pye" Road (now the A140). Highlights include the Roman town of Caistor St Edmund, plus the pretty villages of Saxlingham Nethergate and Pulham Market.

Start/end: Norwich to WalsinghamGrid reference: TG 234 089 (south), TF 9350 3670 (north)Explorer map: 251, 237, 238Route details: walsinghamway.co.uk

Norfolk's most recent way-marked walking route was launched in May 2021 to celebrate the county's long-established tradition of pilgrimage, but it's aimed at all walkers. Linking Norwich Cathedral to the shrine at Walsingham (founded in 1061), this trail is part of the Camino Inglés which links the green lanes and footpaths of the peaceful Wensum Valley to its counterparts across the Channel.

The now ruined West Acre Priory near King's Lynn – Alamy

Start/end: The Stag Inn, West AcreGrid reference: TF781151Explorer map: 236Route details: explorewestnorfolk.co.uk

Tucked away in a Norfolk backwater, and barely a mile from more touristy Castle Acre, it's hard to imagine that this spot was an important religious centre in the 12th century. The footpath follows the Nar Valley Way through woodland and past fields, taking in the priory remains including chapter house, gatehouse, barn and cloisters, and the restored church of All Saints.

The Bure Valley Path runs alongside the Bure Valley Railway for its entire nine-mile route – Avalon/Construction Photography

Start/end: Aylsham to WroxhamGrid reference: TG 195264 (west) / TG 302185 (east)Explorer map: 238, OL40Route details: norfolk.gov.uk

Plenty of visitors to Norfolk head for The Broads, but are more likely to hire a boat than put on walking boots. This gentle nine-mile route following the narrow-gauge Bure Valley Railway has an added advantage of request stops at Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall if your legs start to tire. The market town of Aylsham is a good place to buy provisions, and look out for the hamlet of Hautbois with its Elizabethan hall.

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