Interested in walking and cycling in the Norfolk Broads? We’ve put together some helpful information, including routes and destinations to consider! Read on to find out more about walking and cycling in the Norfolk Broads.
Walking and Cycling in the Norfolk Broads
There are many walking routes that take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the Norfolk Broads. Many have some interesting villages and towns to pass through as well as some great local attractions, pubs and restaurants that can be enjoyed along the way!
For more information on walking routes in the area visit: http://www.broads.co.uk/norfolk-broads/walks-around-the-broads/
Find out more about walking in the Norfolk Broads here.
This walk follows the National Trust path which leads from Horsey Wind Pump to the beach. There is plenty of tranquil National Trust broadland to savour whilst enjoying a walk which is full of variety. The Nelson Head Pub is a great place to stop off halfway to the beach, and once you reach the beach itself you may be lucky enough to see some grey seals.
This is a circular walk which follows a route of approximately 3 ½ miles of varied Norfolk village and rural landscapes.
This 8-mile walk will take you from Horning to the nearby village of Neatishead via a series of paths and pleasant country lanes. Once in Neatishead you could visit the Radar Museum or savour a refreshing drink and meal at the White Horse Inn. The route also passes through the Alderfen Nature Reserve where you can spot butterflies, dragonflies and damsel flies.
The Filby Parish walks include aspects of Filby village and countryside. Each walk covers the same route from Filby bridge to Filby All Saints Church. There is a church walk, chapel walk and mill walk.
From the moorings at Salhouse broad, a brisk 30-minute walk takes you to the picturesque village of Woodbastwick with its charming village green – one of the most photographed in Norfolk. In the expansive reed beds and woodlands around the village you can expect to find marsh harriers and other rare bird life.
This enjoyable 5 1/2 mile walk features a mix of country lanes, footpaths, tracks and roads. The route takes you through the pleasant village of Ingham where you have the opportunity to take a breather in the pub or have a look around the village church.
Its well worth mooring at the staithe and taking a walking tour of this charming Norfolk village. There are many lovely little cottages from different time periods and in the centre of the village you can sit on a bench and admire the village pond. Further out, there is some very picturesque countryside and your route may take you past Barton Turf Hall – once home to Horatio Nelson’s sister.
A 2 3/4 mile walk taking you through the village of Irstead and past the 14th-century church. There are views across Lamb’s Marsh, which is being restored by the Broads Authority. You can also walk in a loop along boardwalks for the chance to see wildlife – including terns.
Walk along this short stretch of the 56-mile Weaver’s Way footpath which links Cromer and Great Yarmouth.The 2 3/4 route will take you from the mooring point at Thurne to Potter Heigham (or vice versa).
This 3-mile walk (which can be made shorter) offers some lovely views of the countryside. The route climbs High Mill Hill, crosses the nature reserve and cultimates in a stroll following the banks of the River Thurne and Womack Water.
To take a look at St Benet’s Abbey you can get to it via this 2 mile walk from the village of Ludham. The walk mainly follows roads and metalled tracks, but also passes through a farm and over marshland. If your boat is moored at St Benet’s then you can reverse the walk to explore the village of Ludham.
There are plenty of moorings at How Hill and it is the perfect place from which to enjoy a pleasant Broadland walk. You can follow a choice of interesting routes which will lead you to a windmill, the nearby village of Ludham, or to How Hill.
The circular route for this walk leads through Martham village, along a riverside path, and on to the village of West Somerton before returning to Martham. Along the riverside you may be fortunate enough to spot flocks of geese or marsh harriers. Back at Martham, be sure to take the opportunity to have a look in the huge village church.
This pleasant walk takes you through the pretty village of Bramerton and on to Kirby Bedon. Parts of the route are lined with interesting wild flowers including ramsons and speedwell. Take the opportunity to stop off at the Woods End Tavern in Bramerton – popular with boaters and walkers alike!
Moor at the 24-hour moorings at the Ferry Inn and then enjoy this 4-mile walk with fine views across the marshes and river. Points of interest along the route include the St John the Baptist church which dates from the 7th-century and a somewhat more recent war memorial dedicated to US airmen. It is also worth noting that this route passes the Pettits Animal Adventure Park – a big attraction for children!
This 4-mile walk follows a series of country lanes and footpaths – be warned, they can be quite muddy at times! The route follows the River Chet for a while and also crosses a meadow named Warren Hills – unsurprisingly, an area dominated by rabbits!
The Norwich Riverside Walk is a must! The full route is about 3 miles long, but the path is very accessible from all parts of the city so it can easily be made shorter. On a sunny day the walk is very picturesque and there are lots of pubs to stop off at if you need refreshment. There is also a variety of interesting and historic architecture to admire along the way, including Pull’s Ferry, Cow Tower and Bishop Bridge.
The Norfolk Broads and the surrounding area are an ideal place for a cycle ride. There are various routes you can take, all enjoying the wonderful surrounding scenery whilst cycling in the Norfolk Broads.
For more information on cycle routes visit: http://www.thebroadsbybike.org.uk
Find out more about cycling in the Norfolk Broads here.
12 miles through Earsham, Ditchingham and Ellingham or 25 miles through Geldeston, Beccles and Barsham.
11 mile route through Aldeby and Toft Monks or 19 miles to include Aldeby and Revingham.
A 9.5 mile route through Thurne, Fleggburgh and Filby or 14.5 miles through Potter Heigham, How Hill and Ludham.
This is a 5.5 mile ride taking in Sutton too.
20 miles through Sea Pauling, Hickling, Petter Heigham and Martham.
15.8 miles visiting Neatishead, Barton Turf and Horning.
A 15 mile ride passing through Thurne, Rollesby and West Somerton.
22.8 mile ride through Ingham, Honing and Worstead.
This is an 8.5 mile route passing through Runham, Mautby and Thrigby.
20 miles visiting Loddon, Reedham and Beccles.
You can also hire bicycles for cycling in the Norfolk Broads.
Bike hire is available from:
- Broadland Cycle Hire – Horning Road, Hoveton, NR12 8JW. 07887 480331.
- Outney Meadow Caravan Park – Outney Meadow, Bungay, NR35 1HG. 01986 892338.
- Sea Palling Cycle Hire – Waxham Road, Sea Palling, NR12 0EE. 07747 483154.
- Seadell Hire Shops – Beach Road, Great Yarmouth, NR29 4HS. 01493 730041.
Richardson’s Rewards! – Offer: 10% discount on cycle hire! - Waveney River Centre – Staithe Road, Burgh St Peter, NR34 0BT. 01502 677343.
- BroadsByCycle electronic bike hire – Hoveton, Horning and Ludham. Book online or call 01603 552563.