A large portion of the spectacular Norfolk landscape is protected by the National Trust due to the important habitat it provides breeding and migratory birdlife, not to mention a whole host of other wildlife too. This means there is an endless network of footpaths and walking routes crisscrossing National Trust land just waiting to be explored. Here's our list of five of our favourite ones that are really worth trying if you're in the area.
Blakeney to Stiffkey Coastal Wildlife Walk
This is an easy walk and is approximately 4 miles long, taking up to two and a half hours to complete. The ground is mostly even but some of the natural surfaces may become muddy and wet after bad weather, so it's never a bad idea to take some wellies! Along this lovely coast path you can enjoy Norfolk's vast open landscape and big skies as you walk beside pristine saltmarsh. There are so many wildlife spotting opportunities across the marshes and scrubland, that you need to remember to take your binoculars!
Brancaster Staithe
This route is along mostly flat surfaces with some slopes and some muddy surfaces as well. The walk is just under 4 miles and is classed as moderate, so may not be suitable for very young children or those that think they might struggle. Take a stroll through Brancaster Staithe and enjoy the coast and its wildlife. There are amazing views from a vantage point on Barrow Common and along the journey you'll also come to the old site of the Branodunum Roman Fort which was built in the 3rd century CE.
Horsey Windpump and Estate Walk
This is a lovely 2 hour walk taking you through Broadland landscape to see the wealth of wildlife at the Horsey Estate. It is approximately 4.5 miles and is along some grassy paths, with a few steep slopes and even some stiles to jump. The Horsey Estate is beautiful with the Mere, marshes and drainage mills to see. The Buxton family, who are the original owners, still run the property and estate however they handed it over to the National Trust so it could be enjoyed by the public.
Great Yarmouth Heritage Trail
This is the perfect welcome to the pretty seaside town of Great Yarmouth. This walk is only a mile long but gives you a fantastic insight into the rich maritime history. Starting at the Elizabethan House Museum you visit some of Great Yarmouth's oldest buildings and see clear evidence of its intriguing history, from the best preserved medieval walls in the UK, to the imposing monument that commemorates Norfolk's hero, Admiral Lord Nelson.
Blakeney Point Nature Reserve
Blakeney Point's 4-mile long shingle spit leads you to the sand dunes near the Lifeboat House and is famous for the colonies of grey and common seals that inhabit it. It is an internationally important breeding ground for sea bird colonies and you will also see a large variety of unusual plants along the route. The walk is around 7 miles in total, which takes roughly 3 hours. It will be suitable for most people with much of the route travelling along soft shingle, though wearing appropriate footwear is advised!
