Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cley (5 miles)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/ben-wicks-THaLUu8wDqs-unsplash.jpg" alt="Cley Windmill" class="wp-image-64622" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/ben-wicks-THaLUu8wDqs-unsplash.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/ben-wicks-THaLUu8wDqs-unsplash-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/ben-wicks-THaLUu8wDqs-unsplash-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/ben-wicks-THaLUu8wDqs-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Start by grabbing supplies at <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/cley-windmill-cley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Picnic Fayre</a> deli and then head out past <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/cley-windmill-cley/">Cley Windmill</a> (FYI you can overnight in style here) where you’ll join the Norfolk Coast Path taking you around the stunning marshes, along the beach to the award-winning <a href="https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-in-norfolk/nature-reserves/reserves/cley-and-salthouse-marshes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NWT Cley Marshes Visitor Centre</a>. Continue the nature gazing in the centre’s café with its panoramic views over the marshes and coastline, before carrying on your way. For that post-walk pint, <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-george-and-dragon-hotel-bar-restaurant-cley-next-the-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The George and Dragon</a> is a must. (Map <a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/routeslinkswalks/cley-marshes-nature-reserve-walking-route#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-horsey-nbsp-windpump-and-beach-walk-nbsp-3-miles"><strong>Horsey&nbsp;Windpump and beach walk</strong>&nbsp;(3 miles)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/young-grey-seals-horsey-beach-norfolk-1569001.jpg-copy.jpg" alt="Young seals at Horsey in Norfolk" class="wp-image-37634" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/young-grey-seals-horsey-beach-norfolk-1569001.jpg-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/young-grey-seals-horsey-beach-norfolk-1569001.jpg-copy-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/young-grey-seals-horsey-beach-norfolk-1569001.jpg-copy-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2022/12/young-grey-seals-horsey-beach-norfolk-1569001.jpg-copy-900x507.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Young grey seals on the beach at Horsey (National Trust Images)</figcaption></figure>



<p>Be at one with nature on this lovely walk around Horsey, where the Broads meets the coast (route&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/horsey-windpump/horsey-windpump-and-beach-walk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>). Starting in the NT Horsey Windpump carpark (bring change), the route firstly takes you through some fields where you may, or may not, come face to face with some cows but almost certainly will spot some geese and wading birds. This leads into some marshlands (side note, bring wellies) which soon meets the dunes of Horsey beach and, if you’re lucky, a colony of seals. Once you can pull yourselves away from the seals (trust me you’ll be gawking at them for a while), step back in time at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/poppylands/">Poppylands</a>&nbsp;tea room – a homage to the 1940s where you’ll be served&nbsp;hearty home-cooked food. There’s also a great vintage shopping floor upstairs&nbsp;and a chance to get a quarter of cola cubes at the wonderful retro sweet&nbsp;store.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cromer-happy-valley-circular-walk-nbsp-1-5-miles"><strong>Cromer Happy Valley circular walk</strong>&nbsp;(1.5 miles)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cromer-walk.jpg" alt="Cromer Pier " class="wp-image-79332" /></figure>



<p>A short walk on paper (1.5 miles) but there’s plenty to stop, see and admire on this lovely little circuit (map&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/app/uploads/happyvalley.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>). The route follows the ascending clifftop path out of Cromer – and hello gorgeous views! From up here, you can see the quaint town below, the rise and fall of the cliffs and, on a clear day, all the way out to sea. You then come to Warren Woods which is a wonderful forest walk providing shelter on a windy day and a blanket of bluebells in the spring. This loop brings you through the town where it is always nice to stop off at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theoldrockshopbistro.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Rock Shop Bistro</a>&nbsp;for a fresh crab salad (when in Cromer and all that) or fuel your sugar rush with a warm drink and delicious homemade cake.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-happisburgh-and-nbsp-walcott-circular-walk-nbsp-4-5-miles">Happisburgh and&nbsp;<strong>Walcott circular walk&nbsp;</strong>(4.5 miles)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/chris-spalton-xY2nZUdDdUs-unsplash-1-1000x750.jpg" alt="Happisburgh lighthouse" class="wp-image-64621" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/chris-spalton-xY2nZUdDdUs-unsplash-1-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/chris-spalton-xY2nZUdDdUs-unsplash-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/chris-spalton-xY2nZUdDdUs-unsplash-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/chris-spalton-xY2nZUdDdUs-unsplash-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Leave Happisburgh by the clifftop path and, along this 4.5 mile route (map <a href="https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/app/uploads/walcott.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>), you’ll walk above the site where *fun fact* early human footprints (over 800,000 years old) were found in sediment on the beach and are the earliest evidence of human occupation found outside of Africa (amazing, right?). Further along the cliff are the remains of a World War II radar station and you’re also not far from the iconic <a href="https://happisburgh.org.uk/lighthouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Happisburgh Lighthouse</a> – the oldest working lighthouse in East Anglia <em>and </em>the only independently run lighthouse in the whole of Great Britain. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Smallsticks-Caf%C3%A9-100028372075218/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smallsticks Café</a> is a cute little place to grab a bite at Cart Gap (hot tip: the fresh seafood is amazing here). It’s also only a stone’s throw from the beach and a slightly shorter walk to the lighthouse if you all you want is a blast of fresh air.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunstanton-walks-nbsp-up-to-6-miles"><strong>Hunstanton walks</strong>&nbsp;(up to 6 miles)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/mark-timberlake-3Aug3V6aBNI-unsplash-1000x563.jpg" alt="Hunstanton" class="wp-image-64620" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/mark-timberlake-3Aug3V6aBNI-unsplash-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/mark-timberlake-3Aug3V6aBNI-unsplash-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/mark-timberlake-3Aug3V6aBNI-unsplash-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/03/mark-timberlake-3Aug3V6aBNI-unsplash.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Depending on your zippiness on the day, there are a few&nbsp;lovely walks&nbsp;here – all varying in distance. If the tide is out you can walk along the beach to Old Hunstanton and around the multicoloured cliffs, or for a slightly easier option on the calves take the&nbsp;clifftop path. Walk&nbsp;up behind the beach huts and on to Holme Dunes. You can then stop off en route at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Old-Boathouse-Cafe-167870876557148/">Old Town Beach Café</a>&nbsp;for a warming homemade soup or sarnie. If you fancy extending it, continue along the&nbsp;Norfolk Coast Path through Holme Dunes Nature Reserve and on to Thornham (6 miles total). Here you will find the glorious&nbsp;<a href="http://thornhamdeli.co.uk/">Thornham&nbsp;Deli</a>&nbsp;and café packed with all sorts of yummy treats (open 7 days a week). It’s dog friendly too if you’ve got your four-legged friend in tow.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wells-next-the-sea-nbsp-to-holkham-circular-walk-9-miles"><strong>Wells-next-the-Sea</strong>&nbsp;to Holkham circular walk (9 miles)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Wells-pinewoods.jpg" alt="forest between Wells and Holkham in Norfolk" class="wp-image-39790" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Wells-pinewoods.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Wells-pinewoods-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Wells-pinewoods-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Wells-pinewoods-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This <a href="http://griffmonster-walks.blogspot.com/2011/10/holham-to-wells-circular-walk.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">9 mile circular walk</a> between Wells and Holkham takes you along Wells beach, past the iconic beach huts, through the pinewoods and back onto the coastal path to Holkham and into the estate to explore the grounds and gardens. A great walk with dogs plus plenty of parking! And, again, if you’re lucky you might even spot some grey seals. Our tip? Fuel up at the very funky <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wellsbeachcafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beach Café</a> at Wells for a selection of homemade treats and finish with fresh-as-can-be seafood at <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/wells-crab-house-wells-next-the-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wells Crab House</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winterton-on-sea-circular-walk-nbsp-3-5-miles"><strong>Winterton-on-Sea circular walk</strong>&nbsp;(3.5 miles)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/winterton-walk.jpg" alt="beach at Winterton on Sea" class="wp-image-79337" /></figure>



<p>Listen out for the natterjack toads on a bracing 3.5 mile romp through Winterton Dunes (map <a href="https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/app/uploads/winterton.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>). This is a favourite walk not just because of the Baltic-like dunes, but also because of the spectacular ruins of St Mary’s Church at East Somerton. You’ll find it slightly inland, covered in ivy with a great oak tree growing through the now roofless chancel – prepare to have your breath taken away as it’s really quite something. Start with a coffee and bacon sarnie in the log cabin at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sealviewwinterton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seal View</a> café at Winterton Beach carpark, and finish at the neighbouring <a href="https://dunescafe.weebly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dunes Café</a>, a short drive away at Waxham, which offers exceptional cream teas and enormous scones next to the historic Waxham Great Barn.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The&nbsp;<strong>Burnhams circular walk</strong>&nbsp;(4.5 miles)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Burnham-Overy-Staithe.jpg" alt="Burnham Norfolk" class="wp-image-39791" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Burnham-Overy-Staithe.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Burnham-Overy-Staithe-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Burnham-Overy-Staithe-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Burnham-Overy-Staithe-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A&nbsp;4.5 mile walk through the atmospheric salt marshes and past a couple of pretty churches (map&nbsp;<a href="https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/43002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>). You might like to take a detour at Burnham Market and look around some of the lovely little boutiques on your way round. Then time for tea at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tillys-cafe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tilly’s</a>, which is open Mon to Sat for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, all of which include freshly baked goodies. Or rest weary limbs at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nelsonslocal.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lord Nelson</a>&nbsp;in nearby Burnham Thorpe (birth place of Horatio Nelson), where you’ll be welcomed by the freshest Woodforde’s beer and tastiest pub food.</p>



<p><strong>After more coastal fun?</strong> Check out our guide to the <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-summer-beaches-in-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best beaches in Norfolk</a></p>


Best coastal walks in Norfolk – with pitstops

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