Norfolk Coastal Walk : 5 nights

Day 1 : Arrive in Thornham on the Norfolk Coast - full of historic cottages, stunning scenery and a small selection of great restaurants. You can spend a few easy hours exploring the coastal footpath to the West, even as far as the great sand dunes at Old Hunstanton before meandering back alongside gently flowing creeks and inlets to Thornham to stay in a wonderful old coaching Inn.

Day 2 : After a hearty breakfast it’s time to start on the main route. Heading East along the quiet coastal path the first stop is the famous RSPB Bird Reserve at Titchwell – a paradise for birdwatchers this coastal reserve offers a wealth of species to spot and is a great place to explore the wonderful coastal landscape. In the afternoon you head further east to the small village of Brancaster with it’s famous links golf course and rolling sandunes.  A few miles further  to your overnight stop at Burnham Market where you can enjoy some fine food in the quality restaurants in this small picturesque village.

Day 3 : Rejoin the coastal path today at Burnham Overy Staithe and walk through the wonderful pine trees at Holkham National Nature Reserve and the amazing beach that stretches into the horizon at Holkham Bay. From Holkham Gap you have the option of a short detour to visit the Palladian style mansion of Holkham Hall (1.5 miles extra). The path now takes a sheltered route along the back of the pine wood strip to the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea with its lifeboat station and beach huts on stilts. For a unique and relaxing end to the day take the miniature railway which follows the beach road for the last 3/4 mile, almost to your overnight accommodation in this historic fishing and seaside town.

Day 4 : Before heading further East on the Coastal Path you can take an inland detour by train and explore the famous pilgrimage village of Walsingham with it’s Abbey, Shrine and fascinating Museum. Returning to the coastal path on the edge of the wild salt marshes you next reach reach the creek at Morston. This is a great place to join a boat trip to view the seal colony at the National Nature Reserve on Blakeney Point. Boat trips are also available a mile or so further down the coast at Blakeney, this is one of the best preserved fishing villages on the East Anglian coast and  is a great place to spend the night.

Day 5 : Walking east from Blakeney the path hugs the shoreline whilst on the landward side, you pass another of the nature reserves that attracts millions of wild birds to this area. Later the walk takes you inland, where you may catch a glimpse of the bygone age of steam as you cross the North Norfolk Poppy Line before entering the beautifully maintained National Trust (NT) property of Sheringham Park. If you have the energy to climb to the towering gazebo which emerges from the tree canopy, you are rewarded with stunning views back over your tracks across the coast and countryside. Only a short distance then to your final night’s accommodation at Upper Sheringham, adjacent to the park.

Day 6 : Depart after breakfast with a taxi ride back to your car at Thornham. If you wish to linger a while there’s always a gentle stroll through the rhododendrons in Sheringham Park, or maybe take a longer walk to Sheringham town. You may even choose to put your feet up and celebrate your achievements with a steam train ride back through the Norfolk countryside on the famous North Norfolk Railway.