Norfolk Coast Path – A Norfolk National Trail
The Norfolk Coast Path runs for 45 miles from Hunstanton to the fishing resort and town of Cromer. The trail was opened in 1986 and is an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
The 4 of us had previously completed the Peddars Way National Trail and continued on from Holme next the Sea to Hunstanton. So we had already knocked off 2½ miles from the official starting point. We would take 3 days to complete the Norfolk Coast Path.
Day 1 Holme next the Sea To Burnham Overy Staithe (13¾ miles)
Having completed the first 2½ miles of the Norfolk Coast Path the previous day, we started where we finished the Peddars Way at Holme next the Sea. The trail was initially on a sandy path through the dunes to Gore Point. At Gore Point the trail headed inland through the Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve.
It was then walking on a sea defence bank, through the mudflats, to the village of Thornham. Unfortunately, one of our party had suffered a torn hamstring and had to abandon the walk at Thornham. The remaining 3 of us continued through the pretty village of Thornham. Near the end of the village we took the 1¼ miles trek south and uphill on a tarmac lane.
Eventually a turn off west was reached and another 1¼ miles through fields took us to a lane heading north to Brancaster. This south, west and then north diversion on the Norfolk Coast Path is to avoid walking on the main A149 road. At Brancaster we called in at the Ship Hotel and took a rest in the beer garden. Fish and chips here was an outrageous £14.50 and only one of our party decided to partake in the feast.
From Brancaster the Norfolk Coast Path headed north for a few minutes, then west again. On this section the two of us who hadn’t eaten enjoyed a delicious crab baguette from a path side stall. Next stop was the White Horse at Brancaster Staithe where we were amused to hear an elderly couple order a sandwich and be warned that the price was £10 each. Needless to say, they declined! This area is apparently where the ‘London Money’ have purchased their holiday homes and were obviously being ripped off for their pleasure.
The Norfolk Coast Path then ran along the sea bank. First north east, then west, south east, south west, west and north east to the village of Burnham Overy Staithe. A quick drink at The Hero, named after Lord Nelson who was born in the nearby Burnham Thorpe, and we caught the bus to our accommodation at the excellent Armeria in Wells Next the Sea.
Related Content:
Peddars Way
Peddars Way 2
Norfolk Coast Path 2