Walks that stride across Norfolk’s stunning coast and country

North Norfolk is criss-crossed with well-signed public footpaths

Norfolk's big skies and wide open spaces make it a dream holiday for walkers.

Well-signed footpaths and bridleways cover coast, country, marsh and woodland offering walks across flat and undulating countryside. It is the best way to discover Norfolk and its hidden gems and the perfect way to feel close to nature and to watch the birds and wildlife.

Whether you want a serious ramble or an occasional stroll, Norfolk offers the lot whatever time of year. In spring and summer you can revel in the acres of bright red poppies, the haze of purple sea-lavender covering the marshes, and the miles of dunes tumbling into golden sandy beaches. In the autumn, enjoy tramping through turning leaves in the autumn. In the winter follow a frosty hedgerow and feel the north winds blow. And as the seasons change so does the sight and sounds of birdlife.

Norfolk has several long distance walks within easy reach of Blakeney. Try the ancient Peddars Way, first mentioned on a map in 1587. It links to the Norfolk Coast Path yards from Kiln Cottage.

The Norfolk Coast Path sweeps alongside villages, fields and salt marshes towards and past Blakeney

The Peddars Way starts near Thetford in Suffolk and runs for 93 miles along a Roman road to Holme-next-the-Sea and then via the Norfolk coast to Cromer pier. The Angles Way links the Norfolk Broads to the Brecks and is 77 miles long, while the Weavers Way from Cromer to Great Yarmouth is 57 miles.

The 34-mile Nar Valley Way starts at King's Lynn and follows the course of one of the finest chalk streams in East Anglia, the River Nar. And other long distance walks include the Marriot's Way – 21 miles along a former railway line from Norwich to Aylsham – and Boudicca's Way from Norwich to Diss, which is a 40-mile trek.

For more leisurely strolls, there are some lovely little walks in most towns and villages including around Blakeney, Morston, Stiffkey, Salthouse and Cley.

The salt marshes along the Norfolk Coast Path are a haven for flowers and birds

Norfolk is well signposted for footpaths so you’ll soon spot one as you start to wander. Norwich has a beautiful riverside walk which takes you past the landmark Cathedral, past Carrow road, and along the Wensum river bank. There is much to explore around this fine city.

The Norfolk Broads offer waterside rambling with pretty pubs and windmills. And Thetford Forest - Britain's largest lowland pine forest - has miles of waymarked trails as do many of Norfolk’s big country houses such as Holkham Hall, Houghton Hall, Sandringham and National Trust properties like Felbrigg and Blickling.

There is a good OS map in Kiln Cottage to start you off. And the local bus services around the villages are excellent – particularly the Coast Hopper from King’s Lynn to Cromer – to jump on and off as you explore the Norfolk Coast Path.