Hike the rich and varied landscapes of Norfolk — Weavers’ Way

The Weavers’ Way showcases the wonderfully-diverse scenery of Norfolk. From golden coastline to gentle farmland, serene woodlands to country estates, and the untold delights of the Broads National Park, there is always something to inspire you on this trail.

Starting from Cromer, on the north Norfolk coast, the Way makes a 61-mile (98 km) inland journey through the county to finish in the traditional seaside town of Great Yarmouth, on the east Norfolk coastline.

Taking you along rivers, canals, and former railway lines, the Way explores an ever-changing landscape scattered with pretty windmills, picturesque flint churches, sleepy villages, and lakes and dykes that are teeming with wildlife.

Some highlights along the way include: Felbrigg Estate, a glorious Jacobean parkland; Blickling Estate, a breathtaking county park in the Bure Meadows; Hickling Broad, the largest broad and a year-round haven for wildlife; Thurne Mill, one of the last working windmills in England; Breydon Water, a marshy expanse with many rare bird species; and Great Yarmouth, a bustling seaside destination famous for its ‘Golden Mile’ beach.

As you make your way through the Broads National Park, prepare to be awestruck by the beauty and the abundance of wildlife, especially birds. The broads were formed when depressions left by peat digging in the medieval period flooded. The result is a landscape of marsh and reed that is perfect for many rare and common species.

With almost no hills to mention on the entire trail, the Weavers’ Way affords very gentle walking that is suitable for all abilities and anyone with average fitness. The area is fairly well-served by accommodation, too, which makes it easy to tailor the itinerary to your needs, using the multi-day plan option.

In this Collection, I split the route into five stages, all averaging 13.5 miles (21.7 km). As stage 3 is significantly longer than this, though, especially as you have to hike onto accommodation, I have given some advice on how to split/shorten the route.

At both ends of the route you find good public transport links, including train stations in both Cromer and Great Yarmouth, making it easy to get there and home.