Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk – Coastal Village on the Norfolk Coast Path

Shingle Ridge, Saltmarsh Reserves, and Wide North Sea Skies

Cley-next-the-Sea is a coastal village on the north Norfolk coast along the Norfolk Coast Path, set within the Norfolk Coast National Landscape between Blakeney and Salthouse. Walking into the village, the route crosses raised shingle and saltmarsh edges, where the landscape opens to big skies, tidal creeks, and long views across the North Sea.

The settlement sits just inland from the beach, arranged along quiet streets beneath the church tower and former merchant houses. The coast path runs along the shingle ridge and sea wall north of the village, with short links leading down into Cley, creating an easy shift between exposed coastal walking and sheltered village lanes.

Cley-next-the-Sea offers useful services for walkers. There are cafés, a pub, small shops, and accommodation in and around the village, making it a practical place to stop or stay while walking this part of the coast. Nature reserves and visitor facilities nearby also provide additional amenities.

Beyond Cley, the Norfolk Coast Path continues east toward Salthouse and Weybourne along the shingle bank or west toward Blakeney across marsh and harbour edges. The terrain remains mostly level, with firm coastal tracks and uninterrupted views of sea and sky.