Norfolk Coast Path

Walk the Norfolk Coast Path

The Norfolk Coast Path is an 84-mile / 135 km National Trail running from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea, following the Norfolk Coast from The Wash to the North Sea. The route passes through wide sandy beaches, dunes, saltmarshes, nature reserves, fishing villages and seaside towns, revealing the changing character of the coast from West Norfolk to the eastern shoreline.

Beginning at Hunstanton, the path passes the distinctive red and white Hunstanton Cliffs before continuing through Old Hunstanton towards Holme-next-the-Sea. Here, the Peddars Way reaches the coast after crossing the Norfolk countryside from Knettishall Heath, connecting two of the region's best-known long-distance paths.

Beyond Holme-next-the-Sea, the route passes Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve, where coastal dunes, saltmarshes and freshwater habitats support a wide variety of birdlife. The path continues towards Thornham Harbour and Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve, following the coastal landscapes of the Norfolk Coast National Landscape.

Further east, the route reaches Brancaster, with its expansive saltmarshes, tidal creeks and wide sandy beach. Nearby Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve forms an important coastal habitat, while the path continues through Brancaster Staithe, Burnham Deepdale and Burnham Overy Staithe towards the dunes and beaches of Holkham.

At Holkham Beach, the landscape opens into one of Norfolk's most extensive stretches of sand, backed by pine woodland and dunes within Holkham National Nature Reserve. Nearby Holkham Hall and its historic parkland offer opportunities to explore beyond the coastline before the path reaches Wells-next-the-Sea, with its working harbour, tidal channels and traditional seaside setting.

East of Wells-next-the-Sea, the path follows the edge of the saltmarshes through Stiffkey, Morston and Blakeney. The surrounding landscape is shaped by tidal creeks, mudflats and shingle banks, including Blakeney Point National Nature Reserve, known for its grey seal colony and coastal wildlife.

The route continues towards Cley-next-the-Sea, passing the marshes and reedbeds of Cley Marshes Nature Reserve. Beyond Cley, the coastline gradually changes from low-lying saltmarshes to shingle beaches and rising cliffs around Salthouse and Weybourne.

Approaching Sheringham, the path enters a more wooded and undulating coastal landscape, with Sheringham Park nearby. From Sheringham, the route follows the cliffs towards Cromer, where Cromer Pier, the seafront and the town's fishing heritage provide a contrast to the quieter coastal landscapes further west.

Beyond Cromer, the Norfolk Coast Path continues through Overstrand and Mundesley, following the low cliffs and beaches of the eastern Norfolk coast. The route passes Bacton and Happisburgh, where coastal erosion continues to reshape the shoreline. Happisburgh Lighthouse, with its distinctive red and white stripes, remains one of the most recognisable landmarks along this stretch.

Further south, the path reaches Sea Palling and Horsey, where broad sandy beaches, dunes and low-lying coastal landscapes extend towards Winterton-on-Sea. The nearby Horsey Gap is known for its grey seal colony, particularly during the winter breeding season.

At Winterton Dunes National Nature Reserve, the route passes through an unusual landscape of dune heathland, sandy paths and coastal grassland. The surrounding dunes provide important wildlife habitats and a distinctive walking environment before the path continues south through Hemsby and Caister-on-Sea.

The final section reaches Great Yarmouth, where the path passes the town's seafront and the mouth of the River Yare before continuing through Gorleston-on-Sea. Beyond Gorleston Beach, the route follows the coastline towards Hopton-on-Sea, completing the journey along Norfolk's northern and eastern shores.

Much of the Norfolk Coast Path follows coastal paths, beaches, sea walls, dunes, promenades and quiet lanes. The terrain is generally gentle, although soft sand, exposed coastal sections, tidal conditions and consecutive walking days can make parts of the route more demanding than the relatively flat landscape suggests.

Overview

Distance: 84 miles / 135 km
Typical duration: 6–8 walking days
Difficulty: Easy-going to Moderate
Start: Hunstanton
Finish: Hopton-on-Sea
Terrain: Coastal paths, beaches, dunes, saltmarshes, low cliffs, villages and quiet lanes