Traditional white windmill in the Norfolk Broads surrounded by reeds and open marshland, under a wide blue sky.

Weavers’ Way – Walking Norfolk’s Hidden Inland Landscapes

Type of trail?
Long-distance route
Is it for me?
Easy-going long-distance walk
Gentle terrain with minimal ascent, well suited to first-time long-distance walkers or those looking for a calm, steady route.
What will I see?
River valleys and reedbeds
Wetlands and broadland marsh
Open farmland and meadows
Woodland and former railway paths
Historic market towns and villages
Windpumps and historic waterways
What’s the vibe?
Peaceful and steady
Quiet and rural
Nature-focused
Unhurried
Calm and reflective

River valleys, wetlands, and quiet countryside between Cromer and Great Yarmouth

The Weavers’ Way is a long-distance self-guided walking route through inland Norfolk in the East of England, linking gentle routes, landscapes, and places between Cromer, North Walsham, Stalham, Acle, and Great Yarmouth. Passing through the Broads National Park, river valleys, farmland, and former railway paths, it offers a low-lying journey shaped by water, open skies, and small settlements rather than coastal drama or elevation.

Walking here is defined by ease and continuity. The terrain is largely flat, with soft tracks, riverside paths, and quiet lanes that allow steady progress without strain. Much of the route follows former railway lines or embankments, creating long, uninterrupted stretches where distance feels gradual and unhurried.

The character of the landscape shifts subtly as the trail moves north to south. Wetlands and reedbeds around Hickling Broad and the River Bure give way to meadows, pasture, and historic market towns, before the route opens out toward the coast near Great Yarmouth. Windpumps, marsh birds, and wide horizons are constant companions, reinforcing a strong sense of space and calm.

Unlike the county’s coastal paths, the Weavers’ Way feels inward-looking and quiet. It is a route shaped by everyday rural Norfolk — villages, fields, waterways, and local life — rewarding patience and observation rather than effort or spectacle.

For many walkers, the appeal lies in its simplicity: a steady crossing of the Broads and countryside, experienced slowly and on foot.

Trail Overview

Distance
61 miles / 98 km

Typical time on foot
4–6 days

Start
Cromer, Norfolk

Finish
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Terrain
Riverside paths, wetlands, former railway lines, farmland tracks, quiet lanes, and woodland sections

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Weavers’ Way?

It is an easy long-distance route with mostly flat terrain and well-defined paths, suitable for beginners and steady multi-day walking.

When is the best time to walk the route?

Spring through early autumn offers longer daylight and active wildlife across the wetlands and Broads.

Can I walk it in shorter sections?

Yes. Towns such as Cromer, North Walsham, Stalham, Acle, and Great Yarmouth provide natural break points with public transport links.

Is the route well waymarked?

Yes. The trail is marked with green Weavers’ Way signs, though maps or GPS are useful in remote marsh sections.

Are there places to stay along the route?

Yes. Accommodation is available in the main towns and villages along the trail, with inns, guesthouses, and small stays spaced at regular intervals.