Walking Britain Norfolk Walk
Holkham Gap and West Beach from Wells-next-the-Sea
Walk Route Description
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The beach at Wells-next-the-Sea is immense and this walk combines a section of the Norfolk Coast Path with a pleasant walk across West Sands. The size of the beach depends on tides but even at high water the extent of the sands is impressive.
The start is the beach car park (Grid ref. TF914454) with toilets and refreshments in season. This is reached by taking Beach Road from the centre of Wells-next-the-Sea. Alternatively the walk could be started from the centre of the village, which is served by the Hopper bus service. Leave the car park at the western end and follow the signed Norfolk Coast Path. You soon pass the boating lake on your left and then follow the boundary of a conifer plantation on your right. The path leads with any navigational difficulties to Holkham Gap.
Turn right here onto the beach. At low tide you are faced with a vast expanse of sand although even at high tide the sands are still impressive. Bear right and stay on the seaward side of the line of dunes. Walk along the beach to the Coastguard Station and Lifeboat Station at Wells-next-the-Sea. The final section of the walk along the beach is notable for the variety of well-kept beach huts at the back of the beach. Turn right up the steps by the Coastguard Station and then right again into the car park and the end of the walk.
Note - It is worth noting that there is an excellent bus service operating along the A149 coast road between Sheringham and Kings Lynn. Operated by Norfolk County Council, this 'Coast Hopper' service is useful for many walks as the bus route shadows the Norfolk Coast Path. This enables one way walks to be undertaken with relative ease but also means that other walks can be altered to suit your needs.
Please maintain social distancing - keep at least 2 metres away from other walkers.
Maps | |||
| Ordnance Survey Explorer 251 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer 251 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 132 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 132 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
It is recommended you take a map. The preferred scale is 1:25k. | |||
GPS files - right click or option-click the button and choose "Save As..." to download this file.
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