Walking Britain Norfolk Walk
Old Hunstanton to Thornham by the Coast Path
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Walk Route Description
The North Norfolk Coast offers a variety of scenic and wildlife interest and this walk is no exception. The start is the large pay and display car park in Old Hunstanton (grid ref. TF681425) which lies a short distance off the main A149 Coast Road just east of Hunstanton. The route is easy to follow and is well-waymarked with the path along the coast being part of the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail.
Before starting it is worth exploring the beach area at Old Hunstanton with its cliffs comprising of layers of chalk and sandstone. To start the walk, follow the clear marked Norfolk Coast Path in an easterly direction with the sea to your left. Initially the path passes through sand suns dotted with beach huts so typical of this coast. On you right is a links golf course. Reaching Flaxley, the path briefly turns inland to reach a junction of paths (grid ref. TF696439. Turn left here and continue along the coast passing an area of saltmarsh to your left.
The onward route passes a small plantation on your right (grid ref. TF715450) and then enters the Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve. Turning south, the path passes more saltmarsh on your right. The path bears left and then right again to join Staithe Lane. Walk south along the lane to reach a waymarked path on your left (grid ref. TF728438). Follow this path (signed Norfolk Coast Path) and continue to reach a road on the edge of Thornham village (grid ref TF733437). Bear right down this road to the main road and the end of the walk. There is a "Coast Hopper" bus stop close by for an easy return to Old Hunstanton and the start of the walk.
Note - 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. The drivers are usually very helpful and will advise where you should alight.
Other walks nearby
Walk 3306 Holme next the Sea and Thornham - easy/mod - 7.5 miles/12.2 km
Walk 3640 Thornham Circular - easy - 5.0 miles/8.1 km
Walk 3416 Hunstanton from South Beach, Heacham - easy - 6.0 miles/9.8 km
Walk 3514 Brancaster to Burnham Overy Staithe - easy - 6.0 miles/9.8 km
Walk 1640 Snettisham Beach RSPB reserve from Shepherd's Port - easy - 4.0 miles/6.5 km
Walk 1035 Around Burnham Market - easy - 5.5 miles/8.9 km
Walk 3256 Great Bircham & Fring Circular - easy/mod - 8.4 miles/13.7 km
Walk 1908 Wells-next-the-Sea & Holkham Park - easy/mod - 8.0 miles/13 km
Walk 2101 Holkham Park from Holkham - easy - 4.5 miles/7.3 km
Walk 3254 Holkham & Holkham Park Circular - moderate - 10.2 miles/16.6 km
Recommended Books & eBooks
Walking in Norfolk
Guidebook to 40 easy to moderate walks in the English county of Norfolk. Circular routes of 4-12 miles show off the area's surprisingly varied landscape: the Broads, Brecks and Fens and coastal dunes, salt marsh and tidal creeks. Also includes information on Norfolk's rich history and unique plants and wildlife.
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Navigation
This pocket handbook to navigation will help you master the necessary map and compass skills for mountain walking. Chapters include map scales, symbols and contours, grid references, map reading, bearings, route planning and night and bad-weather navigation, as well as navigating with a GPS.
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