Circular Walks In Norfolk: Coast & Countryside Routes

Circular walks in Norfolk offer the perfect way to experience this diverse county without retracing your steps, and did you know that Norfolk's stunning landscapes are best explored on foot!

From windswept beaches to ancient woodlands, these routes will show you Norfolk’s natural beauty while bringing you conveniently back to your starting point.

Whether you're looking for challenging circular walks in North Norfolk with some lovely coastal views or short circular walks in Mid Norfolk in amongst the woods and countryside that the whole family can enjoy, there's something for every ability and interest.

I've spent years exploring the best circular walks in Norfolk, including wonderfully peaceful paths through the Norfolk Broads and circular walks in Norfolk with pub stops for that well-deserved pint or a cup of coffee after your ramble!

Below, I’ve organised some of the best circular walks into five categories. Each offers something unique, making it easy for you to find the perfect route to match your mood and ability. Ready to explore?

Coastal circular walks
Woodland and countryside circular walks
Family friendly circular walks
Circular walks with pubs
More circular walks

Coastal Circular Walks

If you love the sea breeze and, in some instances, breathtaking cliff-top views, you’ll enjoy these Norfolk circular walks. Norfolk’s coastline is made up of salt marshes, reedbeds, eroding cliffs, sandy beaches and sand dunes, perfect if you want to combine fresh air with spectacular scenery and definitely some wildlife spotting.

Below are 3 of my favourite coastal circular walks, but you can find lots more coastal walks on this Coastal walks page here.

Cley Marshes Circular Walk

This easy 3 mile coastal walk showcases one of the most beautiful spots on the North Norfolk Coast. You’ll experience stunning reclaimed salt marshes, copious amounts of bird life from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes, boardwalks through reeds, Cley beach, and WWII relics. Perfect for wildlife watching.

Details of Cley Marshes circular walk here

Salthouse Circular Walk

A wonderfully refreshing 5.5-mile moderate walk from Salthouse village up onto heathland around Bard Hill with WWII radar station remains, then alongside Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s beautiful Cley Marshes Nature Reserve and beach. You’ll just feel on top of the world with amazing coastal views!

Details of the Salthouse circular walk here

Sheringham Circular Walk

This 9-mile circular walk gives you a proper taste of everything Norfolk has to offer. From Sheringham’s promenade through Beeston Bump (once a WWII wireless listening station), ancient Priory ruins, Pretty Corner Woods, magnificent Sheringham Park with its temple viewpoint, and back along the spectacular coastline. Something for everyone!

Details of the Sheringham circular walk here

Woodland and Countryside Circular Walks

For those who prefer the peace of ancient woods and forests and rolling fields (yes there are rolling fields in Norfolk!), these peaceful countryside circular walks offer a wonderful escape into Norfolk’s green heart. Expect bluebell carpets in spring, golden colours in autumn, and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.

Here are my top favourite circular walks in the Norfolk countryside. 

Castle Acre Circular Walk

This incredibly varied 6.1-mile easy walk takes you alongside the River Nar chalk stream, through flood meadows, woodland, and open fields with wonderful countryside views. You’ll finish past the impressive ancient Castle Acre Priory ruins managed by English Heritage. A real feel for rural Norfolk and brilliantly dog friendly.

Details of the Castle Circular Walk here

The Pingo Trail

Just under 8 miles of extraordinary Ice Age history! This easy, flat walk takes you through pretty marshy woodland amongst fascinating Pingo ponds, along Thompson Water, part of the historic Peddars Way Roman Road, and through the beautiful wetland swamps of Cranberry Rough. Water, water everywhere!

Details of the Pingo Trail here

Felbrigg Hall Walks

Three easy dog friendly circular options (2-2.6 miles) through acres of parkland and woodland around this National Trust property. You’ll discover box pews in a 600-year-old church, an ancient ice house, a Victory V shaped wood, a huge sessile oak, and a peaceful lake.

Details of the Felbrigg Walks here

Family-Friendly Circular Walks

Looking for gentle, accessible circular walks? These shorter circular walks and accessible circular walks are perfect for families and those seeking easy terrain. Many include safe paths, interesting sights, and often a chance to stop for a picnic or a treat.

Holme Dunes

A stunning 2.5-mile easy circular walk through Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s coastal nature reserve at the very edge of North Norfolk. You’ll explore sand dunes, reed beds, freshwater marsh, pine woods, and beautiful sandy beach with incredible birdlife including migrants and rare species. Simply breathtaking.

Details of the Holme Dunes walk here

Foxley Wood

Norfolk’s largest ancient woodland offers three wonderful circular walks (1-3 miles) through this diverse 300-acre gem! You’ll wander amongst spectacular spring bluebells, ancient coppiced trees, incredible fungi, abundant wildlife, and peaceful woodland paths. A magical experience through primeval Norfolk that will truly inspire you.  No dogs allowed.

Details of Foxley Wood here

Short Coastal Walks

Four easy short walks (1-3 miles) along Norfolk’s spectacular coastline! From Holkham’s endless golden sands to Cromer’s clifftop views, Overstrand’s promenade, Weybourne’s shingle beach, and Wells’ colourful beach huts. Perfect bite-sized coastal adventures when you fancy something shorter but equally stunning.

Details of short coastal walks here

Circular Walks in Norfolk with Pub Stops or Tea Rooms

For walkers who enjoy a hearty meal or a refreshing cup of tea along the way, Norfolk offers plenty of circular walks with pub stops or lovely cosy tea rooms. These routes combine the best of walking with the pleasure of local hospitality, making them perfect for a leisurely day out.

Hunstanton Circular Walk

This fabulous 5.5-mile moderate walk showcases Hunstanton’s famous striped cliffs, Old Hunstanton’s peaceful village charm and stunning sandy beaches. You’ll experience coastal scenery and fascinating geology.

Details of the Hunstanton circular walk here

Great Massingham Circular Walk

A delightful 4.5-mile easy walk through rural Norfolk. Starting from Great Massingham’s village green and medieval church, you’ll meander through peaceful farmland, enjoy seeing some Silka deer and more! Wonderfully peaceful countryside at its very best.

Details of the Gt Massingham circular walk here

Why Choose Circular Walks in Norfolk?

Circular walks have the wonderful advantage of bringing you back to where you started with no need to worry about transport, retracing your steps, or timings. Norfolk’s circular routes give you a chance to discover the county’s remarkable variety, from heathland commons to coastlines and peaceful ancient woodlands. Whether you’re looking for circular walks in Norfolk with pub stops to enjoy a well-earned pint, short circular walks for a quick escape, or accessible circular walks, there’s something here for everyone.

If you’re eager to explore even more, why not try some of these fantastic additional circular walks? Each one offers a unique glimpse of Norfolk’s landscape:

• Roydon Common Circular Walk - Discover heathland and rare wildlife on this peaceful route. 
• North Pickenham Circular Walk - Enjoy scenic farmland and an historic church. 
• Additional Coastal Circular Walks - Explore more of Norfolk’s stunning coast with walks at places like Holkham, Blakeney, and Wells-next-the-Sea.

Time to Explore Some Circular Walks In Norfolk

Norfolk really does offer some of the most diverse and rewarding walks, especially as most of the routes are flat!  They’re not always flat, but I can vouch for the fact that there aren’t too many hills on these walks.

And as these walks are mostly walkable throughout the year (probably the Pingo Trail might be the wettest and you might need to divert) you can enjoy the Spring walks which brings carpets of bluebells, in the summer you can enjoy gardens in full bloom, autumn transforms woodlands into golden colours, while winter offers crisp, clear views across Norfolk's stunning landscapes.

You can find more walks on this website that have everything from the peaceful rivers of the Broads to hidden gems tucked away in lesser-known corners of the county.

Are you ready to choose a walk?

Circular Walks in Norfolk: Quick FAQ

Here are some common questions about circular walks in Norfolk to help you plan your perfect route:

What are circular walks in Norfolk?
Circular walks are routes that start and finish at the same point, letting you enjoy Norfolk’s beautiful landscapes without retracing your steps.

Are there circular walks suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes! Norfolk offers a variety of circular walks, from gentle family-friendly strolls to more challenging routes for experienced walkers.

Can I find circular walks with pub stops or tea rooms?
Absolutely. Many circular walks in Norfolk include charming pubs or tea rooms along the way, perfect for a refreshing break.

Are there accessible circular walks in Norfolk?
Yes, several circular walks feature flat or gently undulating terrain and are suitable for walkers with mobility considerations.