North Elmham Circular Walk

This North Elmham circular walk highlights the area’s history and landscape.

The walk includes the ruins of North Elmham Chapel, built on the site of a Saxon cathedral and later fortified. You will also pass Millennium Wood, planted by local children, and follow paths along a former railway line. This is a wonderful and varied walk

Highlights Along the Route

• Historic Chapel Ruins:  North Elmham chapel stands on the site of East Anglia's Saxon cathedral. Built as a Norman chapel between 1091-1119, it was later fortified by Bishop Despencer, known for his role in quashing the Peasants' Revolt. The defensive banks and moats still surround this unique ruin, making it a fascinating stop. 
• Millennium Wood:  Created as a community project to celebrate the millennium and the Queen’s 60-year reign, this woodland was planted by local children and Scouts. 
• County School Heritage Railway:  Walk alongside the heritage railway line, part of the Mid Norfolk Railway. While not open to the public, the railway barrier and station offer a glimpse into Norfolk’s rich railway history. 
• 1840 Brick Dovecote: Near the end of the walk, discover an historic dovecote in Elmham Park. 
• Norfolk Countryside: Enjoy the walk along quiet lanes, fields, and woodland edges, with plenty of opportunities to take in Norfolk’s peaceful rural landscapes.

North Elmham Circular Walk Map

Route Directions

1.  Start at the car park next to North Elmham church, near the chapel ruins. 

2. Walk away from the car park and main road along a residential track, with the church on your right and the chapel on your left.  When you reach a meadow ahead, follow the track bearing right, passing Millennium Wood on your right until you reach a railway bridge. 

3. After walking over the railway bridge turn immediately left and go down the steps onto the old disused railway line. Once on the trackbed turn right and walk here until you reach County School railway station (heritage railway that is closed to the public but owned by the Mid Norfolk Railway).

4. At the County School railway station, turn left, then immediately right through two metal gates. Avoid walking up to the old station building. 

5. Continue walking parallel to the railway line, alongside a mini gauge railway on your right, until the path rejoins the old railway line. 

6. Pass Yarrow Cottage on your right, cross the road/track, and continue on the old track bed lined with trees.  Follow the well-trodden path on either side of the track bed, crossing a stile or going through a gate where the path narrows. 

7. Walk past two houses on your left, slightly below you. 

8. At a fork in the path, take the less visible path down to the main road. For this short stretch, dogs should be kept on leads. 

9.  Turn left along the road, cross over, and walk in the field on the other side for a short distance. 

10. When you reach the second house on your left, look for a footpath sign for a bridleway heading right into the field. Also, note the signpost for Fakenham racecourse.  Turn right onto this footpath and follow it to the end of the field. 

11. Turn left onto a quiet lane, walking past a lovely beech hedge on your right, until you reach a T-junction. This lane is part of the Walsingham Way. 

12.  At the T-junction, turn right

13.  Then left onto a track opposite a cream house and a "Private Dale Farm" sign.  The path bears round to the left, follow this.  At the next corner, take the track to the left along a narrow path.  It's the only way you can go otherwise you end up in someone's house!   Follow this path as it zigzags to the right and to the left, walking on the edge of a wood.  This eventually brings you out onto a private road, you’ll see North Elmham church in the distance.

14.   Turn left and walk along this lovely road and parkland. Noticed the dovecot on your left before you reach the main road. 

15.Turn right on the main road  and walk all the way back to the car park.

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This North Elmham circular walk is a wonderful way to discover Norfolk’s rich history and peaceful countryside in one easy, enjoyable route.

For more coastal and circular walks, visit the Norfolk Walks page here.