The Top 3 Norfolk Coast Circular Walks

These top 3 Norfolk coast circular walks take in some of the best scenery along the coastline. Whether you prefer wide sandy beaches, peaceful salt marshes or harbour views, each route starts and finishes in the same place, making them perfect for an enjoyable day out on the Norfolk coast.

These walks are among my favourite on the stunning North coast, two of which are on the North Norfolk Coast, and one on the east side of Norfolk.

I've chosen these routes because each one shows a different side of the Norfolk coast. From peaceful marshes and nature reserves to sandy beaches and coastal villages, they're walks I would happily recommend to anyone wanting to spend a few hours exploring the coastline.

Whether you're local to Norfolk or visiting the area, these circular walks are a great way to discover some of the county's most memorable coastal scenery.

Here are my top picks that will guide you through some of the most picturesque parts of the Norfolk Coast.

Salthouse Circular Walk

The Salthouse Circular Walk is a fantastic walk that offers a vast array of differing Norfolk coast landscapes.

This route takes you through the pretty village of Salthouse, up onto heathland and back to join the expansive salt marshes at Cley for spectacular bird life, and finally along a bit of shingle to end up at Cley. 

This walk really will provide you with an amazing view of the saltmarshes over Cley.

You'll also get a chance to hopefully watch some local wildlife along part of Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Cley Marshes, and maybe spot many birds that call this habitat home. 

There’s also a bird hide along here which is free for visitors, so a perfect chance to stop and view the surrounding marshes.

As you walk along this trail, you'll come across an historical point of interest in the form of a World War II defensive structure that was once a radar station called Bard Hill which is a fascinating place to have a short wander around.

There’s quite an incline (for Norfolk) up to the top of Salthouse Heath where you can enjoy the stunning views.

For more detailed information about this walk, what you’ll see, the length and parking information, click on the link below.

Click to view The Salthouse Circular Walk

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Cromer Lighthouse Walk

The Cromer Lighthouse Circular Walk offers a wonderful coastal experience starting from the popular seaside town of Cromer.

This circular route takes you past the iconic Cromer Lighthouse, providing spectacular views of the North Sea and the surrounding cliffs.

Starting from Cromer, you'll have the opportunity to walk around the streets of Cromer known for its Victorian architecture and famous for its deliciously sweet Cromer crabs - grab one if you can!

A unique aspect of this walk is the steps up through the cliffs to almost come face to face with the working lighthouse.

The walk leads you through varied terrain, including these clifftop paths and woodland areas and walking along an old disused railway line.

The lighthouse itself, standing tall since 1833, acts as a focal point for this walk and a testament to the area's maritime history.  It’s also fun to sit on one of the many benches by the lighthouse and watch the rotating light!

To make the most of your walk, check out the Cromer to Overstrand walk here.

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Horsey Windpump Circular Walk

The Horsey Windpump Circular Walk offers a chance to see the seals and their pups on Horsey beach during the winter months, although this walk can be taken at any time of year.

It also gives you the opportunity to take a look at the iconic Horsey Windpump, a fully restored National Trust windpump which is a striking landmark that has stood watch over the Norfolk Broads for centuries.

The route encompasses the windpump, Horsey beach, the wildlife-rich Horsey Mere and the remains of Brograve Drainage Mill, providing a diverse walking experience.

What really makes this walk particularly special is the opportunity to witness the seal colony, especially during winter months when seals come to Horsey beach to breed.  It's a truly remarkable sight.

The path also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with a variety of species inhabiting the nearby water meadows, including cranes which you may well see - I did!  Binoculars are a great addition to the walk!

For the most current information about the Horsey Windpump, including opening times and any ongoing restoration work, you can visit the National Trust website here.

And for the walk you can visit theHorsey Windpump Circular Walk here

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These top 3 Norfolk coast circular walks offer a fantastic way to see very different stretches of the Norfolk coastline.

From the:

• salt marshes at Salthouse
• the clifftop views in Cromer
• and the wide open scenery at Horsey

each route offers its own character and charm.

If you're looking for inspiration for your next coastal walk, any of these routes is a great place to start. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Remember to always check local weather, wear appropriate footwear, particularly in the winter months on the Horsey walk which can get very muddy (!), and respect the natural environment during your walks, especially if you're taking your dogs with you.

Explore Norfolk UK has lots of walking ideas, from these top 3 coastal walks to other coastal walks and countryside routes.  If you're specifically looking for a self-guided walking holiday, you can browse our dedicated Norfolk Walking Holidays site here.