Whether it’s the deep history of early man, the medieval ports and churches of the north coast, big-sky views or the culinary adventures made possible by some of the country’s finest pubs and local producers, there’s something for everyone along the 84 mile (135 km) Norfolk Coast Path National Trail.
The Norfolk Coast Path runs for 84 miles (134 km) from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea, with much of the Trail running through the dramatic landscape of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Experience seaside towns and villages, tidal marshes teeming with wildlife, wide sandy beaches, pine woodlands and huge skies.
A walk along the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail is the perfect way to lose yourself in this magical land of sand dunes and salt marsh, sea air and warm welcomes.
It takes around 8 days to walk the Trail. You might want to take a little longer if you want to explore along the way.
The Norfolk Coast Path is one of the more gentle National Trails. The terrain is varied but is generally flat or with only gentle gradients. However we would recommend that you allow a little extra time to walk the shingle bank from Cley to Weybourne.
The nearest airport to the Norfolk Coast Path is Norwich International.
Trains run frequently between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. For detailed rail information please see
www.nationalrail.co.uk
The Coasthopper bus runs between Wells-next-the-Sea and Mundesley, visit the Norfolk Coast Partnership website for more information. There are also bus services to Hunstanton and Gorleston.
You can find up-to-date public transport information including a journey planner at www.traveline.info
There is a good choice of accommodation close to the Trail and it can be viewed here.
In the summer accommodation along the coastal section can fill up so we recommend that you book ahead. In previous years some establishments along the coast have been reluctant to accept single night stays, however the introduction of the Coasthopper bus service makes it feasible to stay more than one night in one place using the service to get back to where you left the route.
The Norfolk Coast Path has many campsites to suit all types of taste and budgets and they can be viewed here. It is possible to walk the Trail using campsites.
If you plan to camp please note it is not legal to wild camp in England or Wales – you will need to stay on official campsites.
There are several companies that will arrange to move your bags for you, help you plan your trip, or arrange a full package.
You can see baggage handlers here and holiday operators here.
There is no obvious best time to walk the Trail. During the summer the weather will generally be better and the vegetation is fresh, with the hedgerows in full blossom. However, spring and autumn are the main bird migration periods and there can be some wonderful walking experiences in the winter.
Most walkers start at Hunstanton and then head east along the coast. The guidebook is written in that direction however you can walk it the other way as it is signed for both directions.
We recommend that you take a map and/or guidebook with you, or a copy of the walk leaflet if you are doing a shorter walk. You may also find a compass useful.
If you are walking solo you may want to tell someone where you are going as there can be mobile black spots along the Trail. Ensure your phone is fully charged before setting off.
Weather in the UK can be changeable so it’s wise to be prepared. You’ll need good footwear, waterproofs and warm layers. Take plenty of water and just in case, pack a few plasters for your feet. In the summer you may need sun cream.
Mobile phone and data connection will depend on the service provider and location. There are areas where there is limited reception and some areas where reception is intermittent. The vast majority of accommodation providers offer Wi-Fi but please do confirm this on booking.
The UK is unique in having a network of paths that the public can use, this is the Public Rights of Way network. You can see these paths on Ordnance Survey maps.
National Trails are signed with an acorn symbol and/or the Trail name which you will see on stiles, gates and signposts. This is the symbol used by all the English and Welsh National Trails.
As you are walking along the Trail you will also see waymarkers pointing to other paths. You can use the public rights of way network to leave the Trail to explore places of interest, reach your accommodation and find places to eat and drink.
You will often find a coloured arrow on signs which indicates the status of that section of path. The most common are yellow arrows which are footpaths and blue which are bridleways.
You can download a GPX file of the whole Trail here.
The official guidebook and map for the Trail are available from the National Trails Shop along with a wide range of gifts and other merchandise.
Certificates are available from the National Trails Shop.
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Our booking partners are UK operators and so their websites will be in English; however, they may be able to speak with you in another language, should you require it. Please inquire with them directly about this.
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We hope this website has helped bring you closer to the National Trails. You can also keep updated by visiting our Facebook page.
You will now be redirected to our booking partner where you can find out more information about the itinerary that you are interested in and make an enquiry or a booking.
Our booking partners are UK operators and so their websites will be in English; however, they may be able to speak with you in another language, should you require it. Please inquire with them directly about this.
From this point in your inquiry any personal data that you give to our booking partner will be their responsibility to keep safe and use properly.
We hope this website has helped bring you closer to the National Trails. You can also keep updated by visiting our Facebook page.
You will now be redirected to our booking partner where you can find out more information about the itinerary that you are interested in and make an enquiry or a booking.
Our booking partners are UK operators and so their websites will be in English; however, they may be able to speak with you in another language, should you require it. Please inquire with them directly about this.
From this point in your inquiry any personal data that you give to our booking partner will be their responsibility to keep safe and use properly.
We hope this website has helped bring you closer to the National Trails. You can also keep updated by visiting our Facebook page.
Feeling inspired? Build a bespoke itinerary and start planning your visit to one of England’s great walking trails here.