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Starts at Cromer, near the pier TG219424

6 hours 30 minutes | 13.6miles 21.9km | Leisurely

ID: 233.7 | Developed by: Fiona Barltrop | Checked by: Robin Segulem | www.walkmag.co.uk

Linear walk along the Norfolk Path from Cromer to Cley-next-the-Sea. This walk takes in woodland paths to the highest point in Norfolk, with some wonderful cliff top views and the chance to visit the Muckleburgh Collection.

© Crown Copyright 2012 2 km Scale = 1 : 108K 1 mi

Main Route Alternative Route Point of Interest Waypoint

A selection of Routemaster Walking Guides as featured in Walk: the Magazine of the Ramblers. Starts at Cromer, near the pier TG219424

Ends at Cley-next-the-Sea TG045438

Getting there Mainline trains run to King’s Lynn, from where the Coasthopper bus service to Cromer goes via , and , operated by Norfolk Green (01553 776980, http://www.coasthopper.co.uk). Coasthopper is signed from the Path.

Route instructions Though most of the walking along the is along the flat, notably beside salt marshes, the easternmost stretch described below is the most varied and involves a bit more up and down.

From Clay-next-the-Sea Catch the Coasthopper bus to Cromer from outside the Picnic Fayre delicatessen or along the road to the east outside the visitor centre. The bus drops you off in Cadogan Road.

[1] Head down towards the seafront and pier and you’ll find a signpost for the Norfolk Coast Path and Weavers Way overlooking the pier. Follow the signs which lead you west for a short distance, then left across the main road (A149) up Beach Road to the A148. Go right, then right again along Sandy Lane (signed ‘Sheringham 5 miles’). You’re soon away from the urban area on a track which leads gently uphill, passing under a railway line and onwards. The signposting is excellent, so detailed route instructions along this lane are hardly necessary.

(A) Situated amongst woodland, the National Trust-owned Roman Camp site contains the highest point in Norfolk (336ft). But despite the name, there is no evidence of any Roman occupation here; there are, though, some fine sea views.

[2] The Coast Path signs lead you back down towards the coast, re-crossing the A149 to join the cliffs just east of Sheringham.

[3] Head on west through Sheringham along the promenade, passing the museum which houses the Sheringham Shoal Wind Farm Visitor Centre (on a clear day you may be able to spot the Offshore Wind Farm). Once clear of the town a lovely stretch of gentle, grassy cliff-top walking begins. An old coastguard lookout – now manned by volunteers – is situated on the highest point.

[4] You will eventually reach a parking area at Weybourne Hope. From here, continue on in your previous direction.

(B) Just west of Weybourne, sited on a former military camp, is the Muckleburgh Collection, the country’s largest privately-owned military museum.

The last few miles to Cley are along a shingle ridge, which acts as a flood barrier. If the tide is out it’s easier to walk along the exposed sand, or you can find firmer ground on the landward side of the shingle bank. On approaching the beach road to Cley-Next-The-Sea, the path heads inland to the right of the Beach Road to reach Cley-next-the-Sea.

(C) Cley next the Sea is commonly referred to as Cley, but pronounced ‘Cly’, and is no longer actually next to the sea but separated by marshes. It’s also one of the most picturesque villages on the coast, and an ideal base for a visit to the area. As well as its famous 18th-century windmill and an impressive church, it is home to the Nature Reserve – one of the finest bird-watching sites in Britain. A visitor centre overlooks the reserve.

Notes The Norfolk Coast Path stretches for 75km/47 miles from Hunstanton in the west to Cromer in the east, and meets the at Holme, a couple of miles from Hunstanton. The Coast Path on its own can be comfortably completed over four days, or perhaps a couple of weekend visits. Norfolk Green’s award- winning Coasthopper bus service shadows it all the way from Hunstanton to Cromer, making it easy to hop on and off between points along the trail (no need at all for a car).

There’s a mileage chart for the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path on the National Trail website (http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/peddarsway), while Coasthopper’s website has a very useful facility on its walks page for calculating distances and times between any two points you choose.

Terrain: Woodland, grassy cliffs, shingle beach and – all along the clear paths and tracks of a well-signed National Trail.

Maps: OS Explorers 251 and 252; Landranger 133.

Eating & drinking: Choice of pubs and cafés at Cromer and Sheringham, and there’s a pub and tearoom at Weybourne. Also choices for refreshments In Cley. Many are signposted from the coast path.

Sleeping: Good selection of hotels, B&Bs (see above) and self-catering accommodation along the coast.

Visitor Information: Cromer TIC (01263 512497); Sheringham (01263 824329); or visit http://www.visitnorthnorfolk.com.

Local Ramblers Group: Sheringham & District Ramblers (http://www.ramblers.co.uk/groups).

Acknowledgements Developed by: Fiona Barltrop Checked by: Robin Segulem This walk originally appeared in Walk magazine in Summer 2011 (issue 31) Cliffs west of Sheringham Photo taken by: Sourced from Walk Magazine