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The Top 3 Norfolk Coast Circular Walks

It’s time to put on your walking boots and set out on a journey through the breathtaking and diverse landscapes of Norfolk with my curated selection of the top 3 Norfolk coastal circular walks.

These routes offer a perfect mix of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and invigorating exercise, making them ideal for both seasoned and casual walkers alike. See All Coastal Walks

Horsey Windpump circular walk

I’ve carefully chosen these walks based on their scenic diversity and unique features that showcase the best of Norfolk's coastal backdrop. From salt marshes teeming with wildlife to dramatic clifftop views, each walk promises a memorable experience that captures the essence of this stunning region.

Whether you're a local looking for a new adventure or a visitor eager to explore Norfolk's coastal settings, these circular walks offer something special.

Let's dive into my top picks that will guide you through some of the most picturesque parts of the Norfolk Coast.

#1 Salthouse Circular Walk Salthouse, Norfolk

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. 

Salthouse circular walk

This walk really will provide you with a comprehensive experience of the area's natural beauty.

The walk serves as an excellent opportunity to observe local wildlife along part of Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Cley Marshes, and hopefully spot many bird species that call this habitat home.  There’s also a bird hide which is free for visitors, so a perfect chance to stop and view the surrounding marshes.

Cley marshes

I think that what sets this walk apart from others is its perfect balance of coastal and inland scenery.

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 just adds a layer of history to your walk.

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

Salthouse and Bard Hill

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

You’ll also find the best accommodation as well as places to eat in and around Salthouse within the article.


#2 Cromer Lighthouse Walk Cromer, Norfolk

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 explore the streets of Cromer known for its Victorian architecture and famous for its deliciously sweet Cromer crabs.

Cromer lighthouse

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

Cromer lighthouse walk from the steps

The walk leads you through varied terrain, including these clifftop paths and woodland areas and walking along an old disused railway line, all of which offer diverse perspectives of the coastline.

The lighthouse itself, standing tall since 1833, serves as a focal point 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!

View from Overstrand towards Cromer

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

You’ll also find the best accommodation as well as places to eat in and around Cromer within the article.


#3 Horsey Windpump Circular Walk Horsey, Norfolk

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.

Brograve Drainage Mill

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

Horsey seals and pups

The path also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with a variety of species inhabiting the nearby water meadows.  Binoculars are a great addition to the walk!

The windpump and the natural landscape that you'll walk around creates a uniquely Norfolk scene that really does capture the essence of the Norfolk Broads.

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


These top 3 Norfolk Coast circular walks offer a fantastic way to experience the diverse beauty of the region.

Each walk provides its own unique blend of nature, historical significance, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Whether you're drawn:

  • to the salt marshes of Salthouse
  • the lighthouse views of Cromer
  • or the windswept landscapes of Horsey

these walks promise unforgettable experiences along the Norfolk coast.  I really hope you enjoy them.

Remember to always check local conditions, 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.

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