23 Nov 2016
9 Top Walking Routes Across East Anglia

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Visit East of England

 

We've hand picked 9 fantastic walks throughout the region! The incredible coastline and extensive waterways are host to one of the UK's largest seal colonies and numerous migratory bird species that make East Anglia the perfect place for a winter ramble. Walk in the footsteps of legendary Celtic Queen Boadicea or get to know the beautiful Broads National Park and don't forget to warm up afterwards in a cosy pub with a pint of local ale. 

The Norfolk Coastal Path

The Norfolk Coastal Path is a stunning National Trail between Hunstanton and Cromer, taking in huge beaches, tidal saltmarshes and creeks, shingle spits and towering cliffs. There's also amazing birdlife to enjoy, particularly at Titchwell and Cley-next-the-Sea.

Where to eat: You'll be spoiled by the choice of coastal pubs, but why not try a crab or lobster sandwich at Cookies at Salthouse, The Crab Hut at Brancaster, or at Blakeney Harbour.

Where to stay: How about staying in a windmill? There's one at Cley-next-the-Sea.

Kings & Sailors: the Orford Heritage Pub Trail

This circular route of salty sea air, lapping waves, peaceful scenery and locally-brewed Adnams beer makes walking on the Suffolk coast truly special. This 5.5-mile relaxed walk departs from the tiny fishing village of Orford, with its foodie delights and strange myths, and takes you along the River Alde before heading inland towards the Sudbourne estate and back to Orford, with a stop off at the village's unique octagonal castle. Oh, and did we mention there are two Adnams pubs along the way? Download the route here.

Where to stay: Located in the heart of this food haven and sitting within the walls of the 12th century Orford Castle, The Crown.

Where to eat: Butley Orford Oysterage has been in the Pinney family for 3 generations. Sample some of the freshest and finest seafood around. Don't end your visit there.

The Bure Valley Path

The Bure Valley Path is a nine-mile route through the picturesque Bure Valley between historic Aylsham and Wroxham in the heart of the Broads – and you can get a steam railway back!

Where to eat: The Walpole Arms is a traditional English country inn at Itteringham.

Where to stay: The traditional Buckinghamshire Arms is in the grounds of Blickling Hall.

The Butt & Oyster Walk

Between the River Orwell and the River Stour is the Shotley Peninsula: a tranquil stretch of land bounded by pretty riverside hamlets like Pin Mill, where this walk begins. Starting at the Butt & Oyster Inn, a pub blessed with spectacular views, this walk will take you in a figure-of-eight passed a cliff-top plantation, through thick woodland, across Woolverstone Park and along the riverside harbours of the River Orwell.

Where to stay: Ever stayed in a Folly? Well now you can. Freston Tower offers unrivalled views from this six-story Tudor building. 

Where to eat: The Butt & Oyster, located in the hamlet of Pin Mill, prides itself not only on the great Suffolk ales it serves, but also the stunning view of the River Orwell.

Boudicca Way

Named after the legendary warrior and Queen of the Iceni whose tribes once inhabited the area, the Boudicca Way runs for approximately 36 miles between Norwich and Diss railway stations, passing through the rural countryside of south Norfolk and the Waveney Valley. Along the way, the trail passes picturesque villages such as Shotesham, Saxlingham Nethergate and Pulham Market. The area also has strong historical heritage, including Venta Icenorum, the Roman Town at Caistor St Edmund, which was the Roman administrative centre for the area.

Where to eat: There's great dining at The Wildebeest at Stoke Holy Cross.

Where to stay: The Old Bakery at Pulham Market.

A Cock & Bull Story: The Clare & Cavendish Trail

This circular walk allows you to explore two picture-perfect Suffolk Wool Towns, Clare and Cavendish, whose thatched cottages, churches, castle and old railway betray a deep and rich history. Setting off from Clare Castle Country Park, the walk takes you on a circular route across fields and farmland with spectacular views, before arriving at Cavendish. It's a challenging walk, with several climbs and descents, kissing gates and styles to manoeuvre, but with a pub at either end (The Cock Inn in Clare, and The Bull Inn in Cavendish) your hard work will be readily rewarded.

Where to stay: Stay in the cosy surroundings of The George and bag one of its 5 rooms housed in this medieval building. The restaurant is notable for their two AA rosette award.

Where to eat: The Swan in Clare is an excellent Gastro Pub whilst The George in Cavendish prides themselves on homemade everything.

Peddars Way

Peddars Way follows a Roman road built along the line of an even older trackway. The name, Peddars Way, is said to be derived from the Latin 'pedester', which means 'on foot'. The trail starts in the Brecks, a unique area of forest, heath and low river valleys, running north from Knettishall Heath in Suffolk, for 46 miles through changing countryside to the north Norfolk coast near Hunstanton.

Where to eat: Cocoes Deli in Swaffham has superb home-made fare.

Where to stay: Strattons is a delightful and quirky French-style country house in Swaffham.

The Thetford Forest Fir Trail

This trail takes you deep into the heart of Thetford Forest on a hunt for different fir trees and wildlife species. Following the signposts you'll follow a circular route of woodland tracks, keeping an eye out for the deer, hares and rare birds that live in Thetford Forest, and the giant play sculptures that will entertain any little ones on the walk. This is a great walk for dogs, who will love the hour-and-a-half in the great outdoors! 

Where to stay: Stay in a converted 15th century coaching inn with a modern twist. Close to Newmarket and Mildenhall, The Bull Inn is the ideal resting place.

Where to eat: The award-winning restaurant provides a tantalising, easy solution for a bite to eat into the evening.

The Great Pingo Trail

The Great Pingo Trail in the Brecks and Thetford Forest is a gentle 8 miles (12.9km) of tracks and trails exploring this unique landscape. What's a Pingo? Circular lakes that were created around 20,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age. In the forest you might see wild deer and great birdlife. Stop for refreshments at the lovely thatched Chequers Inn at Thompson.

Where to eat: The Elveden Courtyard uses food from the estate, include game… and squirrels!

Where to stay: Try the Elveden Inn, a lovely boutique hotel.

For more information contact press@visiteastanglia.net or visit www.visiteastofengland.com

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