The Norfolk Agents' Lockdown Walks
The team provide a guide to their favourite local walks that they have enjoyed in line with the country's lockdown restrictions.
With lockdown coming to an end, and the better weather on its way, we have compiled a list of our favourite 'hidden gem' walks around Norfolk.
Shane
Here is a picture of the kids and I on a Sunday morning walk at Bawsey Country Park or ‘Bawsey Pits’ more commonly known. Although it is only a mile or so up the road it is somewhere where I had not been since I was a teenager. I would expect that if it was not lockdown and looking for a different adventure with the kids we probably wouldn’t have re-visited. However, if you are local, I would highly recommend.
If you park in the carpark (currently free) and head up the hill (keeping to the right) you can more or less circle the whole of the lake which we believe is about 1 ½ miles in total (although next time we will measure with the fitbit). It is a perfect walk with young children and although some of the terrain is rough I would say it is not too taxing for any ages. I managed fine even with my dodgy knee!
Throughout the walk there are lots of openings to the lake which is really beautiful and I imagine a great place in both the winter or summer (although swimming is not allowed). The kids even found a hidden rope swing halfway where we stopped and enjoyed a flask of Hot Chocolate.
We will be returning to Bawsey Pits which although not a hidden gem, it is one not to forget….
Daniel
One of Norfolk’s hidden treasures, just a mile up the road from the famous Sandringham Estate and woodlands is Wolferton, and if you haven’t been then you are missing out! This place is North Norfolk at its finest with walks and paths to cater for all from leisurely dog walkers, to families to runners/cyclists. A mixture of natural and man-made pathways takes you through woodlands with sea views and cliffs with stunning views for miles. It is a great place to get away from the world and relax.
Ellie
I have been staying with my partner in Sheringham since the beginning of the first lockdown so I have been lucky enough to have the beach right on my doorstep for my daily exercise, as well as Beeston Bump. 'The Bump' has views of the beach and coastline, the entirety of Sheringham town, the golf club (which is another beautiful sunset spot), and views stretching even as far as Cromer lighthouse. At the top of the bump there are remains of the 'Y-stations' used during WWII, and it is also lair to the legendary Black Shuck!
Don't get me wrong I am usually out of breath once I have reached the top thanks to the big steps mixed with the much larger strides of my boyfriend and our dog, but taken at a leisurely pace the views are amazing and well worth it!
Hayley
The day before Lockdown 1.0 happened to be Mother’s Day. My Husband packed us up some bacon baps and hot chocolate and we headed for Warham Camp, or the camp hills as we know them. Warham Camp is a preserved iron age fort sitting on farmland and the river Stiffkey passing by. On our walks we’ve seen lapwings, owls and kites as well as grazing cattle and swans on the river. It is often deserted. Parking is minimal, it’s poorly signposted with no services at all. I doubt it has changed since my husband played there as a boy almost 40 (sorry Carl!) years ago.
The perfect lockdown site to explore and it’s been our family favourite this past year.
Ross
Over the last year we have loved walking all around Snettisham. The kids love exploring, whether at the beach, on the old railway line or walking around Park Farm where we often stop to say hello to the deer, sheep and horses. We will definitely carry on with the walks when lockdown is over but it will be nice when we can head to the Rose & Crown on our way home!
Hopefully some of the walks we love will become favourites of yours too- even if you aren't able to experience them until after June 21st! Remember to follow guidelines and most importantly stay safe!