When the ideas of how to commemorate Her Majesty’s Jubilee were being considered, a recurring theme was how to incorporate many of the elements that were identified as important in the Jubilee celebrations. These included accessibility to the natural world, encouraging exercise and outdoor experience, resulting in the potential education and well-being benefits. The development of the Jubilee trails seemed a perfect way to meet all these objectives.
I have hugely enjoyed the challenge of developing these trails and been fantastically encouraged by the depth of support we have received from so many organisations and stakeholders keen to help create this wonderful legacy.”
Thomas Courtauld
The aim was to try and create trails which were within reach from all over Norfolk, where possible, with improved accessibility for all and linked into the existing rights of way network. We feel this has been achieved with the four trails detailed below and hope additional trails will be added in the future. The trails are a combination of existing, and in places, improved rights of way, together with new trails which open up parts of Norfolk which previously had no public access. The trails encompass all aspects of wonderful Norfolk from coastal scenery, woodlands, arable, historic, urban and more.
We plan to enhance the experience of using the trails with the addition of interactive information hubs to provide background of specific features, whether, historic, environmental or topical. The initial work and future upkeep of the trails is going to be supported by many local and county wide organisations creating a wonderful legacy to celebrate the 70 magnificent years.
A particular mention must go to the Norfolk County Council and The Westactre Estate whose input and generosity has made this wonderful project possible.
A dedicated trail linking Heacham to King's Lynn which will incorporate elements of the existing footpath network. A key element of the trail is the utilisation and enhancement of a section of disused railway line between Dersingham and Ingoldisthorpe providing almost 2km of new Greenway Delivery. A diversion is in place while this resurfacing work is completed – keep an eye on this page for details.
A trail linking Dereham town centre to Gressenhall Environmental Hub to provide a safe and direct route for visitors on foot and bike. The project will include approx. 2km of route surfacing improvements with permissive cycling access, to open the trail up to a wider range of users. Gressenshall. The trail runs past or through three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): the developing Wendling Beck Exemplar Project, a regenerative landscape scale environmental scheme; Hoe Rough and Rush Meadow.
A dedicated cycling trail connecting Great Yarmouth to Lowestoft. This route winds through a diverse landscape, and connects these two historic hubs in an environmentally sustainable manner.
With several pleasant stopping points, route takes in many of the East Coast’s hidden treasures, including the UK’s most easterly location at Ness Point.
This short walk provides a different offering to the other trails, with something for everyone, especially families.
The walk starts at the stunning Loddon Staithe, with its weeping willows and beautiful views out along the River Chet. The route heads out along the village's footpaths then follows the River Chet to Chedgrave Common where the path heads back to Chedgrave and then returns to the Staithe.
A new trail linking Gayton to West Acre, primarily using newly dedicated paths across the Westacre Estate to link elements of the existing footpath network. The trail will run through a new and cutting-edge large scale environmental scheme in the extraordinary Nar Valley.
