Heacham to King’s Lynn

An ever-changing landscape of coast and countryside, the Elizabeth Way follows parts of the former railway line from Hunstanton to King’s Lynn, taking you through one of the most picturesque parts of Norfolk.

Seals, gulls, and gannets can be spotted along the shore while the heaths, hedgerows, woods, and wetlands play host to a range of creatures large and small, from butterflies to buzzards, badgers to bats, beavers to bank voles.

The aptly named Elizabeth Way is also a walk rich in regal history, leading you through pine plantations to Sandringham Park, the Christmas residence of the Royal Family and, finally, on to Castle Rising. The route finishes at The Walks – a historic park, which is the only surviving 18th century town walk in Norfolk.

Please note, there is a diversion in place around a new resurfaced section of the Elizabeth Way while the groundwork finishes and the surface settles. We will update this page when the route is fully open. Please click here for more information

Distance:
25.4km/15.8 miles. Allow 8hrs (relaxed pace).

Surfaces:
A mix of unsurfaced paths, pavements, recently resurfaced path at Ingoldisthorpe and quiet country lanes. Take care where the route crosses the A149 near Sandringham at a designated crossing point.

Signage:
Look out for the waymarkers along the route.

Dogs:
Yes, on leads recommended.

Parking:
Heacham South Beach car cark, Ken Hill, King’s Lynn.

Refreshments:
A café at Heacham and Sandringham; pubs, shops and cafés in Snettisham, Castle Rising, Dersingham and King’s Lynn.

Public toilets:
Heacham beach car park, Sandringham and King’s Lynn Rail Station.

Accessible sections:
As this route follows a number of footpaths the entire route is for walking only, between Sandringham and King’s Lynn the route largely aligns with the Sustrans National Cycle Route 1 and further information on this can be found on the Sustrans website (www.sustrans.org.uk).

We will continue working with our partners to improve accessibility on this route with the aim of linking in the current cycle network at Sandringham to Hunstanton, further information of our future plans can be found at www.norfolk.gov.uk/activetravel.

When complete, the resurfaced area between Ingoldisthorpe and Dersingham will offer improved access for this section – keep an eye on the website for details about when this is open.

 

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The Wendling Way
(Dereham to Gressenhall)

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.

The Eastern Maritime Way
(Great Yarmouth to Lowestoft)

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.

Chet River Circular
(Loddon to Chedgrave)

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.

The West Acre Way
(Gayton to West Acre)

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.