As you start the trail in Dereham, keep an eye out for St. Withburga’s Well and the historic plaque that marks the spot. Along Sandy Lane, a circular walk detour brings you to Rush Meadow Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) where the aim is to prevent the further decline of species by conserving the habitats that support them. The route then passes through The Wendling Beck Project, one of the most important and exciting rewilding projects in the country before taking you along The Wensum Way near Beetley Common and Hoe Rough.
For those who want to step back in time, The Wendling Way finally winds up at the fascinating Museum of Norfolk Life and Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse. Essential viewing for anyone wanting to explore what day-to-day life was really like for those who once lived and worked in this historically rich county.
Distance:
5 km/3.2 miles. Allow 1 – 1.5 hours (relaxed pace).
Surfaces:
A mix of country lanes, pavements, recently resurfaced path along Mill Lane. Take care coming into Dereham along Sandy Lane.
Dogs:
Yes, on leads recommended.
Signage:
Fully waymarked – look for the purple Jubilee discs and stickers.
Parking:
Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse (10am-5pm when the museum is open); Cross Way or Cherry Tree car parks in Dereham.
Refreshments:
A café at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse (note – free to enter the cafe but a payment is necessary for the museum). Cafés and pubs in Dereham town centre.
Public toilets:
At Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse and Dereham Public Library.
Accessible sections:
Phase 1 of the improvement works is a 1.2km section of resurfacing between Gingerbread Corner and the south section of Mill Lane, which has been given permissive cycling access by the landowner. However, currently there are muddy sections at the top of Mill Lane and no drop-curb at the Fakenham Road crossing, which could pose issues for people in wheelchairs or with pushchairs. The wide-berth kissing gate at Gingerbread Corner necessitates cyclists to dismount. Please note, tandems and trikes are unlikely to be able to pass through the gate, although the Council is looking at suitable alternative options. We will continue to look at opportunities to improve accessibility on this section and work with the landowners as part of the Wendling Beck project to improve public access
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 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 Castle 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.