A 9 mile walk around the North Norfolk Coast and back again

This walk combines a stretch of the North Norfolk Coastal Path with a path through Ringstead Downs, one of Norfolk’s rare areas of downland.  On Thursdays only it also offers an opportunity to walk through the private Hunstanton Park with views of the moated Hunstanton Hall once the home of the Le Strange family.  The reason for the rather strange situation, limiting access to Thursday only, is steeped in history.
The Le Strange family has occupied this land since the family came to England with William the Conqueror.  In medieval times they allowed the local population access to the park on Thursdays to gather firewood “by hook or by crook”.  Although there is no longer a need for firewood, the tradition of access each Thursday has been maintained and is greatly appreciated by local walkers.

*Pack Lunch can be ordered at reception.

This walk will take approx 3hrs at good pace.

1 From The Lodge cross the A149 and go down Sea Lane and continue straight at Wodehouse Road which will take you past Lifeboat Station and Cafe. Turn right after the cafe and pick up the Acorn signs of the Coastal Path. Enjoy walking along the coastal path for approx 15 minutes. When you reach a wooden shed on your right take the next opening right. Watch out for golfers teeing off as you follow this path in the direction of Peddars Way sign. Time for a pit stop – WC on right and ice creams on left if required. Turn left towards NOA and follow road. Just before entering NOA car park, turn right over a footbridge.

2 Follow the path across the water meadows of Redwell Marsh heading for Holme village. After the path bears left go through a metal gate and follow the path to the main village road. Turn left along Kirk Gate to pass the White Horse Inn and the Church. At the end of the street, turn right then keep going straight ahead to the main road. Cross the A149 road to a gravel track and follow the track slightly uphill to the end of this path. Turn right along the lane and continue till you join the main road.  Turn left and pass the Peddars Way path on the right and a very short distance later take the Stewardship Scheme path on the left. Follow the path along the field headland and at the end of the field turn right following the path to the road. Turn right along the road and about 100 yards before farm buildings turn left along another field edge path then carry on where the path ends into Foundry Lane and down the hill. At Burnham Road turn right and keep on ahead to join the major road, again keep walking straight ahead to end. Turn left and follow the road around the bend to the left, past buildings and woods, and at the end of the woods turn right into Ringstead Downs. This area is a Nature Reserve managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Walk right through the downs enjoying the flowers and butterflies typical of this chalk environment. Continue through Downs Farm then bear right along a wide farm road (formerly the main road to Hunstanton before the “new” town and resort were built).

3 At the next junction there is a choice of route. On Thursdays turn right and follow the path straight ahead, keeping the gatehouse to the left, and walk through the park, keeping to the well-defined path. Once past the impressive buildings of Hunstanton Hall, join the tarmac drive and follow it round to the left to Old Hunstanton Church. Just past the Church and immediately before the duck pond go through a gate on the left and follow the path to Chapel Bank. Turn left along the road and follow it to the main A149. On all other days turn left and 100 yards on take the footpath, Lovers Lane, on the right, immediately before Lodge Farm, and follow it across fields to Chapel Bank. Turn left and follow the road to the main A149.

4 Cross the A149 to the service road opposite and turn right and then left along Lighthouse Lane. Turn right into the cliff top car park and follow the path along the top of the cliff to the entrance to the beach at the far side. Pick up the Acorn signs of the Coastal Path and follow the path behind LeStrange Hotel and in front of Old Hunstanton Lifeboat Station at which you turn right back up Sea Lane to The Lodge.