Walk & Hiking Routes in/around Great Yarmouth - A Guide
Great Yarmouth is a great destination for hiking enthusiasts, it offers a mixture of coastal trails, countryside routes and beautiful paths through the breathtaking Norfolk Broads. Whether you’re looking for a calming walk along the beaches or a more challenging hike through the countryside, Great Yarmouth is the best setting for outdoor activities.
Make your hiking excursion even more special by booking your stay at Herbert Woods, where our accommodations are the most amazing base to explore Great Yarmouth’s astounding landscapes. Book now with us and start planning your adventure!
What is Yarmouth’s terrain like for walks and hikes?
Great Yarmouth’s terrain is mostly flat, with smooth paths that are ideal for walkers or hikers of all abilities. Seaside areas like the beaches and dunes at Winterton-on-Sea feature uneven paths but they are manageable. There are also wetlands and scenic trails that are on the easier side, while places like Burgh Castle offer mildly challenging trails.
Overall Great Yarmouth offers a beautiful landscape with easy trails that are accessible to anyone.
What’s to see on walks around the Yarmouth area?
Great Yarmouth and its surrounding areas feature sensational sights and experiences for hikers, ranging from iconic landmarks to natural wonders, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Great Yarmouth is full of history and hikers will find plenty of captivating landmarks during their routes.
The Town Wall is a medieval defensive structure and is one of the most complete in England and is a reminder of the town’s protective past.
Close to this historic landmark is the Time and Tide Museum which offers and insight into Great Yarmouth nautical history and the lives of the fishermen.
The coastline around Great Yarmouth is stunning, whether you are walking along the vibrant Golden Mile or if you want to explore somewhere quieter then the stretches of beaches further along the seafront. The seafront features traditional seaside town piers, including Britannia Pier and Wellington Pier, these are the perfect places to stop and enjoy the views of the sea.
Walking around Great Yarmouth features a blend of history and natural beauty. From Medieval town walls to relaxing beaches, the views that you will see makes every walk worthwhile.
With the Norfolk Broads close you are always not too far away from breathtaking landscapes; Great Yarmouth provides memorable experiences for everyone.
Country paths in Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth located in the heart of Norfolk, is a haven for walking and hiking fans. With its stunning views that range from marshlands to sandy beaches, there are a wide variety of trails perfect for a calming stroll or a day long walk.
Weavers’ Way is a popular 61-mile-long distance walk that allows you to explore the beautiful coastal town that is Cromer and Great Yarmouth. The trail consists of historic sites, old railway lines and picturesque waterways, this is perfect for walkers that would like to explore the countryside.
For those who love waterside walks, the Wherryman’s way walk is perfect for you. This 35-mile walk stretches between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. This trail follows the River Yare and it winds through open marshes, meadows and villages along the River Yare. This is the ideal trail for those that would like a peaceful yet gorgeous way to explore the Norfolk Broads.
Advanced walks for experienced hikers
For more experienced hikers that are looking for a challenge, Great Yarmouth features diverse terrains, stunning views and long-distance trails.
Angles Way is perfect for those who are fans of long-distance hikes, Angles Way is a 93-mile hike that runs from Great Yarmouth to Knettishall Heath. This path follows Waveney Valley and features waterside walking close to Breydon Water at the early stages of the trail. This trail is a fantastic choice for those who love a challenge.
For coastal fans, the Norfolk Coast path features 84 miles of breathtaking scenery, from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-sea. While the entire trail is challenging, the parts close to Great Yarmouth offer an amazing coastal walking experience, this route showcases the Norfolk coast area and its astounding natural beauty.
The Best Hiking & Walkways around Yarmouth
Whether you’re choosing to tackle a part of a long-distance trail or wanting to complete a whole route challenge, these routes around Great Yarmouth for experienced hikers offers an exceptional adventure, make sure to pack your gear, lace up your boots and prepare yourself to explore the best of Norfolk’s landscapes.
Angles Way
- Length: 93 miles
- Difficulty: Experienced
Beginning at Great Yarmouth, this route follows Breydon Water before going along and being close to the River Waveney. The route goes through charming areas such as Oulton Broad, Beccles, Bungay, Harleston and Diss, at last arriving at the river’s source.
From there, it changes to follow the River Little Ouse through marshes, which leads you to the woodlands of Knettishall Heath. The woodlands are a highlight for those who prefer a more rugged walking experience. Finally reaching the junction with the Peddars Way and Icknield Way Path where the trail concludes.
Points of interest:
- Great Yarmouth
- Breydon Water
- Burgh Castle
- Oulton Broad
Who is this trail suited for:
- Nature enthusiasts
- Fitness fans
- History enthusiasts
Great Yarmouth Historic Town Walk
- Length: 1.9 miles
- Difficulty: Beginner
The Great Yarmouth Historic Town Walk begins at Hall Quay, close to the River Yare and heads north along South Quay, which is a historic riverside stretch that includes the Time and Tide Museum. From there the route turns onto King Street, where if you keep following the path it will then lead you to the very popular Market Place, this is the heart of the town filled with shops and cafes.
Then carrying on along Nelson Road, this walk takes you past the renowned Hippodrome Circus, this is a landmark of Great Yarmouth’s entertainment history. From this point the route then loops towards St Nicholas Recreation Ground, with a relaxing green space before you encounter the busyness of Marine Parade, the bustling seafront promenade with seaside views and a wide array of attractions.
The route heads towards Wellington Road, taking you back to South Quay and ultimately returning you to the starting point at Hall Quay. This short walk is perfect for novices and for people who want to discover the history, culture and seaside charm that Great Yarmouth provides.
Points of interest:
- South Quay
- Time and Tide Museum
- Market Place
- The Hippodrome Circus
- St. Nicholas Recreation Ground
- Marine Parade
Who this trail is suited for:
- History Enthusiasts
- Casual Walkers
- Families
- Tourists and First time visitors
Burgh Castle Circular Walk
- Length: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Beginner
The Burgh Castle Circular Walk starts at the car park close to the entrance to the iconic Burgh Castle Roman Fort, from here the path will lead you towards the ancient ruins of the fort, one of the best-preserved forts in the UK. The path will lead you along the perimeter of the fort, effectively taking you in a circular route around the iconic site.
The path then begins to go towards south, this is where the route provides the best views over the surrounding Glebe Marshes, before turning east. From there, continue to follow the visibly marked path that loops back through open fields, which leads you back to where you began. This route is maintained, making navigation easy.
Points of interest:
- Burgh Castle Roman Fort
- Views Over Breydon Water
- Glebe Marshes
- Open fields
Who this trail is suited for:
- History Enthusiasts
- Nature lovers
- Families and casual walkers
- Dog Walkers
Wherryman’s Way
- Length: 37 Miles
- Difficulty: Experienced
The Wherryman’s Way Walk starts in Norwich, at the Norwich Train Station. Follow the River Yare south-eastward through the city of Norwich and into the countryside. This path goes through Whitingham Country Park, which offers incredible river views, before carrying on to Surlingham, this is where you’ll find the ruins of St. Saviour’s Church. From there, the trail takes you to Rockland Broad and Hardley Flood Nature Reserve, both are ideal for bird watching and relaxing.
The route then reaches Reedham, this is where you’ll cross the River Yare on the unique Reedham Ferry, this is the last chain ferry in the whole of East Anglia. Once you have crossed the River Yare, the path takes you past the Berney Arms Mill and then through the Halvergate Marshes. Finally, the path follows the river into great Yarmouth with the trail ending close to the Great Yarmouth Train Station. This long-distance trail is well marked and filled with historical highlights.
Points of interest:
- Whitlingham Country Park
- St. Saviour’s Church Ruins, Surlingham
- Reedham Ferry
- Berney Arms Windmill
- Halvergate Marshes
- Great Yarmouth
Who this trail is suited for:
- Nature Enthusiasts
- History Fans
- Long Distance Walkers
- Newcomers to Norfolk
Filby Circular Walk
- Length: 3 Miles
- Difficulty: Easy
The Filby Circular Walk begin s at Filby Bridge Car Park near Filby Broad. From the car park, follow the pavement, which is next to the main road heading east. After a short distance, you’ll arrive at a quieter road where you will need to turn right. Continue this road leading south, leaving the village behind and entering the countryside with fields either side.
The path then loops west, passing through the open countryside. Eventually the trail turns back towards north, guiding you towards Thrigby and then into the outskirts of Filby. Here, please follow the village roads, which will lead you back to your starting point at the Filby Bridge Car Park.
This route is signposted and offers a relaxing walk through the countryside.
Points of Interest:
- Filby Broad
- Filby Village
- Farmland and Open Countryside
- Thrigby
Who this trail is suited for:
- Nature lovers
- Casual Walkers
- Families
- Scenic Walkers
- Beginners
Make your getaway even more special by staying with us at Herbert Woods
Great Yarmouth is a perfect destination for walkers, offering a variety of picturesque coastal trails and historic town paths to countryside routes through the Norfolk Broads. With exquisite views, rich history, and a wide array of wildlife, every walk is a memorable experience.
