Monday 21 August 2017

Wells-next-the-Sea to Stiffkey (Stage 4 Norfolk Coastal Path)

It has taken us quite a while to get back to the Norfolk Coastal Path, well where we left off anyway. We have been back and walked along sections we've done before but hadn't managed to do any new parts until today.

Wells-next-the-Sea Harbour

We parked up in Wells with the intention of walking at least to Stiffkey. It's only a short section but having been for a longer walk the day before we thought we could either continue on, turn around and walk back or catch the bus depending how we felt. The walk isn't the most exciting sadly. Once out of Wells you can't see the sea at all, just miles of endless salt marshes. There were a few birds around but mostly egrets so generally it wasn't our favourite section and this probably contributed to me feeling tired so I was quite glad to reach Stiffkey after about 3.6 miles. 

Salt marshes

Oyster catcher & Curlew

Egret

We walked up to the village but couldn't see anywhere immediately to grab a drink, although the signpost mentioned a pub but we were too early anyway, so we decided to catch the bus back to Wells and spend a couple of hours there.

There aren't really and directions to this walk, if starting in Wells then follow the quayside east and away from the town, taking the little pathway as directed behind the fishing huts. Then just follow the well-trodden track firstly along the flood bank and then as it goes down to the edge of the marshes. There are a few pathways off going out onto the flats but unless you know the area and the tides it can be very easy to get cut off!

Stiffkey marshes


Once at Stiffkey car park take the road on your right up into the village if catching the bus back.

Our walk was 3.73 miles
See the route on mapometer
Terrain: Mostly flat grass or sandy stone. Tarmac at either end.
Habitat: Coastal, salt marshes.
Facilities: Parking, toilets, shops at Wells. Parking and pub at Stiffkey