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

Holkham & Wells Circular, Norfolk (4.6 miles)

Holkham is a village on the north Norfolk coast and has a magnificent beach stretching for miles.  This walk takes in the beach east to Wells-next-the-Sea and returns back through pine woods.  The walk is part of the Norfolk Coastal Path which stretches from Hunstanton to Cromer.  The walk can be undertaken in many stages and is shadowed by the Coasthopper bus service so you can always walk and bus back if you want to go further.

Holkam is also home to Holkham Hall and Estate which we also visited briefly.  If you pay for the day when parking near the beach this can be used in the park also.  Check website for opening times and other prices.

We were lucky when we visited the beach as the tide was low.  Having seen the tide line I would recommend checking the tide times and walking at low tide to appreciate the beach at its best.

Parking is available in Lady Anne’s Drive, opposite The Victoria, in Holkham.

Holkham beach

After parking go through the gates and follow the pathway in front to the beach viewing area.  Take the boardwalk to the right until you reach a bench.  Go down the boardwalk onto the beach basin.

Walk straight ahead and turn right in front of the sand dunes.  The sand on Holkham beach is beautifully soft but for ease of walking we prefer to go right down to the shore line - obviously how far this will be will depend on the tide.

Follow the beach for about 2 miles until you see the beach huts of Wells on your right.  If the tide allows, walk in front of the small dunes headland and then turn up the beach following the boat channel which will then be on your left.  

Beach huts at Wells-next-the-Sea

At the top of the beach head for the boardwalk under the lifeguard and go up the sloped roadway.  Once at the top of the slope you will see Wells harbour and the long straight pathway that runs alongside and heads to the town in the distance.  

If you aren’t detouring to visit the town, take a right down the steps, stopping at The Beach Cafe for refreshments if you wish (toilets are opposite the cafe).  For the return journey take the path that runs alongside the righthand side of the car park.  Go through the gateway and take the left track into the nature reserve.

Follow the wide sandy track along the edge of the pinewoods for about a mile and a half until you reach Lady Anne’s Drive again.

Wells harbour looking towards the town

Our route was: 4.55 miles
See the route on mapometer.com
Terrain: mostly flat, sand, sandy paths,
Habitat: beach, dunes, pine woods
Facilities: Toilets and beach cafe at Wells.  Further toilets and Stables cafe at Holkham Estate (parking charges apply if not included in your beach parking).  Note:  Good to see gluten free options available in both cafes