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Walkers on a raised coastal path beside saltmarsh and tidal water on the Norfolk Coast Path, with soft winter light and misty horizons.

Norfolk Coast Path – Walking the Edge of Land and Sea

Type of trail?
National Trail
Is it for me?
Easy-going long-distance walk
Gentle terrain with minimal ascent, well suited to first-time long-distance walkers or those looking for a calm, steady route.
What will I see?
Wide sandy beaches and coastal dunes
Saltmarsh and tidal creeks
Open countryside and farmland
Pinewoods and nature reserves
Traditional fishing villages
Classic seaside towns
What’s the vibe?
Big skies and coastal light
Scenic and ever-changing
Relaxed and social
Open and expansive

Tidal creeks, wide beaches, and slow coastal journeys along England’s eastern shore

Stretching along the full sweep of Norfolk’s coastline, the Norfolk Coast Path follows the shifting boundary between land and sea from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea. The route moves through beaches, dunes, saltmarsh, and low cliffs, linking working villages, nature reserves, and traditional seaside towns within the Norfolk Coast National Landscape.

Walking here is shaped by space and movement rather than difficulty. The terrain is generally flat and forgiving, allowing attention to settle on changing light, weather, and tide. Long horizons open out across saltmarsh and sea, while quieter inland sections pass through farmland and pinewoods set back from the shore. The sense of progress comes from distance and continuity, not ascent or technical challenge.

Human presence feels woven into the landscape rather than imposed upon it. Fishing harbours, village greens, and seaside promenades appear naturally along the route, offering places to pause without breaking the rhythm of the walk. The trail often feels social and open, particularly around popular coastal towns, yet never crowded for long, with quieter stretches returning quickly between settlements.

One of the defining features of the Norfolk Coast Path is its relationship with other routes. At Holme-next-the-Sea, it connects directly with the Peddars Way, creating a continuous inland-to-coast journey that moves from Roman road and heathland to open beach and sea air. For many walkers, this transition marks a memorable shift in both landscape and atmosphere.

The appeal of the Norfolk Coast Path lies in its accessibility and variety. It is a route that welcomes long-distance newcomers while still rewarding experienced walkers, offering a clear, well-marked line through a coastline shaped by tide, light, and long-established coastal life.

Trail Overview

Distance
Approximately 84 miles / 135 km

Typical time on foot
6–8 days

Start
Hunstanton, Norfolk

Finish
Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk

Terrain
Coastal paths, beaches, dunes, saltmarsh, low cliffs, villages, and quiet lanes

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Norfolk Coast Path?

The Norfolk Coast Path follows the coastline of Norfolk in the East of England, running from Hunstanton in the west to Hopton-on-Sea near the Suffolk border.

Where does the trail start and finish?

The route begins at Hunstanton and finishes at Hopton-on-Sea. It connects with the Peddars Way at Holme-next-the-Sea.

How long does it take to walk?

Most people walk the Norfolk Coast Path in six to eight days, depending on pace and how much time they spend in villages and coastal towns.

What is the walking like?

Walking is generally flat and straightforward, with a mix of coastal paths, beaches, dunes, and quiet lanes. The trail is clearly waymarked and easy to follow.

Who is the Norfolk Coast Path suitable for?

The trail suits first-time long-distance walkers, solo travellers and couples, and anyone looking for a relaxed coastal route. Its length and variety also appeal to experienced walkers seeking a scenic, non-technical journey.