Wonderful Walks from Burnham Market & Beyond: Explore North Norfolk on Foot
If you’re planning a stay at Blackbird Cottage in the heart of Burnham Market, you’re in for more than just boutique shops, cosy cafés, and charming coastal vibes. North Norfolk is a walker’s paradise, offering a mix of countryside rambles, coastal paths, and nature reserve strolls that showcase the best of this stunning region.
Here’s our guide to some of the best walks you can enjoy during your stay.
Extract from the Holkham Route Map
1. Burnham Market to Burnham Overy Staithe (and on to the beach)
Distance: 6.87 miles round trip
Start: Burnham Market
This gentle walk takes you through open countryside to the charming harbour at Burnham Overy Staithe. Expect peaceful lanes, big skies, and grazing sheep. From the quay, continue along the raised sea wall for stunning views of the salt marshes and creeks – and if you’re up for it, follow the footpath all the way out to Holkham Beach, one of the UK’s most unspoiled beaches.
2. The Norfolk Coast Path: Burnham Overy Staithe to Wells-next-the-Sea
Distance: Approx. 7.21 miles
Start: Burnham Overy Staithe Quay
This stretch of the Norfolk Coast Path is simply unforgettable. From the quay, you’ll walk through sandy dunes and pinewood trails, emerging onto the vast expanse of Holkham Beach. From there, continue into the lively harbour town of Wells-next-the-Sea, with its colourful beach huts, independent shops and excellent seafood spots.
3. Holkham Park Circular Walk
Distance: 4.5 miles (blue route)
Start: Holkham Hall Car Park (10 mins by car)
This is one of our favourite places to walk. This scenic loop offers woodland paths, lakeside trails and panoramic views of Holkham Hall. Keep an eye out for herds of fallow deer and birdlife around the lake. Finish with coffee and cake at the Courtyard Café or a browse in the gift shop.
There are lots of different park walks at Holkham, have a look on the walking page of their website and here is a direct link to their route map.
4. Stiffkey Saltmarsh to Wells Harbour Walk
Distance: 6.5 miles
Start: Stiffkey village or car park on A149
The Stiffkey Marshes are perfect for a wilder walk – ideal for those who love birds, big skies and untouched landscapes. Footpaths criss-cross the marshes, with creeks, boardwalks and the occasional muddy adventure. Don’t forget your binoculars – this is prime territory for spotting waders and wildfowl.
5. Brancaster to Thornham (pub walk!)
Distance: 4 miles one way
Start: Brancaster Staithe Harbour
A classic coastal pub walk – and yes, there’s one at each end! Start at Brancaster and follow the coast path through sand dunes and marshes to the pretty village of Thornham. Reward yourself with a drink or a bite at The Lifeboat Inn or The Orange Tree, both renowned for their food and friendly atmosphere.
You can walk back or hop on the CoastHopper bus to return. More info on the CoastHopper and CoastLiner
Back at Blackbird Cottage…
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, the beauty of North Norfolk is that there’s always more to explore – and with so many walks right on your doorstep, you won’t need the car every day.
Let us know if there are any great walks we should add to our list!