Norfolk

Blakeney Freshes coastal wildlife walk

This stroll through Blakeney village and around Blakeney Freshes is fantastic for spotting wildlife, particularly birds. There are also excellent views to enjoy around Blakeney and Cley harbours. An ideal walk for families.

Near to

Blakeney National Nature Reserve

Start point

Bus stop, St Nicolas' Church, Blakeney, grid ref: TG032436

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)

Duration1 hour 45 mins

Dog friendly***

*Circular walk along mostly flat ground. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Walk is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
***Dogs welcome under close control along the Norfolk Coast Path on steps 2 to 5. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Dogs
Dogs welcome under close control along the Norfolk Coast Path on steps 2 to 5 and leads are recommended along roadside sections of the walk.
Car park
Blakeney Quay, Morston and Stiffkey (free for National Trust members).
Toilet
At Blakeney Quay and St Nicholas' Church, Blakeney (not National Trust). Nearby at Morston Quay.
Café
National Trust café at Morston Quay. Other refreshments available on the trail route in Blakeney.
Total stages: 5
Total stages: 5
Start point
Bus stop, St Nicolas' Church, Blakeney, grid ref: TG032436
Stage 1
From the bus stop head away from the church into Blakeney village and turn right down the High Street. At the end of the High Street, you will come out onto Blakeney Quay.
Stage 2
Cross the main car-parking area of the quay and walk up onto the bank on the right-hand side. From here you can see Blakeney Freshes on your right. Take the footpath on top of the bank out towards the harbour.
Stage 3
Follow the same footpath around to the right.
Golden plover | © National Trust Images/Dougie Holden
Stage 4
Continue along the footpath beside the river, turning right to head back inland.
River Glaven
The footpath now runs alongside the new route of the River Glaven, which was moved inland in 2006 to prevent flooding. The areas that were freshwater marsh and the old footpath route are now exposed to salt water and tides and are quickly turning into salt marsh. New rare habitats have been created as a result and are excellent for breeding birds. In summer, see breeding waders on the grazed fields, such as lapwing, avocet and redshank. Look out for marsh harriers hunting over the reed beds and sedge and reed warblers, bearded reedlings and reed buntings in the reed beds and ditches.
Marsh harrier over Blakeney Nature Reserve | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman
Stage 5
Keep to the footpath on the bank until you reach the A149 between Blakeney and Cley-next-the-Sea. Cross the road and turn right, walk up the hill and cross the road again and stay on the pavement until you are back at the bus stop near St Nicholas' Church.
St Nicholas' Church
Well worth a visit while waiting for your bus, the church was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and dominates the surrounding area with its twin towers. The hammer beam roof and wealth of stained glass enhance the majesty of the building and its dimensions are comparable to a major city church. It featured in Simon Jenkins’ 1,000 Best Churches and in the Daily Telegraph's 100 favourite churches. The church provides a warm 'welcome team', WCs and freely available refreshments.
End point
Bus stop, St Nicolas' Church, Blakeney, grid ref: TG032436
Trail map
Blakeney Freshes walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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