Blakeney Gramborough Hill walk, Norfolk
This circular walk takes you through a variety of habitats, along the shingle beach, inland and uphill. Stroll along heathland on top of the coastal ridge and journey back down to the beach.
Birds
Don't forget your binoculars. Look out for Redshank and Snow Bunting (in winter).
Map
Start:
Bus stop in Salthouse village TG07731438512
1
Starting from the bus stop, with Cross street on your right and the marshes on your left, follow the A149 coast road until reaching Beach road on your left. Turning on to Beach road, Gramborough Hill is on the right; continue until reaching the shingle bank and the beach beyond it.
2
Prior to the 2013 storm surge, the area in front of you was a car park. During the storm surge the car park became covered in 6' of shingle, and now forms part of the sea defence. Now turn left, keeping the sea on your right. You can walk either side of the ridge, but don’t miss the turning if you walk on the beach.
Shingle Ridge
The shingle ridge runs for 8 miles (13 kms) from Weybourne cliffs to the end of Blakeney Point. It's constantly being re-shaped by the sea, and is growing westwards and moving inland over time. The beautiful horned sea poppy grows amongst the shingle. Its distinctive yellow flowers can be seen in the summer.
3
After about 1.2 miles (2km), there's a concrete slope across the path on the landward side of the shingle bank. Turn your back to the sea here, and go left along the raised bank leading inland. Arnold’s Marsh is to your left.
Arnold's Marsh
Arnold's Marsh is owned by the National Trust, but managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust as part of Cley Marshes Nature Reserve. The pools host a variety of wading birds and in spring avocets are often seen feeding in the shallow water. A shot of the shingle ridge is shown here
4
Arriving at the A149, turn left and follow the path for 100yds.(90m) At the NOA watchpoint sign, cross the road and follow the footpath by blue ‘Walsey Hills’ signpost, marked ‘To Salthouse’. The steps along on the left lead up to a viewing platform.
Walsey Hills
This area offers a tremendous vantage point across the marshes and out to sea. The Norfolk Ornithological Association looks after Walsey Hills, carrying out research into bird populations and migration.
5
Continue on this path, going straight on at the next signpost to Salthouse Heath, with the sea still behind you, until you come to a road.
6
Go left until you reach a sign-posted public footpath (just before a crossroads), turn left and continue along this path.
7
When you get to the road, turn left. Cross the road and turn right at the next public footpath sign, on to Salthouse Heath.
Salthouse Heath
An important area of coastal lowland heath, dominated by heather and gorse - a prickly shrub with yellow flowers that have a subtle coconut-like scent. In the spring, a variety of birds can be heard singing here; keep an ear out for the liveley and beautiful song of nightingales. There are several reed-beds near Salthouse. They host a variety of bird life, and are cut to be used for thatching. Look out for marsh harriers and bearded reedlings.
8
At the marker post with the blue ‘Sculpture Trail’ sign, keep straight, avoiding paths on the left hand side. The sea is now down on the left and the wide grassy path winds round until the last left-hand bend takes you onto a road again.
Snow Buntings
Flocks of snow buntings (shown here), are frequently present around Gramborough Hill in the winter months. They return north to Scandinavia for the spring and summer to breed.
9
Go left, seeing the sea ahead as you come out into the open. Stay on the road as it bends to the left, then go through the hedge at the next public footpath sign on the right.
10
Cross the field, aiming for the public footpath sign opposite, left of the church. If the field is in cultivation, please walk in single file keeping to the narrow trodden footpath, keeping dogs under control
11
Go down the steps and turn right to walk through Salthouse village.
12
Arriving again at the coast road A149, head up to the bus stop and the end of your walk.
End:
Bus stop in Salthouse village TG07731438512
