Blakeney Point Coastal walk, Blakeney, Norfolk
Take a leisurely, but active stroll, along Blakeney Point’s 4 mile-long (6.4km) shingle spit to the sand dunes near the Lifeboat House, home to a variety of unusual plants, and looking out for both grey and common seals on the way. Please note: we reserve the right to close sections of this walk at anytime with no warning for safety reasons.
Wildlife and restrictions
This area Blakeney Point is England's largest grey seal colony with seal pups being born from the end of October until the middle of January. During this time large areas of the end of Blakeney Point are fenced off. These fence lines are for your own safety as well as that of the seals. We would rather dogs be left at home but if you would like to bring your dog then we politely request that they are keep on short leads (1m) at all times. Our team are often present during the seal pupping season so please do speak to them and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Walk ideal for active people who don't mind walking on soft shingle.
Map
Start:
Cley beach, Norfolk Wildlife Trust car park, grid ref: TG048453
1
From the car park walk onto the shingle ridge towards the sea and turn left. If the tide is out, you can walk along the beach, which is a slightly easier surface to walk. The shingle ridge, which begins at Weybourne, is 8 miles (12km) long. and has grown westwards over time, forming Blakeney Point spit. Vegetated shingle is a rare habitat, home to scarce plants such as horned sea poppy, sea pea and shrubby sea blight. Half way along the ridge you will come across the Watch House From here, continue along the beach for another mile.
The Watch House
The Watch House, also known as Halfway House was built in the 19th century as a look-out for smugglers, then used by the coastguard and later the Girl Guides Association. It's now rented out as basic holiday accommodation.
2
At the start of the main dunes walk onto the top of the ridge and turn left, away from the sea, along a track towards the blue Lifeboat House, keeping the main dunes and fence line on your right. In this area there may be seals outside of the fence lines. Ensure you give them a wide berth as they can be particularly aggressive, especially if they have a pup.
Seal Colony Viewing Point
This is a good spot to see the seal colony and pups from the end of November onwards. Our team are often on hand to answer your questions. Do not cross the fence line as it is there for your safety as well as that of the seals.
3
At the end of Beach Way you will reach the blue building that is Blakeney Point Lifeboat House. To the right of the Lifeboat House is a boardwalk that leads to the beach. Follow this through the dunes.
Blakeney Lifeboat House
The Lifeboat House was built in 1898 to house a lifeboat but by 1920 the continued growth of Blakeney Point meant that it was no longer possible with last rescue having taken place in 1918. National Trust acquired the Lifeboat House in 1922 and it became the Watcher's (warden) house. Today, three rangers still inhabit building during breeding bird season (Apr-Oct)
4
Once you reach the crest of the boardwalk you have arrived at the end of the walk. From here you get fantastic elevated views of the seal pup colony and surrounding dunes. Please do not enter fenced areas as this is for your own safety as well as that of the seals. From here follow your route back to Cley Beach Car Park.
End:
Cley beach, Norfolk Wildlife Trust car park, grid ref: TG048453
