Blickling Ranger Run, near Aylsham, Norfolk
Set in Norfolk’s beautiful Bure meadows, this trail run provides sweeping views of the impressive Jacobean mansion at Blickling, surrounded by an inspiring landscape of parkland, woods and fields - 4,600 acres in total. Visit in spring, and the woods are carpeted with bluebells. There’s also a great multi-user trail that’s perfect for running buggies or bike rides.
Wildlife
With its abundance of small mammals and old trees and buildings, the estate is home to many barn owls which you can spot hunting in the woods, often during daylight hours. This route has been created in collaboration with expert trail runners and adventurers Jen and Sim Benson, as part of our Ranger Run Series. Caution: this route involves crossing a main road twice, so please take appropriate care.
Map
Start:
Estate Barn visitor reception, Blickling Estate, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6NF
1
From the main car park, head down the path parallel to Estate Barn visitor reception and turn right past the Buckinghamshire Arms pub and the main driveway to Blickling.
2
After the main driveway, once you have reached Blickling Church, turn right and cross the road on to Silvergate Lane. Follow the Brady's Walk (yellow route) way-makers down the road to Silvergate where you will then turn right onto a smaller lane after Hall Farm.
3
You will then reach a fork. Take the left fork on to a track and then turn left onto the road, following it for a short section until you reach Long Plantation on your right.
4
Turn right across the road where Brady's Walk will join with our Multi-use trail (green route), a way-marked path that trends north-west towards Buck’s Common and past the Tower.
5
Continue following the multi-use trail past the tower and through Bunkers Hill plantation, as the path curves round towards the Great Wood.
6
Continue on the Multi-use path towards Woodgate car park and then turn right on to Brady's Walk (yellow route) way-marked path.
7
Follow Brady's Walk, which emerges near the Mausoleum and take in sweeping views across the park, lake and towards the house.
8
From the Mausoleum, run across the parkland, still following Brady's Walk (yellow route) towards the north of the lake.
9
Continue following Brady's Walk (yellow route) way-markers to the eastern shore path, around the edge of lake and then south around the perimeter of the formal gardens, where you'll see highlights such as Blickling's orangery.
10
You will emerge at the back of Blickling Church, near the Farmyard. Follow the path south by the church and then turn right past the main driveway again, back past the pub and return to Estate Barn visitor reception at the main car park.
11
Enjoy much-needed refreshments at Muddy Boots café.
End:
Estate Barn visitor reception, Blickling Estate, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6NF
