Blickling Ranger Run
Set in Norfolk's beautiful Bure meadows, this trail run offers sweeping views of the Jacobean mansion at Blickling, surrounded by an inspiring landscape of 4,600 acres of parkland, woods and fields. Visit in spring to see the woods carpeted with bluebells.
Near to
Blickling EstateStart point
Blickling main car park, grid ref: TG176285. Estate Barn visitor reception, Blickling Estate, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6NFTrail information
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.
Total stages: 11
Total stages: 11
Start point
Blickling main car park, grid ref: TG176285. Estate Barn visitor reception, Blickling Estate, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6NF
Stage 1
From the main car park, head down the path next to the Estate Barn visitor reception and turn right past the Buckinghamshire Arms pub, before following the path towards the front of Blickling Hall. Take a moment to stop and admire the impressive Jacobean mansion and ancient yew hedges.
Stage 2
After the main driveway, carry on towards Blickling Church, turn right and cross the road carefully. Head down Silvergate Lane and turn right into to woodland on your right. Follow the orange waymarkers through the wood (parallel to the road), then turn right across the field.
Stage 3
You will then reach a fork. Take the left fork onto a track and then turn left onto a path that runs parallel to the road, following it for a short section until you reach Long Plantation on your right.
Stage 4
Turn right across the road where Brady's Walk will join with our multi-use trail (green route), a waymarked path that trends westwards towards Buck's Common and past the Tower.
Stage 5
Continue following the multi-use trail past the tower and through Bunkers Hill plantation, as the path curves round towards the Great Wood.
Stage 6
Continue on the multi-use path towards Woodgate car park and then turn right on to Brady's Walk (yellow route) waymarked path. Brady’s walk starts to climb uphill after passing the fenced lime trees on the left.
Stage 7
Follow Brady's Walk which emerges near the Mausoleum and take in sweeping views across the park, lake and towards the house.
Stage 8
From the Mausoleum, run across the parkland, still following Brady's Walk (yellow route) towards the north of the lake.
Stage 9
Continue following Brady's Walk (yellow route) waymarkers to the eastern shore path, around the edge of the lake and then south around the perimeter of the formal gardens, where you'll see highlights such as Blickling's orangery.
Stage 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.
Stage 11
Enjoy some much-needed refreshments at Muddy Boots café.
End point
Estate Barn visitor reception, Blickling Estate, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6NF
Trail map
Blickling's ranger run route | © National Trust/Fiona Gowen
More near here
Blickling Estate multi-use trail
Tour the Blickling Estate by bike, wheelchair, with a pushchair or on foot, via this all-weather hard-surface footpath, with historic buildings and woodland along the way.
Blickling, Calthorpe and Great Wood walk
Tackle this long circular walk around Blickling, taking in the villages of Calthorpe and Erpingham, the estate’s Great Wood and several historic buildings.
Blickling Estate walk
Explore the Blickling Estate's parkland on this family-friendly walk, visiting points of interest including the Tower, Brickyard and Mausoleum.
Blickling mausoleum walk
This historical scenic stroll through woods and open land at Blickling Park leads you to its striking Mausoleum. Look out for barn owls along the way.
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