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A bridge over a stream at Blickling Estate, Norfolk
The 'Chinese' bridge over the River Bure | © National Trust Images/Justin Minns
Norfolk

Blickling, Calthorpe and Great Wood walk

This long circular walk around Blickling takes in the villages of Calthorpe and Erpingham and the estate’s Great Wood. Along the way, look out for striking architecture including Blickling Mill, the Tower, the Mausoleum and the 'Chinese' bridge.

Total steps: 14

Total steps: 14

Start point

Blickling main car park, grid ref: TG176285. Estate Barn visitor reception, Blickling Estate, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6NF

Step 1

From the main Blickling car park, take the gravelled path past the toilets and visitor centre on your right. Go through the wooden rails and turn left on to the drive marked 'Park and lake'.

Step 2

Turn right at the tree, following Weavers' Way, and go through the gates to the park. Take the gravelled track straight ahead. As this rises, you'll have views over the lake to your right.

Step 3

Go through a set of gates and follow Weavers' Way to the right, around the end of the lake. Just before some gates, turn left and take the path through woodland to the fisherman's car park and exit onto a lane.

Step 4

Turn right, and after 225m go through a kissing gate on the left to follow Weavers' Way over a meadow. Cross a wooden footbridge and then the 'Chinese' bridge and turn right to follow the River Bure to another kissing gate.

Step 5

From here, the path follows a low causeway, crossing a wooden footbridge and exits the meadow via a kissing gate. Follow the hedged track, passing houses on either side. When you reach the lane, turn left.

Step 6

After 215m, turn right onto a track, known as Beech Lane, still following Weavers' Way. Soon Weavers' Way leaves the track on the left-hand side via a public footpath that runs beside a fenced field. Follow this path.

Step 7

At the end of the path, turn right onto a lane then immediately left and follow this lane to Erpingham village.

Step 8

At the T-junction in the village turn left, leave Weavers' Way and follow The Street to Calthorpe. As the road bears right, continue straight on up the hill, signed to Wolterton. Pass the church – Our Lady and St Margaret – on the left and at the crossroads, turn left.

Step 9

Follow the lane down the hill as it drops well below the level of the surrounding fields, then take the lane on the right. Follow this lane as it zig-zags between arable fields.

Step 10

Continue following the lane, passing a restricted byway on the right. After a while, the lane ends at a track and a farm drive signed as a public footpath. Take the track straight ahead, crossing the footbridge over the River Bure. When you meet the road, turn right.

Step 11

Pass Blickling Mill on your right and 100m later turn left into Blickling Great Wood, cross a stile and follow the path through the woods.

Step 12

After 100m, go straight on over the cross-tracks along a woodland ride. Pass a bench on your left and just ahead the ride forks – take the right-hand fork. Follow the ride, ignoring side paths, until you reach a clearing with the Mausoleum on your left.

The Mausoleum Pyramid, designed by Joseph Bonomi 1796-97, on the Blickling Estate, Norfolk
The striking Mausoleum at Blickling Estate, Norfolk | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Step 13

Go past the Mausoleum and turn right onto a path. The path will meet a track, at which point you can see The Tower in the distance ahead of you.

Step 14

Turn left onto the track, follow it through a gate and back through the parkland to the entrance. From here, you can retrace your steps to your starting point at the car park – and possibly some refreshments at the Muddy Boots Café.

End point

Blickling main car park, grid ref: TG176285

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map for the Blickling, Calthorpe and Great Wood walk
The Blickling, Calthorpe and Great Wood walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Blickling Estate, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6NF

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