Long walks in the East of England

Getting outside and spending time with nature is good for the soul and a walk in the fresh air can do wonders for the body and mind. So, lace up those walking boots with one of our longer walks of 4 miles or more, as we reveal 125 miles of walks you might like to try in our 125th anniversary year.

Walking with us

There may be restrictions in place on some of these walks. Please make sure you check web pages for individual places before you travel, to see if you need to book ahead and to find out the latest information about visiting. Our walking trails can be popular, so remember to maintain social distancing on your walk.

Step into spring

Great Wood Bluebells at Blickling 310517

Estate Walk, Blickling Estate

Enjoy a 4.5 mile walk around the Blickling Estate in Norfolk, taking in all the main sights including the Great Wood, Tower and majestic Mausoleum. During May the woodland floor will become a carpet of bluebells, then in October, the beautiful colours of autumn make the perfect backdrop for a walk.

St Ives & The Hemingfords Walk, Houghton Mill

Starting from Houghton Mill in Cambridgeshire, this 5 mile walk will take you through the delightful Ouse valley landscape, where you'll be able to discover the history of the charming market town of St Ives, returning through the unspoilt villages of The Hemingfords.

Monument Walk, Ickworth

Explore the wider estate at Ickworth in Suffolk on our new multi-use trail. This 6 mile circular route weaves through the beautiful historic parkland and offers breath-taking view across the landscape. Look out for the monument of the 4th Earl of Bristol and come spring, there will be lots of new arrivals.

" A walk can really lift your spirits. The excitement of spotting a recently emerged orange tip butterfly or the wonderment of looking over the parkland decorated in a sea of buttercups."

Summer strolls

Horsey Windpump and Estate Walk

This 4.5 mile circular walk around Horsey Windpump in the Norfolk Broads reveals some hidden gems, including the derelict Brogave Mill and thatched church in Horsey village. Look out for the mere, reed-beds, marshes and drainage mills, which are brimming with wildlife.

Red Route, Orford Ness

Orford Ness is now closed for 2020. Normally you'd be able to follow this 5 mile trail through the nature reserve at Orford Ness in Suffolk all the way to the sea. Here you'd find a former First World War airfield and mysterious buildings dating back to the cold war period, on the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe.

The garden at Shaw's Corner, with the house in the distance

Walking in the footsteps of Shaw, Shaw's Corner

Although Shaw's Corner is currently closed, you can still enjoy this circular 7.6 mile walk through the glorious Hertfordshire countryside, starting in the pretty village of Wheathampstead, following in the footsteps of the playwright George Bernard Shaw.

Autumn adventures

Marble Hill Walk, Felbrigg Hall

This 4.5 mile walk covers a significant amount of the Felbrigg Estate in Norfolk, but don't worry, there are plenty of seats to rest and enjoy the scenery along the way. Take in wonderful views across the lake, where you'll be able to enjoy the reflections of the autumn trees in the water.

Children playing in autumn leaves at Bodnant Garden, Conwy

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral Circular Walk

Starting out from the Dunstable Downs Chilterns Gateway Centre in Bedfordshire where you'll be able to admire the view across five counties, head off on this 4.5 mile walk to the peaceful Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, before returning via Whipsnade Heath to refuel with tea and cake in the café.

" Every season has something to offer, especially at dawn and dusk when the sun turns the landscape into a piece of art."

Great walks for winter

Walking in a snowy valley at Sheringham Park — You can take a walk any time of the year at Sheringham Park

Woodland and Coastal Walk, Sheringham Park

Blow the cobwebs away on this wonderfully varied 7 mile walk at Sheringham Park in Norfolk, through parkland, fields, woods, and along the coast. Savour the views from the tree-top gazebo and along the cliff edge. We'd also recommend a visit to Weybourne Station and Repton’s Temple along the way.

Walks to enjoy anytime

Group of visitors reading a map on their walk among the fields

Melford to Lavenham Railway Walk

Walk for 4.5 miles from the splendour of Melford Hall to historic Lavenham, through woods and open fields, along a disused railway line that is now a wildlife habitat. Here you'll be able to get off the beaten track and enjoy the solitude and birdsong, with beautiful views across the Suffolk countryside.

Wildflowers on Ivinghoe Beacon at Ashridge, Bucks

Wildlife Walk, Ashridge Estate

Open your eyes and ears to the amazing array of wildlife on this 8 mile walk around Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire. From minibeasts in the woods to the soaring raptors in the skies above the ancient chalk hills of Ivinghoe Beacon, what will you discover on your ramble with us?

Chalk Ridge Walk, Wimpole Estate

From the top of the ancient Mare Way, enjoy some impressive views across some of Wimpole’s arable fields and the Cambridgeshire countryside on this 4.5 mile walk. We recommend starting on the main drive and returning via Cobbs Wood Farm.

Lamb on the hillside at Dunstable Downs — Explore Dunstable Downs in the spring

Walk in the Steps of History, Dunstable Downs

This 4.5 mile walk will take you along the top of the chalk hills at Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire and down past Neolithic burial mounds before heading back up through our ancient sunken tracks. If you come along in spring or summer, you might even see some of our wonderful and rare orchids.

Cotswold Outdoor: Our recommended outdoor retail partner

We’re delighted to be working with Cotswold Outdoor as our recommended outdoor retailer, who have stores in Norwich, Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds. Like us they want to help the nation explore, discover and enjoy more of Britain’s coast and countryside.