Norfolk

Sheringham Park 5k Active Trail

The 5km Active Trail follows the popular Sheringham Parkrun route, passing through varying woodland and parkland habitats on the Sheringham estate and taking in some sweeping coastal views. Whether you're looking for a different walking route, taking part in Couch to 5K, or you're a seasoned runner, this picturesque undulating trail has something for everyone.

Near to

Sheringham Park

Start point

To get to the trail start from the visitor centre, follow the red waymarkers which will lead you down Heartbreak Hill to the valley path. The active trail starts at the bench, grid ref: TG136964

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Moderate

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 3.3 (km: 5.28)

Short trail

DistanceMiles: 3.1 (km: 4.96)

Duration 16 mins to 1 hour 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*Mostly flat route with some steep gradients. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Uneven terrain; accessible toilets and Tramper hire available. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs welcome. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Address
Sheringham Park Visitor Centre, Sheringham Park, Norfolk, NR26 8TL
Directions via Google Maps
On foot
On the Norfolk Coastal Path.
By bus
Sanders Coach route 5 operates a request stop at the main entrance.
Cycling
National Cycle Network Regional Route 30 is 1.5 miles (2.5km) south of Sheringham Park.
By road
The entrance to Sheringham Park is at junction of A148/B1157.
2 miles (3.2km) south-west of Sheringham.
5 miles (8km) west of Cromer.
6 miles (9.6km) east of Holt.
Designated parking
There are five disabled parking spaces in the car park on a hard standing surface, approximately 80 yards from the toilets and the start of the walks.
Accessible toilet
There are toilets opposite the Courtyard Café, including a left-hand transfer disabled WC. A radar key is required.
Powered mobility vehicle
There are manual wheelchairs, an all terrain tramper and PMV mobility scooters available to hire on a first come, first served basis. The hire period is 90 minutes and all vehicles must be returned by 4pm at the latest.
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
To get to the trail start from the visitor centre, follow the red waymarkers which will lead you down Heartbreak Hill to the valley path. The active trail starts at the bench, grid ref: TG136964
Stage 1
From the start, head gently downhill on the woodland valley path. Continue past the former sawmill in a clearing and a line of sweet chestnut trees, at about 0.5km.
Stage 2
At approximately 1km, the path bears to the right and towards a split. Take the left path, as marked by the orange arrow, and head on past the pond and down 'Toad Alley' – please tread carefully here during the toad migration season.
Stage 3
Follow the trail as marked to the left over a stream and around the barrier onto Weybourne Heath. Take a right turn at the corner and then follow the trail as it turns left (this point is affectionately known as 'Acott Corner' after one of the Parkrun marshals who is often stationed here). Head on through a plantation of pine trees.
Stage 4
Bear right at the next fork in the path and head up a gradual incline towards the orange 2km marker on the right-hand side.
Views of Weybourne
When you reach the top of this slope, follow the track down to the right and you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Weybourne Station and out to sea, taking in Weybourne village and church and well as along the coast to the windmill, which was constructed in 1850 and in operation until 1916. In the late 1920's the mill was occupied by J. Sydney Brocklesby, an Arts and Crafts Movement architect responsible for the design of number of houses in the area.
Stage 5
The trail weaves around patches of gorse for the next half kilometre before entering the bluebell wood – which is at its best in April – at around the 3km orange marker. There are some exposed tree roots in this section, so do take care. Head around the barrier that marks the end of Weybourne Heath and along a gradual incline towards the parkland.
Stage 6
At around 3.5km, you will enter through a gate marking the beginning of the main park, the heart of the Humphry Repton landscape. Sheringham Hall, which was designed by Humphry Repton's son John Adey, can be seen on the left. Take the right turn uphill at the split in the path and continue on the surfaced path to the cattle grid. Head through the gate on the left of the grid and bear left at the turn at around the 4km orange marker.
Stage 7
The trail continues to undulate up and down for the final kilometre along the main drive all the way to the finish near the visitor centre.
Old Coastguard Lookout
When you pass the first viewing tower on the right, the first long climb is complete. You will pass a line of ancient oak trees on your left and azalea triangle on your right. Just past this, at 4.5km, the Ling Hut (or 'hairy hut' as it's sometimes affectionately known) is a good place to take a breather and look out to sea towards the Old Coastguard Lookout on Skelding Hill.
Stage 8
The final incline heads along the main drive through the rhododendrons in the wild garden, which in spring provide a riot of uplifting colour. In the last few hundred metres of the trail, you will pass by the impressive smooth Japanese maple on the left and a cluster of silver birch and younger acers on the right, outside the Bower garden. Once you've finished the trail, head to the Courtyard Café for well deserved refreshments.
End point
Bench at the bottom of Heartbreak Hill, grid ref: TG136964
Trail map
Sheringham Park 5K Active Trail, Norfolk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Rust-coloured cliffs reflected in the sea on the beach at Sheringham Park

Trail

Woodland and coastal walk at Sheringham Park

Take the circular woodland and coastal walk for views from the treetop gazebo and absorb the history and rich variety of trees, bird and animal life. With opportunities for refreshment along the route this is a walk with plenty of variety.