Brancaster Staithe wildlife walk
Wander through Brancaster Staithe and enjoy the sights of the coast and its wildlife on this circular trail. Look out for Brent geese, oystercatchers and other bird species. Along the way visit the Downs, and take in the views from Barrow Common, spot the Second World War wreck of SS Vina and visit the site of Branodunum Roman Fort.
Near to
Brancaster EstateStart point
Harbour Way, Brancaster Staithe. PE31 8BW grid ref: TF791443Trail information
*Mostly flat surfaces with some slopes, some parts can be muddy during winter. For further details please see Terrain section.
**This trail isn't considered suitable for those with limited mobility. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome but should be on leads or under close control. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.
Tidal flooding
Harbour Way at Brancaster is subject to tidal flooding. Check tide times before you go on your walk and please do not leave your car on the hard-standing as it may be flooded.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Harbour Way, Brancaster Staithe. PE31 8BW grid ref: TF791443
Stage 1
From Brancaster Staithe Quay car park, turn right onto the coastal path, and head towards the harbour. Once at the harbour there are information signs giving details of its history, as well as current fishing information. A little way along the coastal path, a path heads inland to the White Horse pub situated on the coast road.
Brancaster Staithe Harbour, Norfolk | © National Trust/Ian Ward Stage 2
Turn off the coastal path and head inland on the A149, signposted Deepdale Café. Pass the café, turning left into Delgate Lane and follow it towards Downs woods.
Stage 3
Follow the road around to the right. You'll see large beech trees growing on the corner. A little further on you come to a crossroads, from here take the footpath around the edge of Barrow Common. You may like to take a slight detour to explore the common, which also makes a nice spot for a picnic. On the common look out for the unusual sight of hundreds of snails in tree cracks.
Samphire grows in tidal areas near Brancaster Quay | © National Trust Images/Hanne Siebers Stage 4
From the northern edge of Barrow Common, there's a great view over Brancaster and out to sea. Look out for the Second World War wreck of SS Vina, on the end of Scolt Head Island; a coastal steamer that was used for target practice by the RAF, and accidentally sank in 1944. Follow the path to the left and then right, back down to the coast road.
Stage 5
Take care crossing the main road. You're now at the site of Branodunum Roman Fort where a sign gives information on its history. Having gone around the fort, the path heads off left, through two gates, towards the sea.
Once a Roman Fort, Branodunum is now an important grassland habitat | © National Trust/Keith Miller Stage 6
You are now back on the coastal path. Turn right and follow it until you arrive back at Brancaster Staithe Quay car park.
End point
Harbour Way, Brancaster Staithe. PE31 8BW grid ref: TF791443
Trail map
Brancaster Staithe wildlife walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100023974
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Get in touch
Brancaster Beach, Beach Road, Brancaster, Norfolk, PE31 8AX
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