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Thick frost on the ground with the windpump standing against a bright blue sky at sunrise at Horsey Windpump, Norfolk
Frosty sunrise at the windpump at Horsey Windpump, Norfolk | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman
Norfolk

Horsey Windpump and beach walk

Experience the Horsey Broadland landscape on this walk to the beach and back, following grassy paths and tracks, encompassing low-lying grazing marshes, sand dunes and a narrow sandy beach, with the chance of seeing grey seals.

Weather warning

During wet weather and the colder months, paths around Horsey can become waterlogged, muddy and slippery underfoot. Please take care.

Total steps: 7

Total steps: 7

Start point

National Trust Car Park, Horsey Windpump: TG456223

Step 1

From the car park, head towards the Visitor Welcome and Information centre or Horsey's café (please check opening times) for information on the area, a warm welcome and a quick cup of tea or coffee. Cross the road (please take care) and go through the gates immediately opposite.

Step 2

Head straight across the field for 0.3 miles (480 metres) keeping the ditch on your left. Be aware that there may be livestock in the fields, which help to keep the grass short suitable for breeding and overwintering birds such as waders and geese.

Step 3

At the end of the field turn left and go through a gate and walk for 183 yards (167 metres). Continue along the path for 328 yards (300 metres).

Step 4

At the end of the track turn right onto a narrow lane and at the junction of two red brick cottages, turn left and continue past a barrier to follow a grassy track.

Step 5

Follow the track for 0.4 miles (650 metres). The small fields either side are much wetter. In the summer months, look out for butterflies and dragonflies. These marshes have a much more closed-in structure hiding wildlife such as lapwings, redshanks and small mammals. You can see the old network of drainage channels that dissect the area.

Step 6

You have now reached the sand dunes that run along this stretch of the coast. Follow designated access tracks that lead up and over them. Grey and common seals can often be seen here. Please give them a wide berth and keep any dogs under control. In the winter the Friends of Horsey Seals are on hand to talk about the seal pups and to give information on how to see them. Please note that the beach is closed October to January to provide a wildlife sanctuary.

Young grey seals on the beach at Horsey, Norfolk
Young grey seals on the beach at Horsey | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Step 7

After walking the beach, return to Horsey Windpump via the same route. The Nelson Head Pub is located just a little inland along the lane at Point 4. When you reach the road next to the Horsey Windpump Café take care crossing it.

End point

National Trust Car Park, Horsey Windpump: TG456223

Trail map

Horsey Windpump and beach walk trail map
Horsey Windpump and beach walk trail map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

Horsey, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 4EE

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