Five Norfolk Walks Made for an Autumn Weekend

There comes a point every autumn when staying indoors suddenly feels like a wasted opportunity.

The leaves are changing, the temperature is comfortable enough for a proper walk and Norfolk's countryside takes on an entirely different character.

So if you fancy getting outside over the next few weekends, here are five local walks worth putting on the list.

Blickling Estate Walk

Blickling is difficult to beat in autumn. Its larger estate walk covers around 4.5 miles and takes you through historic parkland, woodland and open countryside, passing landmarks including the Tower, Brickyard and Mausoleum.

With mature trees throughout the estate, this is exactly the sort of place where autumn colour can transform a familiar walk into something spectacular.

Blickling Lake Walk

If 4.5 miles sounds slightly too ambitious for a relaxed Sunday afternoon, there is an easier alternative.

The Blickling Lake Walk is around 1.8 miles, with gentle slopes, woodland, open fields and plenty of places to stop and take in the view.

It is ideal if the object of the exercise is fresh air rather than breaking any personal fitness records.

Felbrigg Church and Ice House Walk

Nearby Felbrigg provides another beautiful autumn option.

This circular route is around 2.6 miles and passes historic buildings, notable trees and a hidden lake.

The combination of woodland and parkland makes Felbrigg particularly attractive once the leaves begin turning gold and copper, and there is enough variety along the route to keep things interesting without it becoming an expedition.

Repton's Walk at Sheringham Park

For autumn colour with a coastal backdrop, Sheringham Park takes some beating.

Repton's Walk is approximately two miles and takes visitors through landscaped parkland with views across the surrounding countryside and towards the coast.

The elevated setting means you can get that classic Norfolk combination of woodland, huge skies and the North Sea all in one walk.

Horsey Windpump and Beach Walk

For something completely different, head towards the Broads.

The three-mile Horsey route takes in low-lying grazing marshes, Broadland scenery, sand dunes and the beach.

It is a wonderful reminder of just how varied Norfolk's landscape can be. One moment you are surrounded by open marshland; before long, you are walking towards the sound of the sea.

Whichever route you choose, autumn walking does require a little preparation. Paths can quickly become muddy after rain, daylight disappears earlier than it did a few weeks ago and coastal weather has a habit of changing quickly.

But that is also part of its appeal.

Pull on a coat, find the walking boots, perhaps promise yourself a coffee and slice of cake at the end, and get outside.

We spend all year waiting for the leaves to look like this.

It seems only right that we actually go and enjoy them.