Weavers' Way

The Weavers' Way is a long distance footpath running for 61 miles between Cromer and Great Yarmouth - and a great way to discover the Broads. It is named after the once important weaving industry, which flourished in the Middle Ages around North Walsham.It is split into seven sections, one or two at a time easily possible in one day.

Cromer to Aldborough (9 miles)From the pier of the delightful seaside town of Cromer, head over the Cromer Ridge (a steep hill formed during the Ice Age), and on through Felbrigg Hall and estate, one of the finest 17th Century houses in East Anglia which is owned by the National Trust.Beyond Felbrigg, the walk winds its way through the picturesque villages of Sustead and Hanworth to arrive at the quintessential village of Aldborough, where cricket is still played on the large village green. Aldborough to Aylsham (8.5 miles)Leaving Aldborough. The Weavers' Way continues south taking in the hamlet of Alby Hill and crossing Thwaite Common to the village of Erpingham. Cross the 'Chinese Bridge' over the River Bure, to enter the National Trust estate of Blickling, built in the early 17th Century and allegedly haunted by the ghose of Anne Boleyn. Nearby Aylsham is recorded in the Domesday Book (as Elesham). Aylsham to North Walsham (6.25 miles)Leaving Aylsham, Weavers' Way makes use of the disused railway line to North Walsham, still with reminders of its previous status in the old Felmingham Station, bridges and crossing cottages.North Walsham was established in Anglo Saxon times and was the centre of the cottage weaving industry during the Middle Ages.North Walsham to Stalham (8 miles)Leaving North Walsham heading south-east, Weavers' Way weaves its way through quiet lanes and footpaths to pick up the disused railway line at Bengate - then on past Honing and East Ruston through to Stalham.Stalham to Thurne (13.5 miles)Weavers' Way passes through Stalham and on into the Norfolk Broads, through Hickling village, Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve and over the medieval bridge at Potter Heigham. The path then follows the River Thurne into Thurne itself.Thurne to Halvergate (7.75 miles)Leaving Thurne village the route joins the River Bure and continues on to Acle, past of the Halvergate Marshes. From Acle the Weavers' Way continues south passing through the villages of Tunstall and Halvergate. Halvergate to Great Yarmouth (8 miles)From Halvergate village the Weavers' Way crosses the large expanse of Halvergate Marshes, today managed as traditional grazing meadows. The path crosses the Norwich to Yarmouth railway line at Berney, passes the old windmill and joins the river wall almost all the way into Great Yarmouth. Check out the stunning views of the lowland Norfolk landscape, across Breydon water to Burgh Castle and of the famous 'big skies'.The route ends on the sea front between the piers at Great Yarmouth, an historical coastal town dating back to Roman times.

Getting there

Parking: Parking is available at both start and end points, and at various locations and centres along the way.

Public transport: Weavers' Way is easy to reach by train and by bus, with stations at both Cromer and Great Yarmouth, and points along the way. For timetable information call 0845 300 6116. All main points on the route - Cromer, Aylsham, North Walksham, Thurne and Great Yarmouth - are accessible by major roads.