The ‘Needs to Know’
Distance: 3.7 miles (5.95km)
Time to walk: We had several sits on benches with great views & just strolled so it easily passed a couple of pleasant hours, but you could do it a lot quicker
Difficulty: Mainly all off road along the coastal path. There are a few hills & especially a steep one up to the lookout on Sheringham Golf Course
Parking: There is parking in Weybourne in the public car park by the sea. As it’s a linear walk we caught the coastal bus from Sheringham (£2 flat fee irrespective of distance)
Public toilets: Cafes & bars etc at both ends
Map of the route:
This short, linear walk forms a very small part of the Norfolk Coast Path which runs 84 miles from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea, but what a cracking little section it is.
On this website you’ll also find another short section as part of a circular walk from Cromer to Overstrand (Walk 170 under the ‘Walks outside Northamptonshire tab)
Weybourne is a pretty village situated below Kelling Heath & mainly surrounded by arable & heathland & bordered by the sea. The North Norfolk Railway stops at Weybourne on the line between Holt & Sheringham
Let’s Walk!
1. If you’re coming to Weybourne, like we did by bus get off at the stop outside the rather lovely Ship Inn where you’ll find a warm welcome & some excellent coffee to give you a boost before starting the walk…
Suitably prepared cross directly over the road & walk down the lane
2. Look for a gap in the hedge on the right which will take you on an adjacent, small path rather than walking on the road…
Eventually the path & road arrives at the coastal pay & display car park…
3. It’s worth spending a few minutes reading the excellent information boards…
If you have young ones with you or, if you’re young at heart & fancy some fun, download the interactive family app & see what happens along the route
4. The beach at Weybourne is shingle & the water here is quite deep which makes it ideal for beach fishermen. Facing the sea turn right & walk to join the coastal path…
Walk up the hill…
…& look across to the right to see Weybourne Windmill in the distance. The Windmill was built in 1850 & consists of five storeys built from red brick. When it was in operation the sails, which are now fixed in an easterly direction, powered three pairs of overdriven millstones located on the second floor. The mill had four double shuttered sails
The windmill ceased production in 1916 & fell into disrepair. In 1925 some restoration work of sorts took place but as a result most of the machinery was removed except for the windshaft. By 1929 the windmill had passed into the hands of Sydney Broklesby & the mill had no sails, fantail or gallery
In 1967 the windmill was purchased & restored. In 1982 the windmill was once again sold for £125,000
5. The path continues towards the large house. It made us wonder how much nearer the cliff edge it is now compared to say 20 years ago…
The path goes past it & through a gate, down the side, before continuing in the same direction
6. This really is wonderful walking & the path’s well marked along the cliff…
The beach below is wonderful too, but it’s not advisable to venture near the cliff edge as many signs tell you how fragile it is
7. The path now enters Sheringham Park owned by the National Trust…
Much of the park is in the woodland on the hill away to your right & it’s well worth exploring. Ignore the footpath going off to the right & continue straight ahead
8. It was at this moment a train appeared on the North Norfolk Railway which is always a welcomed sight…click to play
9. The path also now enters Sheringham Golf Course which I’ve played plenty of times & is a proper links test. So now it’s also time to watch out for stray golf balls as well…
Ahead of you now is the steepest climb on this walk…up to the Lookout Hut
10. Take some time as you walk up the hill to watch some of the golf….the holes along here are spectacular & don’t forget to stop every so often & look back
At the top of the hill there’s a couple of nice benches to have a rest & view’s amazing
And right on time…
11. Suitably rested continue along the coastal path where you can see Sheringham ahead of you…
Exit the golf course & continue past the boating lake
12. At the end of the path take the steps down to the promenade & continue in the same direction…
…passing the former lifeboat station
13. Continue along the front to one of Sheringham’s best known pubs…the Crown
…which is where this short walk ends
So if you’re in the area & fancy a short, but spectacular stroll then this one is well worth doing, especially if the weather’s good
Go Walk!