A Norfolk Rhapsody in Norwich

We’ll be heading to the city of Norwich: a perfect base from which to explore the Norfolk Broads National Park and surrounding countryside, with a visit to the seaside. Norwich is England's first UNESCO City of Literature, and has a 900-year old cathedral, a Norman castle, and medieval cobbled streets, as well as a vibrant cultural scene.

We’ll spend Friday exploring the historic Norwich Cathedral Quarter, and then head to the Norfolk Broads National Park on Saturday and Sunday, walking out to Great Yarmouth, and following the popular Bure Valley Path trail. On Monday, we’ll head further inland, exploring the countryside around Wymondham, southeast of Norwich.

Everyone is welcome to come on the weekend away, regardless of how much walking experience you have and how long you’ve been part of the Berkshire Walkers. Like with every BW trip, you have to be a member of the Ramblers to join, but members of other groups are welcome to come along.

If you’re interested in attending this trip, please sign up via the form by Sunday 24th May to avoid disappointment (https://forms.gle/EH6jZUVXHdt3ePhR9).

Itinerary:

Friday: Norwich Riverside and Cathedral Quarter Walk

• Description: This circular walk takes us along the River Wensum and through Norwich's historic cathedral quarter. 
• Distance: 3 miles.
• Meeting point and time: Norwich Cathedral at 13:30.
• Estimated finishing time: 14:30.
• Mid walk pub stop: Adam and Eve.

Evening social at The Queen of Iceni.

Saturday: Berney Arms to Great Yarmouth, via the Norfolk Broads

• Description: This scenic walk takes you through the Halvergate Marshes in the Norfolk Broads National Park, starting at Britain’s most remote station, Berney Arms, and ending up by the seaside in Great Yarmouth.
• Distance: 6.6 miles.
• Terrain/Ascent: Tiny hills, 11 metres.
• Meeting point and time: Berney Arms station at 12:00.
• Recommended train: 11:32 Greater Anglia Service arriving at Berney Arms at 11:58.
• Estimated finishing time: 15:15.
• End of walk pub stop: The Pier Tavern.

Sunday: The Bure Valley Path

• Joint walk with Hike Norfolk.
• Description: This well-established walking trail takes us through picturesque Bure Valley between historic Aylsham and Wroxham in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. This is also the former Great Eastern Railway track bed which runs alongside the Bure Valley Narrow Gauge Railway as well as offering views of the River Bure.
• Distance: 9 miles.
• Terrain/Ascent: Some small hills, 38 metres.
• Meeting point and time: Hoveton & Wroxham station at 09:55.
• Recommended train: 09:38 Greater Anglia service arriving at Hoveton & Wroxham at 09:52.
• Estimated finishing time: 14:00.
• End of walk pub stop: Whistlestop Café Aylsham.

Evening social at the Gem of Norwich.

Monday: River Tiffey and Wymondham circular.

• Description: This circular walk explores the countryside southwest of Norwich, taking us through Wymondham and past Wymondham Abbey via the Mid Norfolk Railway and the River Tiffey.
• Distance: 9 miles.
• Terrain/Ascent: Some hills, 27 metres.
• Meeting point and time: Wymondham station at 10:40.
• Recommended train: 10:27 Greater Anglia Service arriving in Wymondham at 10:38.
• Estimated finishing time: 14:45.
• End of walk pub stop: The White Hart.

In addition to the walks that have already been planned, the trip organiser is also looking for other walk leaders to lead other options. If you’d be interested in doing this, please mention this in the form.

NOTE: The walks on Saturday and Sunday are linear, so if you’re planning on driving to these walks, you’ll need to take the train/bus to return to your car at the end. Alternatively, you can also park at the end and take the train/bus back to the walk’s starting point.

Travel:

There are regular train services between Reading, London, and Norwich, which take around 3 hours, and Norwich is around 3 hours drive from Reading.

If you plan to get the train and attend the walk on Friday, it’s recommended that you get the 09:45 GWR service from Reading that arrives at Paddington at 10:11. From here, you then take the Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street, where you the get the 11:00 Greater Anglia service arriving in Norwich at 12:47. Please note: train timetables are subject to change, so please check these times are correct closer to the time, before travelling.

Accommodation:

For this trip, you’ll have to find your own accommodation. Some possible options are as follows:

• City Stays Norwich. – Near the station.
• Premier Inn Norwich Nelson City Centre. – On the River Wensum and close to the station.
• Travelodge Norwich Central Riverside. – Near the station.

Socials:

As already mentioned, we’ll also be having socials at The Queen of Iceni on the Friday and the Gem of Norwich on the Sunday. If you’re interested in attending these, please mention this in the booking form.

Other activities:

There may be time to visit some of the local sites and attractions, which can be used as a ‘rest day’. Possible options are as follows:

• Norwich Castle.
• Norwich Cathedral.
• The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell.