Horsey Mere & Horsey Gap, Norfolk

Start from the National Trust car park at Horsey Drainage Mill (A), take the path on the north side of the staithe (the local term for man-made inlets off the rivers and meres). The path turns sharp north and then bends left along the reed beds on the north side of Horsey Mere (B). After another couple of bends, the path joins the east side of a dyke known as Waxham New Cut. Walk north for 800m, with reeds alongside, towards the derelict Brograve Drainage Mill (C) on the far side of the dyke. (A) The tall Horsey Drainage Mill is owned by the National Trust and was built in 1912 - after restoration work the sails turned in 2019 for the first time since 1943. National Trust car park and tea room next to the mill.(B) Horsey Mere, visible through the reeds, is on the more northerly broads. The water and its surroundings are part of a wider Site of Special Scientific Interest. Wildlife-spotting boat trips operate from near the mill.(C) The derelict Brograve Drainage Mill was built in 1771 and operated until 1930.

Turn sharp right with field on left and smaller dyke on right. Walk ahead for 650m and turn sharp left by a small wood with pine trees. Cross a footbridge after 100m and continue, with wood on right, to houses at Horsey Corner. Go right at lane and immediately left on path with hedges on either side. Path bends around house and continues across field for 150m. Turn sharp left, walk to lane and turn right for 100m.

Take track on left as lane bends sharp right. Walk ahead, passing through scrub woodland, to pass through the car park and high dunes at Horsey Gap to the beach (D). Return to the car park and take the kissing gate on left leading onto the Norfolk Coast Path. Follow the broad track for 1.2km, with opportunities to enjoy far-reaching views from the crest of the dunes (E), to a path junction by a green shipping container. (D) The beach at Horsey stretches for miles. The dune warrens run parallel to the coast and, on the landward side, the maritime fen and damp slacks create an important habitat. It is well-known for its grey seal colony - more than 2,000 pups were born over the winter of 2019/20. Please observe all rules and guidelines - look at the website www.friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk for information and details.(E) The extensive dunes are known as Horsey Warren - the largest dune system in East Anglia.

Turn right through the gate and follow the path between fences to another gate. This marks the start of a permissive path (not shown on OS maps) with ditches on both sides. Continue for 600m, pass a barrier by a house, go right on lane and after 50m take the track on left, just before the Nelson Head pub.

This is another permissive path – continue for 450m and turn right over a stile. Walk ahead on grass bank with a dyke on right and plantation on the far side. Horsey Mill can now be seen ahead, continue to a stile and small footbridge and cross lane to return to the start.