Blakeney to Cley Walk

This walk takes you from Blakeney to the neighbouring village of Cley Next the Sea. The route follows a section of the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path for a distance of just under 3 miles.
Walk Report October 11th 2026 By Helen Parker:
We started at Blakeney Quay on a bright but breezy morning, with boats resting in the channel and the smell of the sea in the air.... Before setting off, we had a look around the old quay and the remains of the medieval Guildhall, a reminder that Blakeney was once a much busier trading port. From there we joined the Norfolk Coast Path, following the raised bank beside Blakeney Freshes, where the views across the marshes are wonderful.
There was plenty to look out for along the way. We spotted little egrets picking their way through the shallows and several wading birds feeding on the muddy edges of the channels. Further out, a marsh harrier was gliding low over the reeds, occasionally dipping towards the grass. The marshes are full of birdlife, and we found ourselves stopping regularly to watch what was moving about. With Blakeney Point Nature Reserve visible in the distance, it is a lovely stretch for anyone who enjoys coastal scenery and wildlife.
The path eventually turned inland beside the River Glaven, where the landscape became more sheltered. We watched the water winding between the banks and kept an eye out for a kingfisher, which can sometimes be seen darting along the river. As we approached Cley, the famous windmill came into view beside the water. It is a striking old building, dating from the early 19th century, and one of those landmarks that looks different from every angle. We stopped by the quay to take photographs and enjoy the peaceful riverside setting.
Cley itself was well worth exploring rather than simply turning straight back. The village has attractive flint cottages, narrow streets and traditional buildings, with the windmill providing a distinctive backdrop. We wandered along the High Street and popped into the local shops, including the smokehouse, which is known for its smoked fish. St Margaret’s Church is another interesting stop, with its impressive tower and historic interior. A little further along the coast, Cley Marshes Nature Reserve has a visitor centre and hides overlooking the pools, making it a great place to spend longer watching birds if you have time.
We took our time on the return, enjoying the wide Norfolk skies and the changing colours across the marshes. The route is fairly flat and easy going, although the exposed sections can feel quite windy, and the paths may be muddy after rain. It is a walk where binoculars are useful, as much of the wildlife is at a distance across the reeds and channels.
This is a lovely short coastal walk with much more to offer than just the views. Blakeney’s old harbour, the bird-rich marshes, the River Glaven and Cley’s historic windmill and village streets give it a good mix of nature and local character. I would happily return with more time to explore Cley Marshes properly.
Pubs and More Info
In Cley head to The Three Swallows pub for some post walk refreshments. The pub is in a lovely spot overlookng the village green. If the weather is good then you can relax in the lovely large beer garden. The interior is full of character and includes two blazing fires for colder days. You can find the pub at Newgate Green with a postcode of NR25 7TT for your sat navs.
For a longer walk you could try the Blakeney Circular Walk which visits Cley and the village of Morston.
You could also continue east along the path on the Blakeney to Salthouse Walk which takes you past the Salthouses Marshes to the little village where there's a popular old pub.

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Nearby Routes

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path Blakeney Circular Walk Walk from Blakeney to Salthouse Blakeney Point Nature Reserve Salthouse Circular Walk

Photos

Blakeney Quay

 Blakeney Eye. A meandering creek traverses this marsh pasture beside the Peddars Way/Norfolk Coast Path. The path starts just west of the bridge over the River Glaven on approaching the village of Cley. It runs north through Blakeney Freshes before turning in westerly direction at Blakeney Eye, from where it at first follows the Cley channel and then turns south towards Blakeney.

 Cley tower mill Viewed from the end of the 17th century deep water quay. Cley Mill, a 5-storey brick-built tower mill, was built around 1819; it had an octagonal domed cap with a petticoat, a gallery and an 8-bladed fan. The four sails were double shuttered and powered two pairs of French burr stones; there was a stage around the second floor. The mill is located by the 17th century deep water quay; converted into a holiday home in the 1920s it is now a B&B establishment.

Cley Old Hall On Coast Road (A149). The Old Hall was modernised and partially rebuilt in 1948; the extensive range of farm buildings behind the house were converted to residential use during the 1980s.

Cley Marshes Nature Reserve. Viewed from Cley Eye, an extensive sand and shingle spit that extends to Blakeney Point, two kilometres further to the northwest. The footpath follows the fence seen in the distance.

Creek with boats near Cley windmill

Village scene, Cley-next-the-Sea. Seen from the High Street beside the George Hotel.

The Three Swallows Pub in Cley next the Sea

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