Hellesdon Circular Walk
A circular walk from the Norwich village of Hellesdon. The route uses a section of the Marriot's Way and other public paths to explore the area to the north west of Hellesdon.
On the way there's some attractive countryside and views of the River Wensum to enjoy. The village is located about 4 miles north-west of Norwich city centre.
Start the walk from Hellesdon Bridge over the Wensum. From here you can pick up the Marriot's Way and follow the signed footpath north west towards Drayton and Taverham where you could take a detour to visit Taverham Mill. The mill is actually a wildlife rich nature reserve with three colour coded walking trails taking you to grassland, woodland, water meadow and a wild flower meadow.
The route then leaves the path and follows Costessey Lane around the outskirts of Costessey. You can then follow other public footpaths south east to return to the bridge.
Postcode
NR6 5EN - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsHellesdon Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Hellesdon Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Hellesdon Circular Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hellesdon Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Chestnut Tree is a nice place to stop for refreshments. They have a decent restaurant with a good menu and range of ales. There's also a pub garden for warmer days. You can find the pub on the Reepham Road with a postcode of NR6 5QA for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your walking in the area head into the city and try the Norwich Riverside Walk. Also nearby is Whitlingham Country Park where you will find the lovely Whitlingham Broads. Mousehold Heath also has some nice easy trails to try.
If you follow the Marriot's Way north out of the town it will take you to the small market town of Reepham. Here you can try the circular Reepham Walk and visit Cawston and Booton Hall. The Foxley Wood Nature Reserve can also be found in this area.
Near Reepham there's also the award winning village of Swanton Morley where you'll find a noteworthy 14th century church and an early 17th century pub with strong connections to the ancestors of Abraham Lincoln. In the village you can pick up the Walsingham Way and the Wensum Way long distance footpaths. The historic market town of Dereham and the ancient Norman Chapel of North Elmham are also located in this area.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Norfolk Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Picture of the River Wensum at Hellesdon mill Norfolk
The River Wensum at Hellesdon meadows. The white marquee in the background was placed over the A frame railway bridge while work was carried out.
River Wensum at Drayton Green Lane
The view north of the River Wensum upstream of Hellesdon close to the Marriott's Way
Wensum Valley View across River Wensum towards Hellesdon Low Road from Marriotts Way cycle route.
Fields, Costessey. From where Marriot's Way meets Gunton Lane, looking over towards the River Wensum and Hellesdon (the chimney belongs to Bayer Cropscience).