Hunstanton to Wells Next The Sea Coastal Walk

23 miles (37 km)

This walk follows a section of the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path from Hunstanton to Wells Next The Sea.
The trail runs for around 23 miles along a flat path with fine coastal views, attractive dune systems, lovely beaches and several wildlife rich nature reserves.
The route transitions from the famous "striped" cliffs of Hunstanton to the expansive salt marshes and pinewoods of North Norfolk. Starting at the Hunstanton seafront, the route initially follows the clifftops toward Old Hunstanton, where you can drop down to the beach at low tide to see the vibrant layers of red and white chalk up close.... As you head east, the terrain levels out into a mixture of low dunes and vast sandy beaches, passing through Holme-next-the-Sea and the wildlife-rich marshes of Thornham and Brancaster.
This stretch of coast is a haven for nature lovers, particularly as you approach the Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve. This offshore barrier island is a remote paradise of sand dunes, shingle ridges, and mudflats that provides a crucial breeding ground for five species of terns, including the Sandwich and Little tern. While the island itself is primarily accessible by a seasonal ferry or adventurous wading at low tide from Burnham Overy Staithe, walkers on the main path will still enjoy spectacular views of the island's wild landscape. Throughout the walk, you should keep an eye out for grey seals basking on distant sandbars and various wading birds like curlews and brent geese feeding in the salt marshes.
The final section toward Wells takes you through the majestic Holkham National Nature Reserve, where the path runs between a towering pine forest and one of the largest sandy beaches in the UK. This area is known for its incredible biodiversity, where you might spot red kites circling above or natterjack toads in the dune slacks. The walk concludes with a stroll along the raised sea bank into the historic harbor town of Wells-next-the-Sea, famous for its colorful beach huts and bustling quayside where "crabbing" is a popular local pastime.