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Wensum Way

11.99 miles (19.3 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This route takes you from Gressenhall to Lenwade, passing through the lovely River Wensum Valley in Norfolk.
The trail links with the Nar Valley Way at the western end and with the Marriot's Way at the eastern end. The route runs for about 12 miles on fairly flat footpaths.
There's much to enjoy with a series of picturesque villages, historic sites and some splendid Norfolk countryside.
The walk starts in Gressenhall at the car park next to Hoe Rough nature reserve. The trail then heads south and then east to Swanton Morley, Elsing and Lyng where you will pass through the wildlife rich Sparham Pools Nature Reserve. This section of the walk is coincident with the Walsingham Way which runs from the historic abbey at Great Walsingham to the city of Norwich.
You continue through Pockthorpe before coming to Lenwade where the trail finishes.

Postcode

NR20 4BQ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Wensum Way OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Wensum Way Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

There are a couple of good options in the pretty village of Swanton Morley if you are in need of some rest and refreshment. Darby's is a Rustic country pub with a characterful interior including tractor seats as bar stools. They have an extensive menu including a fine Sunday roast. You can find them on Elsing Road with a postcode of NR20 4NY for your sat navs.
There's also the Angel which dates back to 1610 and is Grade II listed. Inside there's roaring fire and a low ceiling with original beams which have English hops hanging from them. The pub also has connections with the ancestors of American president Abraham Lincoln. You can find them at 66 Greengate, NR20 4LX.
In North Elmham there's The King's Head Hotel. The inn includes an unusual collection of hats in the lounge bar and a large garden for warmer days. You can find them on Holt Road with a postcode of NR20 5JB for your sat navs. In the village you could also pay a visit to the ruins of the ancient North Elmham Chapel.
In Lyng there's The Fox to investigate. The classic country pub is over 300 years old and retains traditional elements such as the beamed ceiling, open fire and tiled floor. For brighter days, The Fox has an enclosed garden with lovely views of the church. You can find them at postcode NR9 5AL for your sat navs.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Hoe Rough Nature Reserve - geograph.org.uk - 1310101

Hoe Rough Nature Reserve, Gressenhall. The concessionary path leading through Hoe Rough forms two loops - one runs along a stream and an adjoining meadow, the other traverses the somewhat higher ground to the east. Unimproved meadows such as these as Hoe Rough Nature Reserve are becoming increasingly rare. A number of old oak trees grow here, one of which is believed to be at least 330 years old. The rough is now continuously grazed by sheep and cattle but the crab apple trees probably originate from the time when pigs foraged here, the seeds having originated from swill fed to them. Hoe Rough Nature Reserve is managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

Pastures in Swanton Morley - geograph.org.uk - 1894731

Pastures in Swanton Morley

Back Lane, Elsing - geograph.org.uk - 732923

Back Lane, Elsing

Mill Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 899159

Mill Bridge, Lyng. The bridge used to lead to Lyng Mill, now closed. The view was taken looking upstream, from Lyng bridge. The roof of Mill House can be seen at left.

Sparham Pools 2

Sparham Pools

View southeast along The Common - geograph.org.uk - 898961

View southeast along The Common, Lyng

The River Wensum - geograph.org.uk - 899139

The River Wensum

View along the A1067 (Fakenham Road) - geograph.org.uk - 899409

 View along the A1067 (Fakenham Road) Through Lenwade; the view is southeasterly. The third in the row of buildings seen across the road houses the Post Office

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Wensum Way.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)