Cromer to Sheringham Circular Walk
9.3 miles (15 km)Enjoy nice beaches and great coastal views from Beeston Cliffs on this circular walk along the Norfolk coast. After visiting Sheringham the route returns via the Norfolk Coast Path and Beacon Hill, Norfolk's highest point.
Walk Report October 13th 2026 By David Parker:
We set off from Cromer Pier on a bright but breezy morning, with the sound of the sea and the cries of gulls providing the soundtrack.... Cromer is a lovely place to begin a walk, with its traditional seafront, colourful beach huts and the famous pier stretching out into the North Sea. We spent a few minutes looking back towards the town before following the coast west, leaving the busier promenade behind as the cliffs and open countryside began to take over. It was one of those walks where I was glad to have brought a windproof jacket, even though the sky looked promising.
The first part of the route follows the coast past the beaches towards East Runton and West Runton. The scenery changes with the tide, from broad sandy stretches to areas of shingle and exposed rock. We paused to look at the groynes and the layers of sediment in the cliffs, which tell the story of how this coastline has been shaped by the sea over thousands of years. The cliffs are continually eroding, so the landscape never feels quite fixed, and it is worth keeping well back from the edges. On the beach, we spotted people searching among the stones and shingle for fossils, a popular pastime along this stretch of the Norfolk coast.
As we approached West Runton, the beach looked particularly inviting, and we watched the waves rolling in before continuing along the route. The area is known for its prehistoric finds, including the remains of the West Runton mammoth, discovered in the cliffs in the 1990s. It is fascinating to think that the ground beneath your feet preserves evidence of a very different landscape from the one we see today. We also kept an eye on the sea for birds, seeing gulls wheeling above the waves and smaller seabirds bobbing on the water. The coastal path provides plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs, but the views are so frequent that progress can be slower than expected.
Beyond West Runton, the route climbs towards Beeston Cliffs, where the views become more expansive. Looking back east, we could trace the coastline towards Cromer, with the town's pier standing out against the sea. Ahead, the cliffs stretch towards Sheringham, their grassy tops broken by scrub and wildflowers. In spring and summer, the flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the hedges and rough vegetation provide cover for small birds. We saw a kestrel hovering over the fields for a short time, holding position against the breeze before dropping away towards the ground. The open setting made it easy to appreciate just how much countryside lies behind this popular stretch of coast.
We continued towards Sheringham, enjoying the changing views as the town gradually came into sight. The beach here has a different character from Cromer's, with its shingle shore and colourful beach huts creating a classic North Norfolk scene. We wandered along the seafront and watched the fishing boats and gulls before heading into the town for a well-earned break. Sheringham has plenty of independent shops and cafés, and it is a good place to stop for a drink or lunch before tackling the inland section of the circular route. We found it tempting to linger longer than planned, especially with the sea just a short stroll away.
After exploring Sheringham, we retraced part of our route before turning inland onto the Norfolk Coast Path towards Beacon Hill. The change from the open coast to quiet tracks and woodland was refreshing, and the paths felt more sheltered from the wind. Beacon Hill reaches 103 metres above sea level and is recognised as Norfolk's highest point. It is not a mountain, but after the coastal walking, the climb gave us a different perspective on the surrounding countryside. We stopped at the top to take in the views across the trees towards the sea, and it was satisfying to reach the summit knowing we had crossed several distinct landscapes in one outing.
The woodland trails around Beacon Hill were among my favourite parts of the return. The trees offered shade and shelter, and there were birds calling from the branches as we followed the paths through the greenery. We spotted a buzzard circling above the woodland edge, while smaller birds flitted through the hedgerows. Depending on the season, the surrounding heathland can also be colourful with gorse and heather. It was a quieter section than the beaches, and we appreciated the contrast after spending so much time in the open air beside the North Sea.
We then began the descent back towards Cromer, passing through a mixture of woodland paths and countryside tracks. The route felt varied throughout the day, with sandy beaches, cliff-top views, a traditional seaside town and peaceful inland walking all packed into one circuit. By this stage, our legs were beginning to feel the distance, so we were glad to have allowed enough time rather than trying to rush. The walk is around nine miles in total, and the combination of beach walking, climbs and uneven surfaces makes it more of a proper day out than a short seaside stroll.
Returning to Cromer, we headed back towards the pier and found a spot to sit and watch the sea. It was a satisfying end to the walk, especially looking back along the coastline we had covered. Cromer is famous for its crabs, and there are plenty of places in town to sample local seafood or pick up an ice cream after a day outdoors. The pier itself is worth another look, with its lifeboat station and Pavilion Theatre adding to the town's traditional seaside character.
This circular walk is a great way to experience the North Norfolk coast beyond the main promenades. The stretch between Cromer and Sheringham offers wonderful sea views and fascinating eroding cliffs, while Beacon Hill adds woodland, wildlife and a little uphill effort to the return. Take a windproof layer even in fine weather, wear sturdy footwear for the uneven coastal sections, and allow time to stop for the views. For a longer stay, you can also explore Sheringham Park, with its woodland trails and landscaped grounds, or extend your coastal walking towards Overstrand. The combination of sea air, wildlife and classic Norfolk scenery makes this a walk I would happily return to.
Pubs and More Info
The Lobster in Sheringham is a fine place for some refreshments. They do excellent food and have a suntrap garden to relax in on finer days. You can find it at postcode NR26 8JP.
You can extend your exercise by heading east along the coast on the Cromer to Overstrand Walk. It's a great cliff top path with wonderful sea views and a visit to Cromer Lighthouse and the village of Overstrand.
If you continue west along the coast path it will take you to the lovely Cley Marshes Nature Reserve where there are a number of pools and lagoons with lots of wildlife to look out for.
Also in Sheringham is the delightful Sheringham Park and Kelling Heath. Both are located just to the west of the town and have miles of good walking trails to try.
At West Runton you can pick up the West Runton and Beeston Bump Circular Walk. This will take you up to the highest point in Norfolk and an ancient Roman Camp.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Norfolk Walks page.
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Nearby Routes
Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path Cromer to Overstrand Cley Marshes Nature Reserve Sheringham Park Kelling Heath Overstrand
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