Route: Morston to Wells-next-the-Sea
Area: North Norfolk
Date of walk: 31st January 2022
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 7.0 miles
Ascent: 600 feet
Weather: Mostly cloudy, gale force winds
On the last day of our short stay in North Norfolk we decided to explore the salt marshes which are a feature of the coastline and a haven for a wide variety of birds. We decided on a linear walk which would visit three major marshes – Stiffkey, Warham and Wells. We parked in Wells-next-the-Sea next to the Buttlands, an attractive green square, lined with lime trees and surrounded by elegant Georgian houses. From here we took the 9.30am Coasthopper CH1 bus to the village of Morston, which lies to the east, some 7 miles along the coast. The bus stopped at the village green and from here it was a short stroll to the coastal path, which forms part of the long distance Peddars Way and North Norfolk Coast paths
It was blowing a gale – literally – and unfortunately we were walking straight into it. This made progress quite arduous, and in addition there was a considerable wind chill factor. However, the going was flat and easy, apart from a few short muddy sections. We kept our eyes out for birdlife as we went along, but thanks to the wind there were very few birds on the wing, and most of them were hunkered down in the marshes. Despite this we saw Brent Geese aplenty, along with curlew, oystercatcher and lapwing
After an atmospheric walk beside the vast expanses of the salt marshes, we eventually arrived at our destination, Wells-next-the-Sea. The small town has a rich history as a fishing and commercial port, and is also a popular holiday destination. We wandered around the quay and harbour and, after refreshments at the excellent Wells Deli, we walked through the old streets of the town back to the Buttlands
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After catching the Coasthopper bus from Wells-next-the-Sea, we disembark at the village green in Morston
We follow the path to Morston Quay
The start of the coastal path as we enter onto Morston Marshes
We follow a raised path above the marshes - it was blowing a gale and we were walking straight into it
Freshes Creek...
Stiffkey Salt Marshes
Thanks to the gale, we didn't have many good bird sightings, but there were plenty of brent geese on the marshes
A glimpse of the sea in the distance - although this was a coastal walk, the sea was mostly out of sight beyond the marshes
We continue along the easy path, part of the Peddar's Way and Norfolk Coast Path
Looking over Warham Salt Marshes...
Brent geese over Wells Salt Marshes
We follow the raised path into Wells-next-the-Sea
Looking back
We arrive at Wells-next-the-Sea and walk towards the harbour...
The Harbour
The granary with its distinctive overhanging gantry. Built in 1903, it has now been turned into luxury flats with views over the harbour
We walk to the end of The Harbour...
Time for refreshments at the excellent Wells Deli
We walk back through the old streets to The Buttlands and the end of an enjoyable walk
We then drove to nearby Holkham, hoping for some birds sightings, and weren't disappointed - an oystercatcher...
...lapwing....
...wigeon...
...and a water rail
Holkham beach
The Deer Park at Holkham, home to around 400 fallow deer which have inhabited the park for over 200 years
A wonderful end to our short stay in North Norfolk
