Experience the Horsey Broadland landscape with the National Trust, on this 3 mile return walk to the beach, following grassy paths and tracks, encompassing low-lying grazing marshes, sand dunes and a narrow sandy beach, with a chance of seeing Grey Seals.
Please note that this walk has been made possible with kind permission from the Buxton family who manage it.
Horsey Windpump, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR29 4EF.
From the car park head back towards the entrance and visit Horsey Staithe Stores (Mar-Nov) for information on the area, a warm welcome and a quick cup of tea of coffee. From the Stores, cross the road (please take care) and go through the gates imediately opposite.
Standing sentinel over the moorings at the Staithe, the last tower mill built in the Broads in 1912 offers superb views over Horsey mere and the surrounding countryside and coast. Set within the Broads National Park, the Horsey Estate is an internationally important site for wildlife. It offers a great spot for bird-watching and for wintering wildfowl.
Head straight across the field for 0.3 miles (480 metres) keeping the ditch on your left. Be aware that there may be livestock in the fields, which help to keep the grass short suitable for breeding and over-wintering birds such as waders and geese.
At the end of the field turn left and go over a stile and walk for 0.1 miles (167 metres). This field could also hold livestock and then continue onto a track for 300 metres (0.2 miles).
At the end of the track turn right onto a narrow lane and at the junction of two red brick cottages continue past a barrier to follow a grassy track.
Follow the track for 0.4 miles (650 metres). The small fields either side are much wetter. In the summer months looks for butterflies and dragonflies. These marshes are much more closed-in structure hiding wildlife such as lapwings, red-shanks and small mammals. You can see the old network of drainage channels that dissect the area.
The Horsey Estate, a mysterious Broadland landscape, is internationally important for its habitats and wealth of wildlife some of which is unique to the area such as Britain’s largest butterfly the Swallowtail. The Estate was acquired by the National Trust in 1948 from the Buxton family who continue to manage the Horsey Estate to this day. This walk has been made possible by kind permission of the Horsey Estate Trust.
You have now reached the sand dunes that run along this stretch of the coast. Follow designated access tracks that lead up and over them. Grey seals can often be seen here. Please give them a wide berth and keep any dogs under control. In the winter the Friends of Horsey seals are on hand to talk about the seal pups and to give information on how to see them. Please note that the beach is closed October to January to provide a wildlife sanctuary.
Both species of seal that live in the UK can be seen on the beach at Horsey. Common seals despite their name are fewer in numbers than the larger Grey seals and are more often seen outside the Grey seal pupping season. The grey seals come pup on the beach between October and March. The white coat pups are very vulnerable and are completely reliant on their mothers milk enabling them to wean and as they develop their waterproof coat.
After walking the beach, return to Horsey Staithe Stores via the same route. The Nelson Head Pub is located just a little inland along the lane at Point 4. When you reach the road next to the Stores take care crossing it. Toilets are in the car park.
There is one stile on the route and marshes can become muddy and wet outside the summer months. Suitable footwear will be necessary. For guidance on how to see the seals without disturbing them please refer to www.friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk. Please give seals a wide berth and follow any information and signs on the site. For more information please visit www.friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk. Dogs welcome but need to be kept on leads or close control, especially when crossing fields with livestock. Please respect other visitors. Please 'Bag and bin'.
On B1159, 22 miles (35.2km) east of Norwich taking A47 via Acle and Martham, or 11.6 miles (18.7km) north of Great Yarmouth. Postcode NR29 4EF.
2.5 miles (4km) from West Somerton; 4 miles (6.4km) from Winterton on Sea, via public paths and highway.
Hire craft at Potter Heigham, Martham and Whispering Reeds, Hickling. Access to Horsey Mere via Meadow Dyke from Heigham Sound and river network. NOTE: please avoid Mere Nov-Mar to avoid disturbing the wildfowl refuge.
Parking - NT Pay & Display car park & drop-off point.
WC's - NT toilets, accessible toilet & shower.
Food and drink: Horsey Staithe Stores (next to Horsey Windpump) - March-November for snacks and light refreshments. See website for opening times. Nelson Head public house and restaurant is open from 11am.
Experience the Broadland landscape and wealth of wildlife of the Horsey Estate, with its Mere, reedbeds, marshes and drainage mills on this circular estate walk.