There are many fine walks along the Norfolk coast but the area around Sheringham also provides the hills that are elusive elsewhere in the county and this walk also takes in one of the fine parklands that can be found all over Norfolk.

SHERINGHAM PARK

Start: Sheringham Park National Trust car park off the A148

Map: Explorer 252 TG 139411

Distance: 6 miles

Public Transport: Sheringham is on bus and train routes from Norwich and also on the Coast Hopper bus route

Timetables: 0871 2002233, travelineeastanglia.co.uk

There are many fine walks along the Norfolk coast but the area around Sheringham also provides the hills that are elusive elsewhere in the county and this walk from Tony Smith also takes in one of the fine parklands that can be found all over Norfolk.

Sheringham Park was designed by Humphry Repton. Sheringham Hall (not open to the public) was the home of the Upcher family who have many monuments in Upper Sheringham's 14th century church (which was the parish church for Sheringham until 1953).

The route crosses and re-crosses the North Norfolk Railway (Poppy Line) that runs from Sheringham to Holt. The walk can alternatively start in Sheringham for those coming by public transport. For refreshment there is The Courtyard Caf� at Sheringham Park and there are many cafes and hostelries in Sheringham.

? From the car park go past the caf�, shop and exhibition centre and follow the 'Woodland Walks' sign. Follow the metalled path, ignoring paths off to both sides, as it becomes surrounded by rhododendron and azalea bushes. Keep to the main path, following the blue arrow, as it wends its way mainly downhill. Look out for a lovely view to the right opposite a thatched wooden shelter. Eventually the path bends right, where there are superb views ahead to the sea and Weybourne windmill, and Sheringham Hall comes into view. Pass a cattle grid and continue to a junction of metalled paths just before reaching Sheringham Hall.

? Turn left on a path down to a gate (with the windmill again in view ahead). Go through the gate and turn right along the field edge. (A little way along there is a path to the right that goes to the Gazebo with views from the top.) Continue along the field edge path going round right and left corners, the latter beside a Second World War pill box. Steam and diesel trains can often be seen from here running along the Poppy Line. Go through a gate and carefully cross the coast road (A149). Go through a wooden barrier and turn right along the field edge path with a hedge on the right. Go past wooden bollards and turn left, away from the road, along a hedged path that soon crosses a railway bridge.

? Continue to the cliff top and turn right at a way-mark post along the grassy crossing path (part of the Norfolk Coast Path long distance route) with the sea on the left. Continue on with a golf course now on the right. Having almost reached sea level the path then rises steeply up the cliff edge then, after a flatter section, rises steeply again to the Sheringham Coast Watch building. There are stunning views from here in both directions along the coast. Continue on the coast path downhill still between the cliff edge and the golf course into Sheringham.

? Go on along a metalled path by the boating lake and a sunken garden. In front of some steps go right to the road and immediately turn back to the left past toilets and under a bridge then right down a slope to the promenade. Keep along the promenade past the beach steps and up the slope then leftwards over the fishermen's slipway. Then take the right fork up to The Two Lifeboats Public House and turn right into the High Street.

? Go ahead past the Victorian clock tower then, in front of the level crossing, turn right along Station Approach past North Norfolk Railway's Sheringham Station. Turn left in Church Street over the railway bridge and, at the crossroads, keep ahead into Holt Road (B1157). Follow the pavement for about a mile, first past houses and a school and then out into the country. At the junction, turn right into The Street in Upper Sheringham.

? Go through the village past the church and village sign. Bear right (signed to Holt) for a short distance then, as this road bends left, keep ahead into the lane signed to Weybourne. Then, as the lane bears right, keep ahead into Park Road and follow this gently uphill to a cattle grid and gate. Go through the gate and immediately turn left up a grass path with a wire fence on the left. Go up the slope and bear right to the Temple with lovely views over the park.

? Bear left at the Temple through two gates then across the meadow to another gate. Go into the woods and up the winding series of steps. Then keep left past some seats with a deep valley on the right. Join a metalled path and follow it out to the main metalled path used on the outward journey. Turn left and go past the visitor buildings and back to the car park.

JOIN THE RAMBLERS

The Ramblers is Britain's walking charity which has been working to encourage more people to take up walking and to safeguard footpaths and the countryside for 75 years.

Whether you're an old hand or a complete beginner, the organisation can help you get the best out of walking through its network of local groups.

The Norwich Group has been established for more than 35 years and was the first group in the Norfolk Area of the Ramblers Association. Non-members are welcome to join all walks in national festivals and some special events and programmes. Most regular walks are intended for Ramblers members, but you are welcome to attend two or three walks on a try-out basis.

? For more information about the Ramblers' Association call 01508 538654 or visit: www.ramblers.org.uk