Rambler: Hethersett-Norwich

Hethersett to Norwich

Start: Henstead Road bus stop in Hethersett, opposite the Church Hall

Map: Explorer 237 G/R 153052

Distance: 8 miles

Public Transport: There are regular buses from Norwich to Hethersett.

Timetables: 0871 2002233, www.travelineeastanglia.co.uk

This is another pleasant linear walk from Roy Abigail that ends at Norwich Bus Station, from which buses can be caught to the starting point. Walking from the countryside into the centre of a large city can often be achieved, without needing to use busy and unpleasant roads, by exploring a bit and taking some less direct routes. The walk follows the Norwich to Wymondham railway track for a short distance. It then passes St Peter's Church, Cringleford, parts of which are Saxon, though it has been much restored over many years. The walk reaches the city by crossing the 16th century Cringleford Bridge. The final part of the walk is along Lakenham Way, the former railway line into Norwich Victoria Station. There are opportunities for refreshment in Eaton and, of course, in Norwich.

t From the bus stop walk south along Henstead Road to the junction and turn left along Queens Road. Turn right into Canns Lane and continue round a left bend, then go over the crossing road into a tree-shaded path. Cross a main road and continue on the path ahead to reach a crossing track (Suckling Lane) at a gate. Turn left along the track and follow it for about half a mile to a lane. Turn right along the lane, pass around a gate and then fork right to pass Station Court. At the end of the road go right up a footpath to reach the busy A11 dual carriageway.

t Carefully cross the road and take the rather overgrown sign-posted footpath that descends to the left. Turn right at the end of this short path, then immediately cross a stile by a gate on the left. Walk along the edge of the field keeping the hedge/fence and railway line on the right. Continue ahead when the path becomes a track beside a fenced field. Finally, turn left to pass a gate and emerge at a road. Turn left along the road and climb the hill by some cottages. When the road turns sharp left, take the footpath on the right and cross a bridge over the A47 Southern Bypass. On the other side, turn right and pass a gate, then continue along the lane (Cantley Lane) into Cringleford. Cross the small green opposite the end of the lane and continue straight ahead along the road, passing Cringleford Church on the right.

t Cross the River Yare on the pedestrian bridge beside the old Cringleford road bridge (which carried the A11 traffic until 1974). Continue on past the Red Lion public house to the traffic lights in Eaton. Turn right into Church Lane, soon passing the tree-lined drive to St Andrews Church and, later, Mill Lane on the right. Church Lane then continues as Marston Lane but, where the road swings left into Lindford Drive, bear right along the cycle path passing through the golf course and then alongside Marston Marshes. Shortly before the lane runs up to the main road, turn left into Danby Wood and follow the main path through the woods. When this reaches a gate by a large playing field, turn right uphill to meet the A140 Ipswich Road.

t Turn left and cross the main road at the pedestrian refuge then continue along Locksley Road on the other side. At the end of this road, cross another main road and turn left along the pavement then turn right into Bessemer road. At the end of this industrial road, cross Sandy Lane and turn right along the pavement. Then, before the railway bridge, bear left uphill to pick up the cycle path (Lakenham Way) into Norwich. Go along Lakenham Way, ignoring paths off to the right and left, and passing under several bridges. Continue ahead past Sainsbury's supermarket and bear right to reach the traffic lights. Cross Queen's Road to reach to the Bus Station.

t Walk collated by Sue Walker for Norfolk Area Ramblers' Association. For more information about the Ramblers' Association call 01508) 538654 or visit: www.ramblers.org.uk