testimonials
Nature - Walks, Hikes, Trails in Norfolk
A popular misconception is that Norfolk is flat and therefore of little interest to walkers. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Norfolk is full of interest and there are walks to be found throughout the county’s beautiful and diverse landscapes.
Much of North Norfolk has a rolling landscape with big vistas. Norfolk skies and landscapes have inspired artists for centuries as can be seen from visiting one of the many galleries in the county.
An area of the North Norfolk coast is known as ‘ Poppyland’ after the profusion of poppies which can be found in the fields each summer.
Several long distance paths are set in the county, including the 47 mile Norfolk Coastal Path most of which passes through a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There are also numerous Parish Walks through a wide variety of wildlife habitats. These areas can be enjoyed at any time of the year as the experience changes with each season. Many walks ramble through areas which benefit from the highest level of European environmental protection.
Salthouse is a conservation coastal village set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Tystie Cottage is situated with easy access to the beach and many fabulous walks can be taken directly from the cottage.
One such walk of approximately three and half miles takes you through the village up to Salthouse Heath from where there are breathtaking views of the coast from Blakeney Point to Sheringham.
From here the path drops down to the Norfolk Ornithologists Association bird reserve at Walsey Hills which is adjacent to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve at Cley.
There is a choice for the return route to Salthouse. The path crosses fields in an elevated position providing wonderful coastal views and continues over Sarbury Hill down into the village.
Alternatively, for those feeling energetic the walk can be extended by walking down the East Bank at Cley to join the Norfolk Coastal Path and along the shingle ridge back to the village.
Either way if you time it right you can treat yourself to a leisurely lunch in the Dun Cow Pub on your return to the village.
Another interesting walk direct from Tystie Cottage is down the Beach Road to pick up the Norfolk Coastal Path to Sheringham. This and many other walks are ideally placed to make use of the Coast Hopper bus, which has a frequent service along the North Norfolk Coast from Cromer to Hunstanton.
The marshes and heathland at Salthouse are well known for the birdlife and many visitors come specifically for birdwatching. However, there are many others aspects of wildlife that can be enjoyed around the village.
Seals off the beach are a regular sight and Harbour Porpoise are also seen from time to time.
The marsh to the east of the village and adjacent fields is an excellent spot to watch Brown Hares and there have been several reports of Otter on the marsh in recent years.
Wildflowers and butterflies abound and whatever one’s interest it is very easy to find solitude off the beaten track , directly from the village.
Night skies can be magnificent for star gazing in Salthouse. With no street lamps there is very little light pollution and one can truly appreciate the Milky Way and constellations which many of us have little chance of seeing from our illuminated towns and cities.
Many visitors have seen their first shooting star looking up at a spectacular Norfolk night sky and those of us who were fortunate to see the Hale-Bopp comet in 1997 will never forget the experience.
Such events are even more memorable when enhanced by the evocative sound of birds calling on the marsh and waves breaking on the shoreline.
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contact
Mrs H Wilson
81 Robin Hood Lane
Walderslade
Kent ME5 9NP
Tel: +44 (0)1634.200.094 tystie.cottage@btinternet.com