A Walk along the Bure Valley Path
A Walk along the Bure Valley Path
A 10 mile walk along Norfolks Bure Valley Path between Aylsham and Wroxham
The Bure Valley Path follows the former Great Eastern Railway trackbed alongside the Bure Valley Narrow Gauge Railway. There are outstanding views of the river Bure and stops on route at Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall. Being a former trackbed gives a well drained path so the route is suitable for all weathers.
Aylsham Bure Valley Railway Station to Wroxham Station Walk - Essential Information
Walk Statistics:
- Start point
- Aylsham Bure Valley Railway Station View in OS Map | View in Google Map
- End Point
- Wroxham Station View in OS Map | View in Google Map
- Total Walk distance
- miles
- Walk difficulty
- Easy
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map
- OS Explorer 252 - Norfolk Coast East
- OS Explorer Map
- OS Explorer OL40 - The Broads
- OS Route Map
- Full screen plot of route on an OS map
- OSM Route Map
- Full screen plot of route on an OpenStreetMap map
- Google Route Map
- Full screen plot of route on a Google map
- GPX file for walk
- Downloadable GPX coordinates of walk
Accommodation:
- Type
- Camp site
- Name
- Woodhill Park Campsite
- Website
- http://www.woodhill-park.com/
- Location
- View in OS Map | View in Google Map
- Description
- Woodhill Park Campsite, Runton
Transport:
- Type
- bus Service
- Operator
- Sanders Coaches
- Service Number
- 44
- Timetable
- Sanders Coaches Website
- Description
- Sanders Coaches Service 44 Sheringham to Norwich
- Type
- Train Service
- Operator
- National Express
- Service Number
- Bittern Line
- Timetable
- Available here
- Description
- Bittern line service between Norwich and Sheringham, calling at Wroxham
Walk Data
- Date of Walk
- 2010-10-16
- Start Time
- 10:00
- End time
- 15:30
- Walkers
- Griffmonster Kat
- Weather Conditions
- Blustery wind and sunny spells
- Equipment
- None
Walk Notes
Originally we had planned to walk in the opposite direction, but with the prospect of visiting The Shed (see pubs section) at Wroxham we changed plans at the last minute.
The path really is simple and easy to walk with some excellent views of the Bure Valley. The frequent steam trains are a treat to watch and the engine drivers always give a friendly wave as they pass.
One feature that is not mentioned above is that of Little Hautbois House. I can find no records online for this but I am told this is a haunted house with a room that has its windows bricked up and its door sealed in order to contain a violent poltergeist. From the footpath you cannot see the far end of the house where the bricked up window is located and I did not feel inclined to trespass across its grounds. If anyone knows anymore about this then please add a comment.
Directions
The path begins at the terminus for the Bure Valley Railway at Aylsham. Just follow the railway, there is no getting lost on this one - one does not even need a map
Pubs
Red Lion, Coltishall:
Pub Details
- Address
- Red Lion, Coltishall:
- Location
- View in OS Map | View in Google Map
- Website
- www.redlion-coltishall.co.uk/
The 16th century pub in the centre of Coltishall. Food served and regular ales include Woodfordes Wherry and Wychwoods Hobgolblin.
Very busy owing to the fact that it was the Easter Weekend. Nonetheless we found a vacant table on the veranda which offered some welcome shade. A pint of Adnams Gunhill and the barman refilled our water bottles without complaint. Very hospitable staff.
Kings Head, Coltishall:
Pub Details
- Address
- Kings Head, Coltishall:
- Location
- View in OS Map | View in Google Map
- Website
- www.kingsheadcoltishall.co.uk/
This 17th century Inn is situated on the banks of the River Bure in Coltishall. This stretch of river has free moorings for 24 hours on a 'first come' basis, very handy if arriving on a holiday cruiser or a day hire boat. High quality food and accommodation, together with three ales including Adnams, Green King and a guest Norfolk microbrewery.
The guest beer was brewed specifically for the pub by the Tipples brewery of Acle. A bitter and refreshing pint with hints of spice.
The Shed, Wroxham:
Pub Details
- Address
- The Shed, Wroxham:
- Location
- View in OS Map | View in Google Map
This is a absolute must for any real ale lover. The Shed, housed in an old boat shed, boasts 50 real ales from across Norfolk and thimble samples are given before you make your final choice. The location in Wroxham makes it a wonder that anybody finds the place, and, unless someone tells you about it you may never stumble upon it. From Hoveton, walk over Wroxham bridge and past the boat buildings. There is a footpath on the left before you get to the houses. Take this and at its end turn left and follow the track through the boatyards towards the river. There is a building on the right, in front of some modern flats, round the building and the entrance to the Shed is at the far end. If you are still confused have a look at the youtube video that directs you (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG3O_EFRXfA)
Absolute beer heaven. Over 50 Norfolk ales, what more can I say.
Features
Bure Valley Railway: View in OS Map | View in Google Map
The Bure Valley Railway was built on the track bed of part of the former Great Eastern Railway line between Wroxham and the junction of the Dereham to Wells-next-the-Sea railway at County School. The station at Aysham dates from 1880 and was one of two stations to serve the town. The railway runs a mixture of steam and diesel locamotives with stops at Buxton, Brampton and Coltishall before terminating alongside the mainline railway at Wroxham and Hoveton.
Buxton: View in OS Map | View in Google Map
Buxton is adjacent to the village of Lammas. The two villages are separated by the River Bure at Buxton Mill but are otherwise indistinguishable. Together they form the civil parish of Buxton with Lammas. Buxton watermill, in the lower end of town and visible from the path, is recorded in the Doomsday Book in 1085. William Pepper, a merchant living in Buxton, last rebuilt it as a mill in 1754. The building was constructed of white painted brick and weatherboard with a pantile roof and has been a prominent landmark in the village for many years. The mill was reconstructed after a devastating fire in 1991 and is now 9 luxury apartments. Famous Buxton inhabitants include Anna Sewell, author of Black Beauty, the builder Thomas Cubitt, and Benjamin Griffin, an Eighteenth Century playwright who was the son of a former vicar.
Brampton: View in OS Map | View in Google Map
Although now one of the smallest communities in Norfolk it has a rich history. In particular it was the site of a Roman manufacturing centre from where goods were exported by boat along the river Bure. In excavations in the 1960s evidence of a bath house was found along with many kilns
Coltishall: View in OS Map | View in Google Map
Coltishall was a place of note even when the Domesday Book was compiled. For 250 years it was a centre of the malting industry and many Norfolk wherries were built here.
Images
Below are a selection of images taken from from the photo album for this walk. Feel free to browse through these or click on any image to view a larger version in the Gallery.
Maps
Below is the route depicted on the OpenStreetMap, Ordnance Survey Map and Google Map. Links to full page versions are found in the Essential Information
Summary of Document Changes
Last Updated: ... 2014-12-17
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