The Weavers Way
The Weavers Way
An overview of the The Weavers Way, a 62 mile long distance footpath through Norfolk linking Cromer and Great Yarmouth.
The Weavers Way takes its name from the cottage weaving industry that established itself during Middle Ages around the North Walsham area. The path is characterised by the various sections that it passes through on route, firstly historic halls, then old railways followed by river walks before the final section across the lowland Norfolk landscape with its characteristic big skies.
Essential Information
Walk Statistics:
Total Walk distance: 65 miles
Walk difficulty: Easy
Maps:
OS Map: OS Explorer Map Sheet OL40 The Broads
OS Map: OS Explorer Map Sheet 238 - East Dereham & Aylsham
OS Map: OS Explorer Map Sheet 252 - Norfolk Coast East
OS Map: OS Explorer Map Sheet 238 - East Dereham & Aylsham
OS Map: OS Explorer Map Sheet 252 - Norfolk Coast East
OS Route Map: Available here
Google Route Map: Available here
GPX file for walk: Available here
Walk Notes ToC
The Weavers' Way is a 62 mile long-distance path connecting Cromer and Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. All sections are easy walking through beautiful countryside. The Weavers Way can be broken down into the following sections:
- Cromer to Aylsham (approx. 18 miles): Starting at Cromer pier the path climbs over Cromer Ridge and through the grounds of Felbrigg Hall, one of the finest 17th Century houses in East Anglia. From Felbrigg, the walk navigates through the picturesque villages of Sustead, Hanworth and Aldborough, which presents the quintessential English scene of a village green faced by two pubs where cricket is played. Continuing past Alby Hill, Thwaite Common and Erpingham the path enters the National Trust estate of Blickling, built in the early 17th Century and allegedly haunted by the ghost of Anne Boleyn.
- Aylsham to Hickling (approx. 16 miles): This section is characterised by old railways, the route following the former Midland & Great Northern Railway trackbed through to North Walsham and down to Stalham. There are many reminders of its former status along the way with old station buildings, bridges and crossing cottages. The end couple of miles leads across country to Hickling.
- Hickling to Acle (approx. 17 miles): This section passes through the Norfolk Broads, starting at Hickling Broad, then following Candle Dyke down to the River Thurne which it follows past Potter Heigham and onto the village of Thurne. Here it joins the River Bure and stays alongside this river to Acle.
- Acle to Great Yarmouth (approx. 13 miles): Leaving the River Bure, the path heads south passing through the villages of Tunstall and Halvergate before crossing the large expanse of Halvergate Marshes, an area managed as traditional grazing meadows. Eventually the path meets the River Yare at the tiny hamlet of Berney. It then follows the river eastwards to Breydon Water and onto Great Yarmouth. This section is characterised by the stunning views of the lowland Norfolk landscape with the renowned Big Norfolk Skies.
I first contemplated walking this path in October 2008 but could not find suitable accommodation between Stalham and Great Yarmouth and therefore postponed it for a year. In October 2009, accompanied by Kat, we walked from Potter Heigham to Cromer in two days which was quite an achievement and a very memorable and enjoyable walk. The final stage between Potter Heigham and Great Yarmouth was completed the following April.
There are good bus services linking Cromer, Aylsham, North Walsham, Stalham, Potter Heigham, Acle and Great Yarmouth predominantly served by Sanders Coaches. The Bittern Line train services connects Cromer and North Walsham and the Wherry Line train services link Acle, Berney and Great Yarmouth. With such a good transport service it makes easy planning for smaller walks along the length of the Weavers Way.
Although campsites along the route are few and far between, the towns of Cromer, Aylsham, North Walsham and Great Yarmouth all offer plenty of accommodation.
The Weavers Way connects with the North Norfolk Coast Path at Cromer and the Angles Way and Wherrymans Way at Great Yarmouth.
The Norfolk Council Countryside Access Website provides a seven section description of the walk which is very useful.
Directions ToC
The path is marked out with the circualr Weavers Way waymarkers throughout the entire route.
Starting at Cromer pier the path climbs over Cromer Ridge and through the grounds of Felbrigg Hall. From Felbrigg, the walk navigates through the villages of Sustead, Hanworth, Aldborough, Alby Hill, Thwaite Common, Erpingham and Blickling to emerge at Aylsham. From Aysham the route follows the former Midland & Great Northern Ralway trackbed through North Walsham and down to Stalham where it crosses over to Hickling. At Hickling Broad, it follows Candle Dyke down to the River Thurne through to Potter Heigham and onto the village of Thurne. Here it joins the River Bure and stays alongside this river to Acle. Leaving the River Bure, the path heads south passing through the villages of Tunstall and Halvergate before crossing the large expanse of Halvergate Marshes to emerge at the hamlet of Berney on the River Yare. The final section follows the banks of Breydon Water into Great Yarmouth.
Links and Bibliography ToC
Walks around The Weavers Way
An index of the walks around the long distance path of The Weavers Way that are contained on this site. Each walk details pubs en route, transport linking start and end and features to look out for.
Weavers Way - North Walsham to Cromer
Publlished: 2009-09-30 | Updated: 2012-01-18
A 24 mile walk along the Weavers Way from North Walsham to Cromer
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Labels: Norfolk, Weavers Way
Weavers Way - Potter Heigham to Great Yarmouth
Publlished: 2010-04-30 | Updated: 2011-12-30
Weavers Way - Potter Heigham to Great Yarmouth
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Labels: Norfolk, Riverside Walk, Weavers Way
Weavers Way - Potter Heigham to North Walsham
Publlished: 2009-09-29 | Updated: 2012-01-06
A 20 mile walk along the Weavers Way between Potter Heigham and North Walsham
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Labels: Norfolk, Riverside Walk, Weavers Way
Summary of Document Changes
Last Updated: 2013-04-12+01:00
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