South to the Shell Museum
Sir Alfred Jodrell was a model Victorian gentleman. He lived in 18th-century Bayfield House, just a mile (1.6km) to the south of Glandford, and he was greatly interested both in the area in which he lived and in natural history. He began gathering seashells in a way that was common among wealthy, enthusiastic amateurs in his day, and this collection now forms the basis of the Glandford Shell Museum. The shells are impressive and include pristine samples from all over the world. The museum is housed in a cottage built in the Flemish style.
While you're there: Morston Marshes are in the care of the National Trust and are an important site for migrating wrynecks, icterine and barred warblers. If you have time, a boat trip out to see the seals is a rewarding experience. These endearing creatures breed and bask on the isolated sandbars to the north.
What to look out for: Blakeney Point and its marshes is one of the best birdwing areas in Norfolk. What you see depends on the time of year, but in the winter you can expect a huge variety of waterfowl, along with curlews, rock pipets and hen harriers. In early summer, plovers and terns arrive, while high summer and autumn are the best seasons, with the potential for spotting hundreds of different species of birds.
Where to eat and drink: In Blakeney the Kabin sandwich bar in the car park operates between Easter and October, and sells snacks, tea and coffee. The Blakeney Hotel, Manor Hotel, White Horse and Kingâs Arms all have restaurants and bar food. There are also several shops for picnic supplies. The Moorings Bistro serves tea and coffee as well as meals. On the walk itself you can try the Wiveton Bell.
Directions:
From the car park head for the wildfowl conservation project, a fenced-off area teeming with ducks, geese and widgeon. A species list has been mounted on one side, so you can see how many you can spot. Take the path marked Norfolk Coast Path out towards the marshes. This raised bank is part of the sea defences, and is managed by the Environment Agency. Eventually, you have salt marshes on both sides.
At the turning, head east. Carmelite friars once lived around here, although there is little to see of their chapel, the remains of which are located just after you turn by the wooden staithe (landing stage) to head south again. This part of the walk is excellent for spotting kittiwakes and terns in late summer. Also, look for Sabineâs gull, manx and sooty shearwaters, godwits, turnstones and curlews. The path leads you past Cley Windmill, built in 1810 and which last operated in 1919. It is open to visitors and you can climb to the top to enjoy the view across the marshes. Follow signs for the Norfolk Coast Path until you reach the A149.
Cross the A149 to the pavement opposite, then turn right. Take the first left after crossing the little creek. Eventually you reach the cobblestone houses of Wiveton and a crossroads; go straight ahead.
Continue down the lane past cottages and bear right at the T-junction. Eventually you reach a crossroads with St Maryâs Church standing in splendid isolation on a green on one side, and the Wiveton Bell on the other. Go left, along the lane signed to Cley and across an attractive little bridge over the River Glaven.
After the bridge, turn right towards Glandford and its unbridged ford. The lane is one of Norfolkâs best, with dog rose winding among the hawthorns and the whole place alive with the calls and rustles of nesting birds in spring. Go right at the next junction and cross the footbridge over the river. Because there are no cars, ducks sit happily across the road and it is worth spending a few minutes relaxing on the bench here, enjoying the peaceful gurgle of the river and the fuss of the ducks.
Glandford begins on the west bank of the river, boasting flint and red-brick houses, many with Dutch gables. St Martinâs Church and the Shell Museum are on your left. At the crossroads go up the unmarked lane towards Langham, which climbs ever upwards to the Wiveton Downs. The Downs afford splendid views towards the sea. At the junction turn left for a few paces, then turn right, along the wide, open lane that will bring you to the outskirts of Blakeney. Ahead, you can spot St Nicholasâ Church nestling among its chestnut trees.
When you reach the A149 turn right, staying on the right side of the road to walk on the pavement into the village. Take the first left by the Catholic church and walk through the centre of Blakeney village. Many cottages are owned by the Blakeney Neighbourhood Housing Society, which rents homes to those locals unable to buy their own. Donât miss the 14th-century Guildhall undercroft at the bottom of Marinerâs Hill. After you have explored the area, continue to the car park.
Hike
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