Norfolk Walks
A gentle meander around Stiffkey and its saltmarsh
For our last Norfolk holiday, we rented a holiday cottage in Stiffkey (pronounced stew-key) as our usual Blakeney cottage had become a private residence. The criteria for our choice of cottage were the same as they'd been before: pretty village, quiet and relaxing, a dry space for the tandem, and access to the saltmarshes for an evening stroll.
Stiffkey had them all and just as in Blakeney, we came up with another of our short Norfolk walks. Around an hour long and ideal for making use of the long summer twilight, the Stiffkey route takes in the village, the saltmarsh, and a pristine, empty beach!
The North Norfolk coast is blessed with an abundance of paths and lanes, so Norfolk walks can start anywhere. If you're not staying in Stiffkey, then it's probably best to start this particular walk from outside St. John’s Church, as there is an area for off-road parking. It’s also worth popping in to the attractive flint-walled church and walking around the graveyard, where you can see the remaining towers from Stiffkey Old Hall.
St. John's Church in Stiffkey © essentially-england.com
Stiffkey Church Graveyard © essentially-england.com
Norfolk Walks, Stiffkey - Walk Map
If you use Komoot.com GPS mapping software or GPX files then you can download our walking route here.
Our 3.2-mile walk leaves the church and descends into Stiffkey along the A149. Some care is needed as there is not a pedestrian pavement and the road is narrow. Luckily, the traffic is light in this area, and we’ve never encountered a problem when walking or cycling through this short stretch!
Flintstone Walled Building in Stiffkey © essentially-england.comAt the junction with Bridge Street, take a detour and walk to the road bridge over the River Stiffkey, taking in pretty river views along the way. Perhaps an even better idea is to grab a coffee and homemade cakes from the popular village shop and sit by the bridge. You'll find the village shop just after the road junction. While wandering through Stiffkey, you’ll notice that most of the buildings are built with traditional flint stone walls, and intricately patterned!
Back to the A149, and soon after the village shop the road gains a pedestrian pavement on the left-hand side along with views over rolling green landscape. Outside the Red Lion pub, the pavement turns into a gravelled/stony track that leaves the road and enters woodland. There is a convenient bench here to take a break and admire the view!
View Across the Saltmarshes © essentially-england.com
Tidal Creek in the Saltmarshes © essentially-england.comThe path follows the course of the River Stiffkey until it re-emerges back on the A419 road. Continue along the narrow pavement until you seen a turning on the right called Greenway. Walk to the car park at the end of Greenway. The Norfolk Coast Path crosses at this point.
If you fancy extending the walk a little, then you could turn to your left and walk along the coast path to the Stiffkey Whirlygig. This strange circular runway was used in WWII to launch model planes for target practice.
View Across the Beach © essentially-england.com
View Out to Sea © essentially-england.comTo explore the saltmarshes and beach area continue straight along a well-worn track that will take you through the saltmarsh and across creeks to a stunning sandy beach.
After taking in the views, retrace your steps back to the car park, and turn left to join the Norfolk Coast Path in the Morston direction. From the path you will have terrific views across the saltmarsh and excellent opportunities to see the wildlife.
The Footpath Back to Stiffkey After Leaving the Norfolk Coast Path © essentially_england.comTurn right on to a narrow path at a break in the trees on your right-hand side. Continue along the path away from the trees and across fields towards a copse straight ahead of you. Follow the path along the edge of the trees to re-join the A419 about a 100 m northwest of the parking area outside Stiffkey church.
This made a lovely evening stroll, but could easily be a peaceful day out. You get to explore the small, pretty village of Stiffkey, the saltmarshes, and a sandy beach which would make a great spot for a picnic. We never saw a soul on the beach, so you may get it all to yourself!
Footprints in the Sand © essentially-england.comAre You Planning to Visit Norfolk?
Where You Could Stay
We love this part of the country and were really sad when the holiday cottage we liked so much in Blakeney became a private home. However, it did make us research the area again and try something new - Honey Barrel Cottage in Stiffkey. Again, we were close to the salt marshes and could explore new parts of the north Norfolk coast path. So my selection of holiday cottages are spread along our favourite parts...
To see other holiday cottages in Norfolk click here. Or check out holiday cottages in other parts of England by clicking here.
Or you could try a family orientated holiday resort in Lincolnshire as there's plenty of choice...
If you need to find a hotel, then try one of these search platforms...
What You Could See and Do
Are you feeling in need of a holiday yet? Here are a few more pages that might give you ideas...
- See the seals at Blakeney Point
- Visit Castle Acre and discover its Priory and Norman castle
- Go crabbing at Cromer or Wells-next-the-Sea
- Walk around the salt marshes between Stiffkey, Blakeney and Cley-next-the-Sea and try to identify the different birds
- Take a walk around Sheringham Park and enjoy the colours of the rhododendron bushes
- Or you could try our Things to do in Norfolk page...
For more ideas for Norfolk walks and other great days out, return to the Norfolk page.
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