Norfolk Coast Path log 2: the marshes

Stage 6: Burnham Overy Staithe to Cley next the Sea

2 June 2000. 17 miles. A tremendously varied walk that shows off this great coastline to best effect. Any number of highlights: along the beach of Holkham Bay, backed by pine dunes; the small town of Wells next the Sea; the salt marshes around Stiffkey; the busy little tourist village of Blakeney; the final sea wall walk from there to Cley, looking out to the shingle spit of Blakeney Point.

The relative lack of humanity’s traces make this a great area for other fauna, with seal colonies around Blakeney Point (ferries from Morston as well as Blakeney) and bird life in abundance - see Dave’s birding notes, made across the three days but principally this section.

(clockwise from top left) The author on the beach at Holkham; Wells next the Sea; the quay at Blakeney; and today’s social lesson. It is difficult for those in the local low-wage economy to buy houses, as prices have been forced up by those looking for a second home. Perhaps in Blakeney this is no recent thing; a housing association specifically for locals still exists. Click on the thumbnails for larger images.

Salt marshes at Stiffkey. Click on the thumbnail for a larger image.