Walk this way: Cley-next-the-sea

The route: From the old quay in Blakeney, join the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path towards Blakeney Point. The path arcs back on itself, bringing you to Cley-next-the-Sea. Walk out of Cley via Church Lane and St Margaret's Church. Exit the churchyard onto Newgate Green (or Cley Green). Cross to the far side of the green, taking the road opposite. Follow to a crossroads and turn right across Wiveton Bridge. On the opposite side of the green from the church, take the centre road and go uphill to Wiveton Downs. Once there, follow the path bearing left. Cross Saxlingham Road and walk up the bridleway towards Blakeney. At the next road crossing, cross over onto a surfaced path and up to some houses. Turn left, following a path across Blakeney Downs. When it cuts through a gap in the trees, bear right towards the house on the small hill. At the main road, turn right, cross and turn left onto the bridleway, which meets the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path. Turn right to return to Blakeney.

Why go? Cley Marshes are a haven for migratory birds and salt-loving plants. The coast path winds through a network of nature reserves littered with abandoned fishing boats and birdwatching hides. Inland, explore the churches at Blakeney, Wiveton and Cley.

How long will it take? Around four hours to complete this circular route.

Stamina required An easy walk, if you can go the distance. Mostly you'll be walking on good, surfaced lanes and bridleways.

Refuelling options Try the Three Swallows in Cley (01263 740526), a pub with open fires, pub games and twitchers swapping stories. Menu includes Morston mussels and Holt ham.

What else is there to see? On the approach to Cley, the broad landscape and wide-open skies are punctuated by the silhouette of an 18th-century windmill. It was a working flourmill until 1919, after which it passed into the family of the singer James Blunt.

Wildlife highlights Bird-lovers from all over the world make the pilgrimage for the summer and winter migrations. Meanwhile, Blakeney Point is home to common and grey seals.

And for kids? There are boat trips to view the seal colony (see www.beansboattrips.co.uk).

Where to stay Today, Cley Windmill offers upmarket B&B and self-catering accommodation (01263 740209, www.cleywindmill.co.uk).

Getting there: The CoastHopper Bus (CHOP) leaves hourly from Sheringham TIC to Cley, Blakeney, Morston and Wells-next-the-
Sea (01553 776980, www.norfolkgreen.co.uk). Sheringham is the nearest train station (0845 600 7245, www.nationalexpresseastanglia.com).

OS maps Explorer 251: Norfolk Coast Central; Landranger 133: North East Norfolk. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online.

Tourist information Station Approach, Sheringham (0871 200 3071, www.visitnorfolk.co.uk). Walk Britain's Great Views guidebook, published by the Ramblers, is available from bookshops priced £14.99 or free to Ramblers members.