Visit an abandoned rail platform on this route with the Norfolk Ramblers
Directions
1) Leave the car park and turn right up Longwater Lane. Cross the river bridge, then cross the road. Carry on for about 500 metres then turn left into East Hills Wood. There are many paths in the wood. The hillier and more interesting route takes the surfaced path ahead. A less hilly route is the path to the left but both paths meet up part way through the woods.
At the end of the woods climb gently to enter a small play area and car park to join Grove Avenue. Turn left down the hill and take the fourth road on the left, Highlow Road. Go straight ahead into Bunkers Hill, turn right and follow the path around the woods.
Go through the metal barrier on to Woodlands Road. Continue to the end of the road, then turn right on Hall Road then left on Hill Road; follow to the main road. Cross carefully, turn right then bear left into Gunton Lane.
For the shorter walk take the path off to the left at (2).
2) Go straight on for the main walk, following the path beside the cycle path to the road at Marlpit Lane. Turn left, then left beside the gate into the old Hellesdon Station. Turn left, follow the path beside the old platform. Follow the path to re-join the Marriott's Way. Cross the bridge over the River Tud then turn left through the kissing gate. After a short distance cross the bridge, then turn right at the track. Turn right, crossing the old bridge; continue almost to the junction with Marriott's Way. Turn left, taking the footpath; take the path passing Windmill Farm. At the junction of paths take the track to the left, following it to Folgate Lane. Go straight on into the croft and descend a narrow winding hill for 200 metres, then enter Green Hills Wood through an opening with barriers.
3) Take any of the paths as they all end up at Town House Road. We followed the path to the left through the woods. At the road turn right - on the left is the Roman Catholic church at the mini roundabout by the Harte public house. Keep left into West End; pass the school, turn left into Longwater Road, back to the recreation ground on your right.
Points of interest
A) The Norfolk Trails team has been out working with the Marriott's Way Heritage Trail project to reclaim the old railway platform where Hellesdon Station once stood. The platform sits alongside Marriott's Way, a cycle and walking route that runs on the old railway from Norwich to Aylsham, and had been almost forgotten about.
Trees had begun to grow out of the brickwork and the platform was entirely covered by ivy. It was completely unrecognisable with only a corner of it visible amongst all the vegetation.
Last autumn, the trails team removed some of the trees that were growing on and in front of the platform to prevent them from causing further damage to the brickwork.
Last summer, work on the platform recommenced, which involved scraping back all of the vegetation growing on the platform surface and relaying and re-pointing the brickwork.
A gravel surface was laid down on the platform and the finishing touch was the installation of a bench and a replica Hellesdon Station sign on the platform. It is now much easier to visualise how the station would have looked when it was in use.
Get rambling
Norfolk Ramblers welcomes new members. If you are interested in walking in the company of like-minded people, visit norfolkra.org.uk or call 07505 426750. For queries about this walk, phone 07905 565740.
Norfolk Ramblers has established a footpath working group to do some path cutting and general maintenance. We try to make sure that all the paths in these walks are fit to walk, but if you encounter a problem please tell us.
Contact Peter James at pdjames.ramb@ntlworld.com; 07905 565740
