Norfolk countryside walk: Whitlingham Country Park

Whitlingham Country Park is part of the Crown Point Estate and historic features of the site include the ruin of a monk's manor house

1. From the car park take the kissing gate into the meadow beside the ruins. Cross to the car park. Turn left then right to follow beside the Broad. At the Wherryman’s Way marker turn left then right following the Broad at the bench on the corner. If walking round Broad go straight on.

A view of the Broad Photo: Peter James 2. Turn right. Cross road. Take path ahead then turn left following the path as it winds through the woods. At white house you need to take the road for a short distance. Rejoin the path in the woods, passing through the car park and the picnic area. You will see a path raising in front of you .Follow around to the right - this will take you to the top of the woods. Follow until you reach a fence. Turn left then right following until it turns right bringing you back down the steps. Follow the path to the road then turn left for a short distance. Turn right. This brings you back to the Broad. You have a choice here. You can turn left to return to the car park.

Whitlingham Woods. Photo: Peter James 3. Or turn right to go around the Broad. Follow the path around the Broad. There are seats on the riverbank. Keep following the path, passing the watersport centre. Follow the path, which will bring you back to the Flint Barn Café and information centre.

If extending your walk, cross the road to a stile which takes you to an avenue of trees. Follow to a Tarmac track. Follow up the hill past the gates to the old Whitlingham Hospital, which is now private housing. On the right-hand side across the field you can see the top of the ski slope. Carry on up the road. Just before the bridge there is a path on the right hand side. Follow this to a five-bar gate with a gap beside. You are now in Kirby Road Plantation. The path splits a short way into the woods. Take the path to the right following through to a clearing with a couple of tables. After the clearing there are some steps down. Follow to a sharp right. Turn up a slope beside a deep gulley. There is then a downhill ,partly stepped. Take care, if wet it can be slippery. Follow path down to a gate which will bring you to the road. Turn right follow the road back to the car park.

COMPASS POINTS

START: Park at the second car park which is not as crowded as the Whitlingham Visitor Centre car park

Nearest post code: NR14 8TR

DISTANCE: You have a choice of four walks

Main walk, Whitlingham Woods and Broad - 3.7 miles/6km

Whitlingham Woods - 2.5 miles/4km

Around the Broad - 2.3 miles/3.7km

Walk extension taking in the Whitlinham Old Hospital and Trowse ski slope - 2.5 miles/ 4km

GRID REFERENCE: TG25330774

WHAT3WORDS: plants.ruler.sits

POINTS OF INTEREST

Whitlingham Country Park Photo: Peter James Whitlingham Country Park

Whitlingham Country Park is part of the Crown Point Estate and historic features of the site include the ruin of a monk's manor house, ancient chalk workings and evidence of Palaeolithic and Neolithic flint-knapping.

In 1988 a planning agreement was made between Norfolk County Council and the Crown Point Estate for the extraction of gravel from the site and it was decided to develop the site into a place of recreation.

In 1992 Trowse Wood and Meadow were handed over to Whitlingham Charitable Trust, which was followed by the acquisition of Whitlingham Wood in 1994 and Whitlingham Little Broad in 1996. Whitlingham Little Broad opened to the public in August1997with Whitlingham Great Broad following in 2004.

Wherryman's Way Photo: Peter James Wherryman's Way

The meandering 37.5 mile walking trail between Norwich and Great Yarmouth runs through Whitlingham Country Park. Taking its name from the wherry, the large cargo-carrying barge whose black sails were a once common sight on these waters, Wherryman’s Way runs through the heart of the Broads, winding along the banks of the River Yare, through open marshes, reedbeds, grazing meadows and riverside villages. It is managed by Norfolk Trails.

FOOD AND DRINK

Flint Barn Cafe

With gorgeous views of Whitlingham Great Broad, Flint Barn Cafe is a delightful spot to stop at for a snack. Open daily from 9am-4pm, it serves delicious freshly-baked cakes (including vegan and gluten free), sausage rolls and scones.

River Green Restaurant and Cookery School

If you're considering going plant-based this Veganuary, then you'll find plenty of inspiration at River Green in Trowse, a stone's throw away from Whitlingham Country Park. Alongside the tasty and wholesome menu where vegetables are the star,, they also have a dedicated teaching kitchen offering classes throughout the year so you can expand your repertoire at home. On January 14, they're running an introduction to vegan cooking and on March 11, there's a workshop inspired by the flavours of China, Japan and South East Asia. Find out more at rivergreenrestaurant.com