There are some interesting monuments on this 6.5-mile walk - and, if you time it right, spectacular bluebells too
THE WALK
1. From the car park, follow the path at the end of the barn which houses Muddy Boots café and reception. Turn right, passing the Bucks Arms pub, then take the path towards the church. This takes you past the main gates to the hall. Turn left, then right passing the courtyard. Turning right, follow the waymarked path which will take you to a gate from where you can see the start of the formal gardens on your left. Follow this path round to the lake, which was dug in 1711. Its serpentine shape is meant to impress – whichever end you stand at, the other end can’t be seen. When you get to the gate before the lake you have the choice of continuing or taking the gate to the right, up below the water tower. Both will bring you out at the end of the lake.
2. At the end of the lake follow the Weavers’ Way for a short distance. Where the Weavers’ Way turns left, you carry on through the small wood to a field edge path. Then beside the woods at the junction follow the path straight ahead. You will come to the mausoleum on your right. Built in 1793 after the death of the second earl, it is worth walking around the back to see the memorial stone topped by a magnificent bull, the emblem of the Hobart family.
3. Returning to the main path, take the surfaced path to the left. This path goes to Waterloo Wood then left down to Great Wood. Part way down the hill there's a small path. If you're visiting at the right time, it will take you through a large expanse of bluebells. At the end of the path turn right. Follow the path back to the surfaced path. Turn left following down to the Great Wood car park. Bear left to a large gate and track. If taking the short walk, follow the track back to the main car park.
4. For the main walk, follow the path round the car park. Turn left through Bunkers Hill Plantation. Follow the path up to Bucks Common car park. Follow the path through the woods passing the tower. At the end of long plantation turn right to the road. Taking the path opposite turn left. Follow to the track passing the old brick kiln. Follow to the road. At the corner follow the blue arrow path to Waterwheel Carr Dam. Turn sharp right. This will take you over stiles to Silvergate. Turn left. Take the path inside the hedge to the main road. Cross into the churchyard. Leave by the gate passing the hall back to the car park.
COMPASS POINTS
START: Blickling main car park - pay and display if not a member. You can also get to Blickling by bus.
DISTANCE: Main walk 6.5 miles/10km
Short walk 4.3miles/7km
GRID REFERENCE: TG1762 2864
NEAREST POST CODE: NR11 6NT
WHAT3WORDS:
keepers.lion.dunk
Points of interest
The mausoleum is a strange, rather austere monument built for the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire and his two wives. Built of grey stone, it stands alone in the middle of woodland, surrounded by a metal grille and has a rather eerie feel to it.
Blickling is famed for its magnificent spring displays of bluebells, which typically flower between the end of March until early May. Great Wood has a large carpet of bluebells which there is a path through. There is also an impressive display in the formal gardens. The National Trust usually posts on its social media channels when they're at their best.
The Tower was built in the 1800s as a grandstand for the racecourse that used to stand in the field now known as Tower Park. It is now a holiday cottage and looks pretty impressive from far away.
Blickling Hall was owned by Sir John Falstolf of Caister, who also built Caister Castle, from 1380-1459. It then changed hands to the Boleyn family, their most famous daughter being Anne Boleyn, one of the wives of Henry VIII. It's believed that she was born here, but there are no official documents to back this up. Legend has it that there are three ghosts who patrol the house and gardens here at Blickling, one being Anne Boleyn.
Food and drink
There is a variety of places to eat and drink on the Blickling estate. The Stables Cafe serves up hot and cold food including warming homemade soups and one-pots, sandwiches, ice creams, and cakes and scones. During busy times such as school holidays, The Farmyard Cafe is also open, offering hot and cold drinks and a selection of light bites to take away. You can also pick up hot drinks and treats such as bacon rolls and croissants at Muddy Boots. The Bucks Arms pub has a full menu showcasing delicious, seasonal produce, including a brilliant Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Advance booking is recommended.
