Sheringham and Cromer, two beloved seaside towns in North Norfolk, beckon with their timeless charm, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly attractions. With a mere distance of approximately 4 miles between them, a scenic walk along the coastline connects these two popular destinations. This enchanting journey holds a special place among my favourite coastal walks in Norfolk.
While the route isn’t circular, there are convenient options to return to your starting point. You can opt to hop aboard the train or catch a bus, ensuring a hassle-free journey back. Alternatively, if you’re based in Norwich, this walk can serve as a delightful day trip as it’s easily accessible by public transport.
Are you itching to go on this epic adventure? Well, get ready for the lowdown on the Sheringham to Cromer Walk. We’re about to spill the beans on all the secret spots and mind-blowing views you’ll encounter along the way. So put on your walking shoes and get ready to go!
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Highlights of the Sheringham to Cromer Walk
Embark on the picturesque Sheringham to Cromer walk, where coastal beauty and hidden gems await. Starting from Sheringham, you’ll traverse the scenic promenade by the beach huts, ascend the challenging yet rewarding Beeston Bump, and marvel at the ruins of Beeston Bump Y Station with sweeping views of Cromer in the distance.
As you make your way towards Cromer, don’t miss Margaret’s Mammoth at the Deep History Coast Discovery Point in West Runton. Take a leisurely stroll along the sandy beach and admiring the cliffs, while keeping an eye out for remnants of a World War II pillbox.
Switch over to the Promenade as you approach Cromer, where you can see the iconic beach huts and maybe catch a glimpse of the Bagot goats (during the summer months). Finally, treat yourself to some tasty fish & chips from No 1 Cromer, before bidding farewell to this unforgettable journey.
Just remember you need to be careful with the cliffs. Don’t walk too close to the edge or the base as there is always a chance of a landslip. Also, its best to avoid to walking on the beach from West Runton to Cromer around high tide.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Sheringham to Cromer Walk
Alright, if you’re up for this awesome walk, here are all the details you need.
I actually start by taking the train from Norwich to Sheringham. You can hop on the train or catch a bus from your location, or if you prefer, just drive there. Oh, and a quick tip – if you plan on taking the train, make sure to book your tickets in advance to snag the best price. You can do that right here.
Start From Sheringham Station
Once you arrive at Sheringham Station, make your way out and take a right onto High Street. Follow that road towards the coast. Easy peasy, right? Feel free to stop in at any of the cute shops you pass by.
Now, here’s where the fun begins. Walk along the promenade by the beach huts. Oh, and good news – there are public toilets along this stretch in case you need a pit stop.
As you stroll along, keep an eye out for a set of steps leading up towards the top of the cliff. Take those steps up and then turn right to find the start of the path up the famous Beeston Bump.
Climb the Beeston Bump
Now, I won’t lie – this section is a bit challenging, but totally doable. There are steps, but take your time and use the handrail if needed. If you feel like catching your breath, no worries, there’s a bench where you can rest and soak in the scenery.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted by the intriguing ruins of the Beeston Bump Y Station and a trig point. From here, you can spot Cromer in the distance. Look out for the tower of St. Peter and St. Paul – it’s a real standout!
Okay, time to head down the steps on the other side of the Beeston Bump. Don’t worry, you won’t be descending as far as you climbed, but still take it easy and use the handrail.
Walk Along the Cliffs
Continue your walk towards Cromer. You can enjoy the views over the North Sea, but be careful not to get too close to the cliff edge. Safety first, my friend!
When you reach the Deep History Coast Discovery Point in West Runton at Water Lane, you’ll spot something cool – Margaret’s Mammoth from the 2022 GoGoDiscover Trail. Take a left here and head towards the beach.
If you were to continue along the cliffs, the path does not go straight through, you have to make a bit of a detour along Cromer Road. So trust me, walking on the sand is much more enjoyable than a busy road, even if it’s a bit more of a workout.
At Water Lane, you’ll also find the West Runton Beach Cafe, perfect for grabbing some refreshments during your walk. They’ve got a rockpool aquarium and a fossil display that’s totally fascinating. Think mammoth fossils, woolly rhino, hyena, and even Neanderthal tools. Talk about history!
Oh, and if you’re into water sports, The Shed at Water Lane offers paddleboard and surfboard rentals, along with wetsuits. You can even book surfing lessons online if you’re feeling adventurous. And at The Cabin, local crafters have their homemade goodies up for sale. Support local, right?
Head Down Water Lane to the Beach
Once you’ve had your fill at Water Lane, make your way down the ramp to the beach and turn right to continue towards East Runton and Cromer. Be careful not to walk to close to the base of the cliffs.
Keep your eyes peeled for interesting shells and fossils along the beach, and check out the remains of a World War II pillbox between East Runton and Cromer. History buffs, rejoice!
As you approach Cromer, you can switch over to the Promenade. It’ll be easier to walk on than the sand, plus you’ll get a closer look at the Cromer beach huts and the cliffs where the Bagot goats hang out during the summer. Pretty cool, huh?
Enjoy Cromer
Now, here’s my favourite part – wrapping up this awesome walk with some fish & chips from No 1 Cromer. Trust me, it’s one of the best chippys in Norfolk. Treat yourself! Afterward, you can chill at the beach or pop into one of the traditional pubs in Cromer before catching your train back to Norwich or Sheringham.
So there you have it – all the details for an unforgettable Sheringham to Cromer walk. Get out there, enjoy the stunning views, and make some fantastic memories along the way.
What to Bring for the Sheringham to Cromer Walk
No specialized equipment is required for this walk, but we have a few suggestions for things that might make the journey more enjoyable.
Sandals are not the best choice when it comes to footwear, but a pair of comfortable trainers should suffice. It’s worth noting that the path lacks shaded areas, so applying sun cream is highly advisable to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
To ensure proper hydration during the walk, it’s a smart idea to bring along a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is important, especially on sunny days.
Additionally, capturing the scenic beauty of the coastline is a must, and you can conveniently use your smartphone to take photos along the way. If you prefer a dedicated camera, feel free to bring it along to capture every memorable moment of your Sheringham to Cromer adventure.
Sheringham to Cromer Walk FAQs
Yes, the walk is generally suitable for beginners and people of various fitness levels. The path is well-defined and not overly challenging. The most difficult section is from Sheringham to the top of the Beeston Bump which has some steps but there are handrails to help.
The walk typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and the stops you make along the way. It’s a relatively leisurely stroll, allowing you to soak in the coastal scenery at a comfortable pace.
If you are short on time, you can just do the Beeston Bump walk from Sheringham.
No. Unfortunately, there are sections that can be challenging for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues due to uneven terrain or steps.
Absolutely! While I prefer to walk from Sheringham to Cromer, you can choose to start from Cromer and walk back to Sheringham. You won’t have any trouble navigating and you can take public transport back to Cromer.
Yes, the walk is generally family-friendly, but may be a bit long for some young children. If you do bring the kids, it’s important to keep an eye on them and ensure their safety, especially near cliffs or areas close to the water.
If you need more ideas to keep the young ones entertained, check out our list of the best things to do in Norfolk with kids.
Yes, public transport options are available to return to Sheringham from Cromer. The Bittern Line train runs between the two towns, allowing you to hop on and enjoy a relaxing journey back. Additionally, there are bus services that connect the two locations if you prefer that mode of transportation.
Yes, in addition to all the facilities at Sheringham and Cromer, there is a cafe, public toilet, and shops on Water Lane in West Runton. Please keep in mind that the cafe and shops are only open from the end of March to the end of September. The public toilet also closes earlier during the winter months.
Please note that from the beginning of May until the end of September, there are certain restrictions on dog access to parts of Sheringham, Cromer, and West Runton beaches. During this period, if you plan to do the walk with your furry friend, it’s recommended to stay up on the cliffs, where dogs are allowed. However, outside of this timeframe, the Sheringham to Cromer walk is an ideal route for dogs, allowing them to explore and enjoy the coast to their heart’s content.
If you choose to drive to Sheringham, the closest car park to the start of the walk is the East Cliff NNDC Car Park. There are several other pay and display car parks around Sheringham if that one is full.
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