Walsingham Way Walking Holiday

A self-guided walk from Norwich to Little Walsingham

The Walsingham Way is a peaceful 37-mile walking route across Norfolk, following ancient pilgrim paths from Norwich to Little Walsingham.

What makes the route different from many long-distance walks is the feeling that you're heading somewhere. The churches, villages and quiet stretches of countryside are part of the experience, but there's also a real sense of purpose as Walsingham gradually gets closer with every mile.

The walk passes through quiet villages, open countryside and some of the county's most historic church sites before arriving in one of England's best-known pilgrimage destinations, Walsingham.

Why choose the Walsingham Way?

This self-guided walking holiday combines:

• Peaceful Norfolk countryside
• Historic churches and medieval villages
• Gentle walking with no major hills
• The Wensum and Stiffkey river valleys
• A route with a fascinating story and destination
• Carefully chosen accommodation along the way
• Luggage transfers between overnight stops
• Detailed route notes, maps and local support

At 37 miles, the Walsingham Way makes an ideal shorter walking holiday and can be completed over 3, 4 or 6 days.

Other longer walks include the Norfolk Coast Path, Peddars Way and Weaver's Way.

Is the Walsingham Way Right For me?

The Walsingham Way will appeal to you if you're looking for more than simply reaching the next destination. Whether you love history, the sense of journey, the unique Norfolk landscapes or the opportunity to spend a few days away from the distractions of everyday life, this is a walk that encourages you to slow down and take in your surroundings.

Although the route has strong pilgrimage roots, many walkers aren't doing it for religious reasons. Some are interested in the history, some enjoy exploring Norfolk's churches, and others simply like the idea of walking across the county towards a destination that has attracted visitors for nearly a thousand years.

The route starts in Norwich and follows the Wensum and Stiffkey valleys through some of Norfolk's unspoilt landscapes, passing medieval churches and ancient villages before arriving in Little Walsingham, one of England's most important pilgrimage destinations.

With the flat terrain, quiet lanes and countryside paths, it's an excellent choice for those of you who enjoy history and heritage as much as you enjoy covering the miles.

Pick your Walsingham Way holiday

All Walsingham Way holidays include accommodation, luggage transfers, route notes, maps and local support. Full details can be found on each itinerary page.

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Highlights Along the Way

Norwich

One of England's most historic cities and the perfect place to begin your walk.

Ringland

Home to St Peter's Church, one of the most impressive churches on the route with its hammerbeam roof.

North Elmham

An important historic stop with the remains of an Anglo-Saxon cathedral site.

Great Ryburgh

A beautiful Norfolk village with its distinctive Saxo-Norman round tower church.

Little Walsingham

The destination that gives the route its purpose, known for its historic shrines, abbey ruins and centuries of pilgrimage history.

The History Behind Walsingham

For almost a thousand years, people have travelled to Walsingham.

According to tradition, Lady Richeldis de Faverches experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary in 1061 and was instructed to build a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth. The shrine that followed became one of medieval England's most important pilgrimage destinations.

Although the original shrine was destroyed during the Reformation, pilgrimage eventually returned and Walsingham remains an important destination today.

Walking the Walsingham Way allows you to follow a route which has been shaped by centuries of piilgrims making the same journey through the Norfolk countryside.

You can read more about the history of Walsingham here.

Ready to Walk The Walsingham Way

Every walker has different requirements which is why we offer a choice of itineraries to suit different abilities, interests and walking styles.

Whether you want to complete the route in three days or take a little longer to explore the villages and countryside along the way, we'll help you plan a Walsingham Way walking holiday that works for you.

Take a deeper delve into what each package offers in the way of mileage and  let us take care of the planning, accommodation and luggage transfers while you enjoy the walk.

Or take a look at our other long distance walks in Norfolk here.

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