_Enjoy National Walking Month with the National Trust

Whether you’re a keen hiker, weekend wanderer, or simply enjoy short social strolls, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in National Walking Month in May with friends and family. Join one of the National Trust’s guided walks or take your pick of the numerous trails and routes around Norfolk.

From coastal paths and historic landscapes, to lakeside strolls and picturesque parkland, there's plenty of space to escape the routine, connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

Blickling Estate

Celebrate National Walking Month at Blickling Estate, where a breathtaking Jacobean House sits surrounded by a magnificent garden and historic park, nestled in the beautiful Bure River meadows. In May, the estate comes alive with fresh green leaves, blossom and birdsong.

Enjoy the gentle 3km Lake Walk, where spring skies and new foliage are reflected in the calm waters, or explore the accessible multi use trail through open parkland and into the Great Wood. Along the way, take a short detour to the impressive pyramid-shaped Mausoleum and look out for the last of the bluebells, emerging woodland plants and active wildlife. Open from dawn to dusk, Blickling’s diverse habitats offer the chance to spot owls, deer and hares.

Those looking to enjoy the great outdoors and meet new people are invited to join the friendly Friday social walks at 10am, led by one of the estate’s welcoming volunteer walk leaders. These relaxed walks are a great way to boost wellbeing, enjoy nature and connect with others. No booking is required, simply arrive at the Estate Barn visitor reception in the main car park at 9.50am to meet the group leader.

Afterwards, head to the Stables Café or Muddy Boots Café for light bites, refreshing drinks, ice-creams and, of course, freshly baked scones. Wheelchairs, Mountain Trike push all terrain wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to hire. Dogs are welcome in the parkland and at the Muddy Boots Café.

Plan a spring walk this National Walking Month at Blickling Estate.

Felbrigg Estate

With 520 acres of woodland surrounded by a rolling parkland, lake and waymarked paths, there is plenty of space to explore the estate at Felbrigg.

Walk Felbrigg - Explore the estate on a volunteer-led walk, meeting new people and getting closer to nature. Discover new favourite places on a leisurely ramble through parkland and woods.

Walks will follow existing waymarked routes of around 2 miles, taking approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, followed by an optional visit to the Squire’s Pantry tea-room where walkers can purchase refreshments.

There’s no need to book, just meet at the map boards in the main car park 10 minutes before the start time and a volunteer walk leader will be waiting. Walks will take place on 7 and 21 May at 10am, 4, 6, 18 June, 2, 4, 16 July.

It is free to visit the Felbrigg Estate. Parking is free for National Trust members and £5 for non-members. Find out more here.

Sheringham Park

May is a perfect time for a walk in Sheringham Park, not least because this is when its nationally important collection of rhododendrons and azaleas comes into bloom. The park spans almost 1,000 acres of parkland and woodland, as well as Humphry Repton’s famous wild garden, with some spectacular views to the coast. With marked walking routes of between 2 and 7 miles, and powered mobility vehicles available to use, there’s a walk for everyone.

The Courtyard Café is open daily for well-deserved refreshments, with ice creams and sorbets served from the ice cream parlour. Round off a visit by finding your next read in the second-hand bookshop. Find out more and plan a walk at Sheringham Park.

Oxburgh Estate

Looking for a place to embrace the joys of National Walking month this May? Starting out from the carpark at Oxburgh Estate, the Oxborough to Gooderstone route is a gentle Norfolk walk, which takes in some of Breckland's protected farmland and heritage. Explore the pretty village of Oxborough, pass through Gooderstone with its medieval church and look out for the remains of Chalkrow Tower Mill.

The Pantry Cafe is open for refreshing drinks and post walk re-fuelling. And there are some beautiful walks inside the estate too, including around the productive kitchen garden, Courtyard giftshop and to the chapel. Find out more and plan a walk - Oxborough to Gooderstone walk.

Norfolk Coast

Morston Quay, on the Norfolk Coast Path, is an ideal base for exploring local walking routes. From Morston Quay you can follow the coast path or head inland for a circular walk, taking in the salt marshes and picturesque villages of Morston, Stiffkey, and Cley. Trail maps are available from the Lookout Building, which is also where you can find the café for pre- or post-walk refreshments. Find out more and plan a walk at Morston Quay.