Ormesby St. Margaret with Scratby
Ormesby St. Margaret with Scratby
4.5
(494)
3,357
hikers
98
hikes
Hikes around Ormesby St. Margaret with Scratby explore a landscape of sandy beaches, low cliffs, and rural countryside on the Norfolk coast. The region is characterized by its relatively flat terrain, making it accessible for a variety of walking abilities. Inland from the coast, the trails also provide access to the Trinity Broads, a series of land-locked waterways.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
4.3
(10)
33
hikers
13.1km
03:20
40m
40m
Hike the moderate 8.1-mile Winterton on Sea Circular Trail through coastal dunes, sandy beaches, and past historic church ruins.
4.5
(4)
27
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
14
hikers
18.4km
04:38
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
6
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.0
(1)
17
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A great breakfast for the walkers, and fresh water and a free! sausage for the pooches 🐕👍🏻
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It is nice to see a boating lake, and it would be nice to see it in the summer with people using it, from he Waterways website : The Venetian Waterways and Boating Lake have been an integral part of Great Yarmouth’s seafront landscape since their construction in the 1920s. Situated at the northern end of Marine Parade, the Boating Lake was first opened in 1926, followed by the Venetian Waterways in 1928 – designed by S. P. Thompson and built as part of a relief work scheme for the local unemployed after the First World War.T
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It's now a card museum with an entrance fee. There's nothing visible from the road.
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During November and December parts of the beach is closed due to the grey seal pupping season Please keep dogs on leads and look out for seals pups in the dunes These are wild animals and may attack if threatened Wardens are present during day light to guide people
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In the woods of East Somerton are the ruins of St Mary’s church, with glassless windows, tumbling walls, and a tower where you can look up into the open sky. From the 15th-century, St Mary’s went from serving its own parish to becoming part of the larger parish of West Somerton. It fell into disuse in the 17th-century and has remained abandoned. The most striking feature is a tree in the centre of the ruins, known as “The Witch’s Leg.”
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A truly magical place, St Mary's Church has been wrapped back up in nature since it was abandoned in the 17th century. The size of the oak tree that rises up in the centre of the ruins tells you just how long it has been since worshippers set foot inside. Legend has it that the tree grew from the wooden leg of a witch who was buried here.
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Running along the footpath through the dunes and you really feel like you are a million miles from everywhere. Expansive views and golden sand. Beautiful.
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Yes, the area is very welcoming to dogs. The beaches around Scratby and Winterton are known for being dog-friendly all year round. Many of the coastal and countryside paths are suitable for walking with your canine companion, but it's always a good idea to check for local signage, especially near nature reserves or farmland.
The area is excellent for circular hikes. For a walk that combines coastal and inland scenery, the Eroded Cliff Near Newport – Hemsby Beach loop from California is a great option. It's a moderate walk of about 10.4 km. Additionally, there are several shorter, well-known local circular walks starting from Ormesby St. Margaret village, including routes from the Memorial Green.
Definitely. The terrain in this part of Norfolk is relatively flat, making it ideal for families and casual walkers. The walk along Scratby's sand and shingle beach towards Hemsby is a popular choice. For a shorter, structured walk, you can find local village trails under 3 miles that are perfect for a family outing.
The hiking experience here is defined by its variety. You'll find expansive sandy beaches and low cliffs along the coast, offering views of the North Sea and the Scroby Sands wind farm. Inland, the landscape shifts to the tranquil Trinity Broads, a series of peaceful, land-locked waterways, and classic Norfolk countryside with bucolic pathways.
Yes, the coastline offers fantastic sea views. A particularly scenic route is the Winterton-on-Sea Beach – Hemsby Beach loop from Caister on Sea. This 16.4 km trail follows the coast, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the expansive views of the North Sea and the beautiful dune systems.
Yes, the main villages of Ormesby, Scratby, and nearby Hemsby and Caister-on-Sea are served by local bus routes from Great Yarmouth, which has a train station. This makes it possible to access many of the coastal and village walks without a car. It's best to check current bus timetables for the most up-to-date service information.
In Scratby, there is a clifftop car park that provides convenient access to the beach and coastal paths. In Ormesby St. Margaret, you can find on-street parking for walks starting within the village, such as near the Memorial Green. For hikes starting from other nearby locations like Hemsby or Winterton, there are dedicated beach car parks available.
Yes, you can combine hiking with history in this region. The area is close to the Caister Roman Fort, and a walk can be planned to include its remains. The villages themselves feature historic buildings, like the medieval St. Margaret's Church in Ormesby, which can be appreciated on local village trails.
The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the mix of scenery, from the wide-open beaches and dunes to the peaceful paths around the Broads. The accessibility of the flat terrain and the well-maintained coastal paths are also frequently mentioned as highlights.
Yes, the Winterton Dunes National Nature Reserve is a major highlight. It's known for its stunning dune landscapes and diverse wildlife. You can explore it on several routes, including loops starting from Hemsby or Winterton-on-Sea. A little further inland, the Martham Broad Nature Reserve also offers serene walking trails around the water.
There are over 100 hiking routes to explore in and around the area. These range from short, easy village strolls to longer, more challenging coastal treks, with a good balance of easy and moderate options to suit most fitness levels.


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