Pretty Corner, East Runton and Sheringham

Soon after its start the walk goes through natural woodland. Many plants grow beside the path, including rosebay willowherb, bluebells, herb-robert, campion, and foxgloves, depending on the season. Roman Camp is 350 feet (105 metres) above sea level, one of the highest points in Norfolk, and offers extensive views of the coastline. It has been used as a beacon for centuries and formed part of a coastal warning system. East Runton was at one time considered to be one of the most dangerous places on the Norfolk coast. A watch was kept here as early as 1324, not only for invaders, but also for pirates who roamed the coastline. Despite its name, there is no evidence the Romans camped here; nevertheless, Roman finds have been dug up in the area, and there is also evidence of smelting and ironworks dating from Saxon, Norman, and medieval times.

At the edge of the arable fields, there are fine views of the coast and, closer by, many wildflowers. In particular, look for field pansies, bladder campion, Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon, toadflax, and green alkanet. The railway line is the National Rail line from Cromer, which links up with the North Norfolk Railway (Poppy) line at Sheringham. From Sheringham, where there is also a railway museum, several interesting steam locomotives take passengers through beautiful countryside to Weybourne and the little market town of Holt.

The coastal path is a good place to watch local and migrating birds, such as the purple sandpiper, great black-backed gull, kittiwake, guillemot, and shag. Terns can be seen diving for fish in the sea. At the trig point on top of Beeston Bump there are panoramic views of the coast and countryside, with the roofs of the buildings in the seaside town of Sheringham prominent.

Soon after descending from Beeston Bump you will explore part of Sheringham and the village of Beeston Regis. First you will come to the ruins of an Augustinian priory, founded in 1216, while Beeston Regis Common has ponds, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, including orchids and monkey flowers. It is worth lingering here as there is so much to see; the flowers naturally attract many species of butterflies and birds.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.