Norfolk is made for slow, soul-filling days outdoors. Big skies stretch endlessly above reed beds and rivers, ancient woodland hides pockets of silence, and the county’s famously flat terrain makes it one of the most accessible places in the UK to explore with a dog.
From the hush of the Broads to the deep pine scent of Thetford Forest, these routes are about space, calm, and variety. Expect reed-lined paths, wide estate tracks, heathland viewpoints, and easy miles that suit everything from laid-back sniffers to high-energy hikers, all without feeling like you’re walking the same loop twice.
Hickling Broad Nature Reserve Circular Walk
This peaceful loop around Hickling Broad is one of the most atmospheric walks in the Norfolk Broads, with wide open skies, whispering reed beds, and constant birdsong. The trail weaves along boardwalks and grassy paths, opening out to expansive views over the water where sailing boats drift past and marsh harriers often glide overhead.
It’s a wonderfully immersive walk that feels remote without being challenging. Dogs are welcome but should stay on leads around sensitive wildlife areas, particularly in spring and early summer. Expect flat terrain, plenty of benches, and a calm, almost meditative pace that suits both steady walkers and older dogs.
- Distance: ~5.5 km / 3.4 miles
- Terrain: Boardwalks, grass paths, gravel
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog notes: On lead near wildlife, water nearby but not easily accessible
Holkham Estate Woodland & Parkland Walk
Holkham Estate offers one of the most varied inland walks in north Norfolk, combining sweeping parkland with pine woodland and glimpses of the wider coastal landscape beyond. The sheer scale of the estate means you can easily tailor the walk, looping through shady woods before emerging into open deer-grazed fields.
Dogs are welcome across much of the estate but must be kept under close control, particularly around livestock and deer. The paths are wide and forgiving, making this a great all-season option, especially when woodland shelter is needed on windier days.
- Distance: 6–8 km / 3.7–5 miles (varies by loop)
- Terrain: Woodland trails, grass, estate tracks
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Dog notes: Livestock and deer present, seasonal lead restrictions
Weavers’ Way: Aylsham to Blickling
This section of the Weavers’ Way offers a quieter taste of one of Norfolk’s classic long-distance trails. Starting near Aylsham, the route follows old railway lines and riverside paths before rolling gently into the historic grounds of Blickling Estate.
It’s a relaxed, linear walk with plenty of interest underfoot, from wildflower verges to shaded woodland edges. Dogs will love the variety of scents and textures, and the lack of steep climbs makes it ideal for longer, unhurried outings.
- Distance: ~6 km / 3.7 miles (one way)
- Terrain: Railway path, grass, compacted earth
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog notes: Mostly off-road, occasional cyclists
Blickling Estate Park & Lake Walk
Blickling Estate is a classic Norfolk walk, rich in history and easy beauty. The main circular routes take you around the lake, through ancient woodland, and across open parkland with constant views back to the Jacobean hall.
The paths are well maintained and clearly marked, making this a dependable choice year-round. Dogs are welcome on leads, and the mix of water, woodland, and open ground keeps things interesting without ever feeling strenuous.
- Distance: ~4.8 km / 3 miles
- Terrain: Gravel paths, grass, woodland trails
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog notes: Lead required, wildlife and livestock present
Mousehold Heath Circular Walk (Norwich)
Rising above the city, Mousehold Heath feels surprisingly wild for an urban edge walk. Heathland paths criss-cross open grass, scrub, and woodland, with viewpoints offering sweeping views over Norwich and the surrounding countryside.
This is a great option if you want something flexible and close to amenities, with plenty of space for dogs to explore. Paths can get muddy after rain, but that’s part of the charm, especially for dogs who enjoy a bit of mess.
- Distance: 4–6 km / 2.5–3.7 miles (varies)
- Terrain: Heathland, dirt paths, woodland
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Dog notes: Popular spot, good off-lead areas away from paths
Thetford Forest Pine Trail Loop
Thetford Forest is the largest lowland pine forest in the UK and a dream for dog walkers. Tall, straight pines create a sense of scale and calm, while sandy trails and forest roads stretch on in every direction.
This particular loop sticks to quieter sections of the forest, away from the busiest cycling routes. It’s flat, forgiving underfoot, and ideal for longer walks where you want to settle into a steady rhythm without constant navigation.
- Distance: ~7 km / 4.3 miles
- Terrain: Sandy tracks, forest roads
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog notes: Excellent off-lead potential, watch for bikes
Bawsey Country Park Woodland & Lake Walk (King’s Lynn)
Bawsey Country Park packs a lot into a relatively short walk. Woodland trails loop around former gravel pits that are now peaceful lakes, giving the route a varied and almost secretive feel.
It’s a good choice if you want something manageable but still rewarding, especially with dogs who enjoy water and shaded paths. The terrain is gentle, though paths can be uneven in places after wet weather.
- Distance: ~4 km / 2.5 miles
- Terrain: Woodland paths, gravel, lakeside trails
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog notes: Water access in places, keep an eye on steep banks
Blakeney Coastal Path Walk
While better known for seals and beaches, the walking around Blakeney is all about salt marsh edges, raised paths and huge skies. It’s a brilliant option when you want that coastal atmosphere without committing to a full beach day.
Dogs are welcome but should be kept under control due to wildlife and grazing animals. It’s exposed, so pick a calmer forecast if you can, but the sense of space out here is something special.
- Distance: ~5 km / 3.1 miles
- Terrain: Coastal paths, grass, compacted earth
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog notes: Wildlife sensitive area, leads recommended
Map of Dog Friendly Walks in Norfolk
Explore these walks using our handy map, simply click the pins to uncover more information on each of these dog friendly walks across Norfolk and get directions to the nearest car park.
This walk follows raised paths and salt marsh edges around Blakeney, offering classic north Norfolk coastal scenery without focusing on beach walking. Big skies and open views dominate, creating a strong sense of space and exposure.
Dogs are welcome but should be kept under close control due to wildlife and grazing animals. It’s best tackled on calmer days, but the atmosphere makes it one of the most distinctive walks in the county.
Distance: ~5 km / 3.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Coastal paths, grass, compacted earth
Dog notes: Wildlife sensitive area, leads recommended
Bawsey Country Park combines woodland trails with lakes formed from former gravel pits, creating a compact but varied walk near King’s Lynn. The route feels tucked away, with shaded sections and open water views throughout.
It’s a good choice for a shorter walk that still delivers interest, particularly for dogs that enjoy water. Paths are generally easy, though uneven ground can appear after wet weather.
Distance: ~4 km / 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Woodland paths, gravel, lakeside trails
Dog notes: Water access in places, uneven ground
This loop through Thetford Forest immerses you in tall pine stands, sandy tracks, and long, straight forest roads that feel calm and rhythmic underfoot. It’s one of the best places in East Anglia for uninterrupted walking with a dog.
The route sticks largely to quieter sections of the forest, making it ideal for longer outings where you want to settle into a steady pace. Excellent visibility and flat terrain suit dogs of all ages.
Distance: ~7 km / 4.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Sandy tracks, forest roads
Dog notes: Excellent off-lead potential, watch for bikes
Overlooking Norwich, Mousehold Heath offers a surprisingly wild-feeling walk with heathland paths, scrub, and pockets of woodland. Elevated viewpoints provide wide views over the city and surrounding countryside, giving this route a sense of openness rarely found so close to an urban centre.
It’s a flexible walk with multiple intersecting paths, allowing you to shorten or extend the route easily. Dogs enjoy the variety of terrain, though paths can become muddy after rain.
Distance: 4–6 km / 2.5–3.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Heathland, dirt paths, woodland
Dog notes: Popular spot, good off-lead areas
This classic circular walk around Blickling Estate blends historic parkland, lakeside paths and ancient woodland. Views back toward the Jacobean hall add a sense of grandeur without overwhelming the calm, steady pace of the route.
Paths are well maintained and clearly marked, making this a reliable option in all seasons. Dogs are welcome on leads, and the varied scenery ensures the walk never feels repetitive despite its accessibility.
Distance: ~4.8 km / 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Gravel paths, grass, woodland trails
Dog notes: Lead required, wildlife and livestock present
This stretch of the Weavers’ Way follows old railway lines and riverside paths, offering an easy-going introduction to one of Norfolk’s classic long-distance trails. The route gently transitions from countryside into historic parkland, finishing within the grounds of Blickling Estate.
It’s flat and forgiving underfoot, making it well suited to longer walks with dogs that prefer steady mileage over technical challenges. The varied scenery keeps things interesting without ever feeling demanding.
Distance: ~6 km / 3.7 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Railway path, grass, compacted earth
Dog notes: Mostly off-road, occasional cyclists
This varied walk through Holkham Estate combines sweeping parkland with pine woodland and wide estate tracks, offering a sense of scale that’s hard to match elsewhere in Norfolk. Routes can be adapted easily, making it ideal for repeat visits and different energy levels.
Dogs are welcome across much of the estate, though close control is required due to deer and livestock. The mix of open ground and shaded woodland makes this a strong year-round option, particularly when you want space without technical terrain.
Distance: 6–8 km / 3.7–5 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Woodland trails, grass, estate tracks
Dog notes: Livestock and deer present, seasonal lead restrictions
This peaceful circular walk explores the edges of Hickling Broad, the largest of the Norfolk Broads, weaving together boardwalks, grassy paths and wide open views across reed beds and water. The route feels expansive and calm, with big skies overhead and frequent sightings of wetland birds making it one of the most atmospheric walks in the county.
The terrain is flat and accessible, making it suitable for most dogs and walkers, though leads are required in wildlife-sensitive areas. It’s an ideal choice for a slower-paced walk where the focus is on scenery, sounds, and space rather than distance or elevation.
Distance: ~5.5 km / 3.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Boardwalks, grass paths, gravel
Dog notes: On lead near wildlife, flat and accessible
Find dog friendly adventures across the UK using our Wildpack Map, a specially curated map of points of interest, including walks, beaches and more.
What’s Nearby?
If you’re exploring more of the county with your dog, these walks pair naturally with other Norfolk and East Anglia content across Wildpack:
- Dog Friendly Beaches in Norfolk
Several of the walks above sit close to the coast. For sandy stretches, tidal access, and seasonal dog rules, head to our dedicated guide covering Norfolk’s dog-friendly beaches. - Dog Friendly Walks in Suffolk
Thetford Forest and the southern edge of Norfolk flow seamlessly into Suffolk, making it easy to extend trips with woodland and heathland walks just over the county line. - Dog Friendly Walks in Cambridgeshire
If you’re travelling in from the south or east, Cambridgeshire offers flat, easy-going walks that mirror Norfolk’s relaxed pace and terrain. - Dog Friendly Beaches in Lincolnshire
Just a short ways up the coast, Lincolnshire is home to some amazing dog friendly beaches that you and your pup can enjoy at any time of the year, with wide expansive coasts or quaint bays. - Dog-Friendly Campervan Trips & Road Trips
Norfolk’s quiet lanes, wide parking spots, and gentle distances make it ideal for slow van travel. These walks slot neatly into multi-day dog-friendly road trips.
Final Thoughts
Norfolk is one of those counties that quietly spoils you. The walking isn’t about dramatic peaks, it’s about breathing room, big horizons, and trails that feel like they’ve got time to spare. Mix a Broads boardwalk with a forest loop and an estate wander and you’ve got a weekend that feels varied without spending half of it in the car.
If you do want a proper sand-and-salt day, keep your beach exploring separate and make it a whole thing. Norfolk’s coastline is brilliant, but these walks are the ones that turn an ordinary afternoon into the kind of outing your dog falls asleep smiling after.