Blakeney Freshes and Cley Harbour Coastal Path

Start at the visitor side of Coronation Car Park off Blakeney High Street. Leave by the short access drive, turn downhill on the High Street and reach the quay. Cross the quayside parking area to the raised Norfolk Coast Path on its eastern side. Follow the sea wall north around Blakeney Freshes, then east beside the harbour channel. At the eastern bend keep to the bank as it turns south alongside the River Glaven, with views towards Cley Windmill and the village. Continue to the end of the footpath above the A149 at Cley harbour, then retrace the same coast path to Blakeney Quay and the High Street car park. This is an out-and-back walk; it does not cross the A149 or enter the private windmill grounds.

Allow about 2 hours 45 minutes for the full walk and a few birdwatching stops. The ground is mostly level, but the raised banks have uneven dirt, grass and compacted surfaces. There are steps or a steep bank at the quay access, and wet weather can leave mud and puddles. The marsh landscape is open to wind. Keep to the marked bank paths, give grazing animals space and keep dogs under close control. Do not leave the path to cross the harbour or saltmarsh towards Blakeney Point. Avoid this exposed coast in storms, tidal surge warnings or flooding, and check local signs before setting out.

Coronation visitor parking is pay and display, with a separate permit-only area that visitors must avoid. It operates 24 hours; check the machine for current charges. The tidal Carnser quay car park is not the parking start for this walk. Toilets and refreshments are available around Blakeney village and the quay, subject to opening times.

Route checked against the National Trust Blakeney Freshes coastal walk and the Norfolk Trails map published by Blakeney Parish Council. The walk uses the eastern sea-wall section and returns the same way, avoiding the Morston embankment works and diversion announced for autumn 2026.