Heacham to Snettisham: freshwater marsh and Wash flood-bank walk

Follow the public inner flood-bank path from Heacham South Beach towards Snettisham, with freshwater grazing marsh on the inland side and reed beds beside the Heacham River. This is a five-kilometre out-and-back wildlife walk. Allow about two hours at a relaxed pace on the grassy bank, including brief stops to watch birds and look across the Wash. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Start at the entrance to Ken Hill South Beach visitor car park, off South Beach Road, beside the footpath access onto the flood bank. This is the large car park east of the river, rather than the small council parking area beside the beach cafe. Check the parking notices for current charges and access arrangements. Follow the established grassy bank south, keeping to the raised walking track as it bends around the freshwater marsh. Near the southern junction take the short public link west, down the bank steps and along the grassy causeway to the outer coast-path bank. Stop at the junction overlooking the Wash, then return by exactly the same path to the car park.

The route has little overall climb, but the bank is uneven, grassy and exposed to wind; mud and slippery grass are possible after rain, and the connecting steps make it unsuitable for wheelchairs. Stay on the signed paths, keep dogs on leads around livestock and birds, and leave fenced rewilding areas and nesting sites undisturbed. Remain on the bank at the turning point: the tidal beach and mudflats are outside this route. Check local signs and weather before setting out. Public toilets and the beach cafe are nearby, subject to opening arrangements. Bird sightings vary with the season and conditions.

Route and access information: Wild Ken Hill, Walking and Wheeling at Wild Ken Hill and its current public-rights-of-way map; Norfolk County Council route-change notices.