(Last visited October 2019)
A lovely little route.
The first part of this walk is perfect for under 5s as it’s only about a mile in total. We followed the sign to the woodland garden which opens up into a lovely picnic space with benches and a chalk pit. The woodland area had lots of den opportunities and tree stumps for jumping off! It’s a proper warren for exploring! Just about passable with a pushchair but it obviously gets a bit rooty in the woods and it’s a bit scrubby as you come out.
You can extend the walk by turning left out of the woods and doing an out and back across the downs. We went end of summer but I reckon in the autumn it is stunning!
The Gin Trap is close by for refreshments. Lovely place with outdoor toys and baby change.
🌿 Length: The short walk to the chalk pit and round the woods is only about a mile but you can extend to follow the downs footpath to make a longer walk
🌿 Café: None on site but The Gin Trap is nearby
🌿 Play area: No (but one at the pub)
🌿 Pushchairs/Wheelchairs: Not for wheelchairs. No major obstacles for pushchairs but it might be a bit bumpy
🌿 Dogs: Open Access, but walkers must keep dogs on a short lead March-July to avoid disturbance to ground-nesting birds.
🌿 Toilets/baby change: Nearest are the pub – keep and eye on their website for Covid updates
🌿 Seats: Yes
🌿 Picnic area: Yes
🌿 Opening times: Always open
🌿 Entrance fee: None
🌿 Parking: Hall Ln, Hunstanton PE36 5JZ (what3words ///hotels.snooping.proceeds)
🌿 Website (with map): https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-in-norfolk/nature-reserves/reserves/ringstead-downs
