I love dogs. I have a dog. But I didn’t always love dogs (I was bitten when I was really little and was terrified as a kid). I’ve also found out recently just how many of your kids are a bit scared of dogs and it prevents you getting out as you don’t know where to go. So I’ve just pulled together a really short list of dog-free walks to keep you going for now… but I’d love to have your help to add to it so that this list can grow – if you come across one, please let me know!
A good start is nature reserves (as most of those are below). Many of these are Norfolk Wildlife Trust walks, so please see HERE for Covid-19 guidance
Lower Wood, Ashwellthorpe (near Wymondham)
I love this wood – we saw so many butterflies when we went a few years ago and there are bluebells here in the spring. I found it a bit to scrubby for a pushchair in places and would lean towards a baby carrier. No facilities here but you’re not far from The Bird in Hand at Wreningham and Wymondham is just a short drive away. For more info visit HERE:
Foxley Wood (near Reepham)
Similar to Ashwellthorpe, there are no facilities here but it is also abundant with wildlife! We saw a silver-washed fritillary butterfly here on our walk in July. Broadly fine for pushchairs – it’s about a 2 mile loop and is also famous for its bluebells in spring. The lovely Bawdeswell Garden Centre and The Hamptons are a short drive away for refreshments and facilities. For more info click HERE
Strumpshaw Fen (near Brundall)
I adore this place. It’s a RSPB reserve and I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. They have toilets and baby change open at the moment but the visitor and refreshment station (and picnic tables) are currently closed… but it’s still a wonderful place to explore (ALL the nature). It has a one way system in place at the moment and donations rather than entry fee. By the river it is a bit rougher terrain and it can get muddy in the woods in the winter, but I used to get round with my UppaBaby here. The Shoulder of Mutton pub isn’t far away for food and drink. For more info click HERE
Sculthorpe Moor (near Fakenham)
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! I’d totally forgotten about it! The reserve is open seven days per week, 8 am–4 pm. Last entry is 3pm. Entrance is by donation – £6 donation is suggested from adult visitors. Hawk and Owl Trust members and Supporters of Sculthorpe are free but there is no charge for children under 16. It’s pretty much all boardwalk and we loved it – a mix of woodland and reedbeds. I’m just waiting for info about facilities from them – they have toilets and used to have a café area but I’m just checking what the score is with Covid – bear with! Very close to Fakenham too and Creake Abbey is only a few miles away. For more info click HERE
Hickling Broad (near Horsey)
Our biggest broad, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The nature reserve and car park has now reopened and the visitor centre is open 10am–4pm daily (last year this was open until end of Oct). There is a one way route only of 2.5km (1.5 miles). NWT members and children go free, non members £5 (with Gift Aid) or standard price: £4.50. The web page is great for more info (click HERE)
Wheatfen Nature Reserve (near Norwich)
A gorgeous little reserve just a few miles out of the city. It has a woodland walk and fen walk – although some paths are accessible I would opt for a baby carrier – it can get muddy in the wood and a bit bumpy on the nature reserve. They have a forest school here and the amazing Tele Patisserie is nearby for refreshments. For more info, click HERE
Wayland Wood (near Watton)
This is a lovely wood – it’s also full of bluebells in spring and is just a gorgeous woodland walk. Broadly accessible for pushchairs. There’s a small car park but no facilities – there’s a massive Tesco 5 minutes away in Watton though, where we picked up sandwiches for a picnic and used the facilities. For more info, click HERE
Upton Broad (near Acle)
Take the wellies! Yes, even in the summer! I’d say this is a walk for slightly older kids who are okay near water as it has a network of dykes alongside the walks. The ground is low-lying and even in the summer it is very spongy – we were wearing trainers and our feet got soaked! Not one for pushchairs. It is, however, a lovely walk and is well known for its amazing dragonflies and damselflies (plus there were butterflies galore! You don’t actually walk near the broad but can see it from afar from one of the viewing platforms. It has a small car park but no facilities, although the fabulous White Horse is only a short drive away in Upton (although noting the pub IS dog friendly!). For more info, click HERE
Wensum Park (Norwich)
A smaller park than Eaton and Catton but beautiful alongside the river. Lots of ducks and wildlife and can be made into a longer walk by joining up with the Marriott’s Way. Unfortunately the toilets are currently closed and I can’t find any nearby! It has a playground and accessible paths (steps coming down from St.Martin’s Rd but sloped from Drayton Road). We did see a dog on a lead which I guess shows that people don’t always adhere to the rules but it was just the one. No car park but you can park on St. Martin’s Road – there are bays for 2 hours. Lovely spot for a picnic! For more info, click HERE
Get in touch if you know of any others!
