Old Hunstanton and Holme Dunes Walk

6 miles (9.7 km)

This circular walk starts from the car park at Old Hunstanton and heads north east along the coast to Holme Dunes.
The route begins in the traditional village of Old Hunstanton, distinct from the adjacent resort town of New Hunstanton. The starting point provides immediate access to the beach, which is famous for its striking cliffs featuring layers of red limestone, white chalk, and carrstone.... This area is also notable as one of the few places on the east coast of England where you can watch the sunset over the sea, due to its unique westward-facing orientation. From the car park, walkers quickly join the Norfolk Coast Path, tracking the coastline past the historic ruins of St Edmund's Chapel and the Old Hunstanton Lighthouse.
This coastal environment encompasses sandy beaches, foredunes, saltmarsh, and freshwater pools, making it a critical habitat for diverse wildlife. The reserve at Holme Dunes is a significant site for nesting birds, where species such as ringed plovers and oystercatchers breed on the shingle and sand, while avocets can be observed in the wet pools. The maritime dunes support specialised plant life, including sea lavender, marram grass, and sea holly. Additionally, the area is notable for its populations of natterjack toads, which utilise the shallow dune slacks during the spring breeding season.