Coltishall - Little Hautbois - Great Hautbois - Coltishall

Joe Jackson

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This lovely walk starts alongside the Bure Valley Railway Station at Coltishall. The beginning of the route follows quiet country lanes towards the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, a lovely church and well worth a little look inside. The route then passes the local shops (time to get some snacks if needed) before following the riverbank path alongside the Bure. This path follows the river's meanders for several kilometres, passing the site of a 13th Century castle. If you keep an eye out to the fields on the right you may see the remains of St Theobald's Church. This church was deliberately ruined and a new church built nearer the village centre by the Victorians. There is a public footpath leading to the church from the road nearby and is well worth a visit. The site of the 13th Century castle lies between the church and the riverbank and is completely covered with trees.

After the long stretch of riverbank path the route approaches Little Hautbois Hall. This hall is Tudor and a wonderful example of Tudor masonry. The field to the right of the path that leads to the hall once had a church standing on it. The only remains of this church is a slight level platform that you can just about see. The route then follows the Bure Valley Railway path for a short distance before turning off and stopping in the perfect picnic spot at Great Hautbois Common. Small ponds play host to a wide variety of wildlife and give good reason for a little stop. The return journey follows a footpath across open fields and country lanes to arrive back at the start.

England - East England - Norfolk - Broads

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Mostly Flat, River, Stately Home, Wildlife, Woodland

5/19/2021 - Paul Oakes

The forecast was bright sunshine, a 20 minute full on hailstorm as we followed the river was the reality, amazing to watch, not so amazing to endure. Aside from the wet stuff a very enjoyable couple of hours. The remains of the church as you follow the river are no longer visible, I will assume they have long been covered by nature. To compensate you come across the majestic Little Hautbois Hall, even to stand outside such a building was very rewarding, the old adage 'they don't build em' like they used to, was very much on my mind. All instructions still valid.