Ranworth

Joe Jackson

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

Ranworth is an idyllic Broadland village which remains untransformed by the tens of thousands of visitors every year. People come to this village for the beauty of its natural surroundings, the distant views from the top of the church and the calmness of Ranworth and Malthouse Broads.

The route starts by following a bridleway towards the northern edge of South Walsham Broad. In summer these woodlands are alive with wildlife of all sorts and many types of trees and flowers. The winter months see a reduction in the plants but allow for views to the Broad and nearby waterways. The next section follows quiet country lanes to work its way gently to the towering church on the western side of the village. During opening hours, visitors are allowed to walk up the spiral staircase and through the trap-door to the viewing platform at the top. Donations are appreciated to maintain the church. The view from the top is excellent and extends for many miles in all directions. Look out for the remains of St Benet's Abbey to the north-east and the remains of Panxworth Church Tower to the south-west.

After passing the church the route heads down a small country lane past the nature reserve. If the walker has a little more time, I strongly recommend taking a detour to the visitor centre beyond the woods and marshes, about 500m from the road. From the visitor centre there are open views of Ranworth Broad (binoculars supplied!) and a wealth of activities and information for all ages. The entry is free but they do ask for donations once again.

England - East England - Norfolk - Broads

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Gift Shop, Great Views, Lake/Loch, Mostly Flat, Pub, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

6/1/2021 - Paul Oakes

We completed the walk on 31 May 2021. The village was heaving so we parked outside the church and started the walk from point 8. The church was unfortunately closed so climbing to the top was not possible. The walk itself is almost entirely along a well sheltered bridleway and then country lanes, you will not see any view across South Walsham Broad. Ranworth itself is beautiful, the pub and cafe were doing a roaring trade which was good to see. I would suggest an early start if you want to park in Ranworth itself.