Broads Walks: Burgh Castle

Walk length: 1.5 mile circular walk.

Getting Started

If arriving by car, begin the walk at Burgh Castle Car Park, NR31 9QG. Follow the track towards the church to the start of the walk, Grid ref: TG 4768 0499. Follow the circular walk waymarking from this point.

The Route

This 1.5 mile easy going circular route around the third century roman fort has vast views over Halvergate Marshes and Breydon Water. You can also see Berney Arms Mill, the tallest mill in Norfolk, across the river. Burgh Castle or Gariannonvm stands near the confluence of the Rivers Waveney and Yare before they flow into Breydon Water, the remains of a great estuary. Three walls of the castle remain while the fourth has fallen to the river below. Burgh Castle was built as one of the Saxon Shore forts to defend the coast from Saxon raiders. The reedbeds below the fort are home to Bearded Tits, Reed and Sedge Warblers and many species of butterfly. On the tidal mudflats you can see a variety of wildfowl and waders. Marsh and Hen Harriers frequent the area in winter.

The walk will also take you through the medieval round-tower church of St Peter and St Paul and if planning some longer walks, the Angles Way long distance trail runs across the boardwalk section of the walk and continues to Great Yarmouth if heading East or St Olaves to the west.

There is no seating directly on the route but there is some seating inside the fort. Refreshments and toilets can be found nearby at the local pub and restaurant.