GROUND LOOP 01

The Lighthouse Loop

Distance • ~3 km ‍ ‍

Terrain • promenade, beach, sandy cliff paths and woodland

Difficulty • Moderate (some steep climbs)

Start • Gangway Slope

Finish • North Lodge park

At its best • walked towards sunset

Dogs • Happy Valley is perfect

Local Tip • Blackberries line parts of the route in late summer.

Anchor

Set off from the foot of the gangway.

Tractors rest with their backs to the sea. Surfers drift ashore. Fishermen pack away. Gulls skim the shoreline.

The lighthouse watches over it all.

Navigate

Leave the town behind by following the old cobbled gangway down to the promenade.

Turn so the North Sea is on your left and follow the coastline past Cromer's colourful beach huts weathered by salt air.

Look out for the hidden flight of steps climbing the cliff. They lead onto sandy paths that weave through ferns, gorse and coastal scrub, with the sea now stretching below you.

Before long, Cromer Lighthouse emerges above the treetops.

Take time to wander around the helicopter pad before descending into the quiet woodland of Happy Valley, where winding a grassy park offers a welcome contrast to the overgrown clifftops. Spot the woodland creatures carved into the bench.

Buzzards circling over head.

Continue through to North Lodge Park. Rabbits hiding in the grass edges.

Returning to the gentle rhythm of a Cromer Town.

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