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Bigod’s Way – best walks in the Broads

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Bigod’s Way – best walks in the Broads

Moderate

4.7

(36)

149

hikers

Bigod’s Way – best walks in the Broads

02:15

8.74km

40m

Hiking

This gorgeous loop provides spades of natural beauty, a hearty slice of Norman heritage and a raft of wildlife spotting opportunities. Starting at the impressive ruin of Bungay Castle, it shadows the meandering River Waveney, taking you through the village of Earsham and back to the historic market town.

After leaving Bungay and crossing the river, you soon arrive in Earsham. The sight of the pretty All Saints Church welcomes you to this quaint little village, which is also home to the Queen’s Head, a historic coaching inn.

There are some interesting old water-filled quarries during the next section, one with a beguiling conveyor belt that runs under both Bath Hills Road and Hall Road. The route ascends gently above the valley, providing superb views of the river and the surrounding grazing marshes.

After some lovely woodland, you descend and skirt the village of Ditchingham. Once across the river, the route continues towards the centre of Bungay via the colourful Bridge Street. If you have time, it’s worth exploring the historic ruin of Bungay Castle, once the seat of the powerful Bigod family, allies to King William during the Norman Conquest.

by Broads National Park

Last updated: June 11, 2024

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Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

The Broads

Waypoints

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11 m

Bungay Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

The Grade I-listed Norman Bungay Castle became the seat of the Bigod family, allies of King William during the conquest of 1066. The Bigods were charismatic leaders among the barons and oversaw the construction of the keep in the latter half of the 12th century.

Today, Bungay Castle is an impressive ruin, with its two huge gate towers still intact. However, throughout 2023, the castle was closed for restorations.

Tip by

1.99 km

All Saints Church, Earsham

Highlight • Historical Site

With its fine 14th-century tower and impressive spire, All Saints Church is a pretty sight on the edge of Earsham. Two named trails pass the church: Bigod's Way, a 5.5-mile (9 km) loop from Bungay; and the Angles Way, a long-distance trail that follows the River Waveney from the sea at Great Yarmouth to its source, before tracing the Little Ouse to Thetford.

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2.49 km

Earsham Village

Highlight • Pub

The village of Earsham nestles within a meander of the River Waveney, to the west of the market town of Bungay. Its historic Queen's Head pub operated as a coaching inn in the mid-19th century and is still going today, with a range of real ales, ciders and craft beers. The Angles Way long-distance trail passes through the village.

Tip by

3.63 km

Quarry Conveyor Belt and Lake View

Highlight • Structure

The lake here is private and used by the local waterski club. However, from the roadside, you can admire the flooded gravel pits and get a close-up view of the quarry conveyor belt.

This conveyor runs under Bath Hills Road and Hall Road to the sand and gravel workings to the south. Thanks to its proximity to the road, you'll get an unusual opportunity to see this bit of logistical genius. Not to be mistaken for the bottom of a toboggan run.

Tip by

8.39 km

Bridge Street, Bungay

Highlight • Pub

Bridge Street is a pretty and colourful little street that leads from the heart of Bungay to the River Waveney. The characterful Chequers Inn is one of the oldest buildings in the town and dates from the 17th century. The pub serves good local ale and has a beer garden.

Tip by

8.74 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.44 km

2.71 km

1.19 km

656 m

555 m

190 m

Surfaces

3.73 km

2.36 km

1.86 km

466 m

180 m

148 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 29 July

28°C

17°C

53 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

November 8, 2023

This gorgeous loop provides spades of natural beauty, a hearty slice of Norman heritage and a raft of wildlife spotting opportunities. Starting at the impressive ruin of Bungay Castle, it shadows the meandering River Waveney, taking you through the village of Earsham and back to the historic market town

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Bigod’s Way – best walks in the Broads

Bungay Castle

All Saints Church, Earsham

Earsham Village

Quarry Conveyor Belt and Lake View

Bridge Street, Bungay

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