This holiday is based on the north-western tip of the North Norfolk coast in the village of Old Hunstanton. The quiet character of Old Hunstanton remains distinct from its busy sibling, with a stunning sandy beach, pine trees, dunes and even the famous striped cliffs past the disused Lighthouse and the ruins of St Edmund’s Chapel within easy reach.

We spend our days walking under the huge skies of the Norfolk Coast – covering parts of the coastal path from Wells-next-the Sea and Holkham to the Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve on the doorstep of Old Hunstanton – and it’s all a bird watcher’s paradise.

In late autumn, we have unrivalled opportunities to see many species of resident ducks, waders, seabirds and geese as well as some of the thousands of migrating birds that will arrive here for the winter or stop-over for a rest on their various journeys further south. On each walk, we’ll get a sense of the rich wildlife in the large reedbeds, saltmarshes, pines and sand dunes that we pass, sometimes getting close-up views of birds from hides, and always enjoying the panoramic views.

The holiday is times to coincide with the incredible Snettisham Spectacular when thousands of waders take to the air en masse as the tide comes in.

Itinerary (subject to change):

Day 1: Arrive in Old Hunstanton

Once checked in to the hotel, take some time to relax and enjoy the surroundings before meeting your guide for a holiday briefing followed by dinner.

Day 2 – Holm Dunes National Nature Reserve

We spend our day at the Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful and varied, and possibly least visited, parts of the north Norfolk coastline. We walk through thickets of sea buckthorn, shingle ridges on the beach, saltmarsh, freshwater grazing marsh, reedbed, dunes and even a Corsican pine woodland. All these habitats make Holme Dunes internationally important for wildlife, especially for birds, providing a migration hotspot owing to its key location at the north-western edge of the north Norfolk coast. Enroute we visit the Holme Bird Observatory for information on recently migrating birds in the area and also have a coffee break at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust visitor centre.

Distance: 5 miles maximum Ascent/Descent: 10 metres – virtually flat

Day 3 – Snettisham Spectacular and Titchwell Marsh (RSPB nature reserves)

Our first option is a dawn start to admire and experience the whirling waders at Snettisham as one of the biggest Spring tides push them off the mudflats in their thousands. This is a truly magnificent spectacle and does not happen every day. Be amazed at one of the best highlights British wildlife has to offer. We come back for a late breakfast and then head out to Titchwell Marsh nature reserve. Here we follow a variety of short trails through meadows, fens and reedbed pools eventually getting to the beach where we may see the remains of an old forest. This is where we can see a whole host of birds up close and highlights may include bearded tits, marsh harriers and even bitterns from the paths. Hot snacks and coffee are also available at the RSPB visitor centre.

Distance: 5 miles maximum Ascent/Descent: 40 metres – mostly flat

Day 4 – Holkham National Nature Reserve and Wells-next-the-sea

Today we spend our time walking into the heart of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, which stretches from Burnham Norton to Morston. This is the most extensive, diverse and dramatic nature reserve on a coastline famous for nature reserves, with infinite vistas, mazes of creeks and saltmarsh as well as dunes and pines. As we walk from Wells-next-the-Sea to Holkham Bay (or vice-versa), we’ll scan the sea for divers, grebes and sea ducks, whilst making sure we search the saltmarsh habitat for the early arrival of rare winter visitors. Yet more birds can be spotted on the sheltered, southern side of the pine woodland including, occasionally, yellow-browed warbler, a very rare visitor from the Siberian taiga.

Distance: 5 miles maximum Ascent/Descent: 40 metres – mostly flat

Day 5 – Snettisham Scalp to the Ken Hill Estate

For our last morning, we’ll follow a gentle 3-mile linear trail which starts at Snettisham Scalp, walking northwards along the lagoons and reedbeds of the Snettisham Coastal Park Nature Reserve. We then leave the sea defences and walk eastwards through arable farmland towards the Ken Hill Estate. Here we reach the mature trees at the edge of Wild Ken Hill, where a fascinating rewilding project is unfolding and where the Springwatch team were based in June 2022. We continue onwards through the purple heather of Ken Hill Plain before reaching the end of this delightful walk. We hope to see numerous curlew, lapwing and avocet on this walk and may, if we’re really lucky, get to see the elusive wood lark too.

Feedback from a previous trip: “As ever Madeleine was an outstanding guide, so knowlegeable and patient. The birdwatching was fantastic and the area beautiful to walk in. The hotel was excellent and the breakfasts were especially good. Having the bus stop just opposite the hotel made travelling very easy both during the holiday and also for me using trains and buses to get to Norfolk. We were also helped by the great weather. It is a holiday worth repeating.” Janet
“Madeline is an excellent and knowledgeable leader. We saw some brilliant birds in some beautiful places. Accommodation was comfortable and good food. Definitely recommend the holiday.” Joan
“I had a wonderful time on this trip – I can’t stop talking about it. Madeline was so knowledgeable, and fun with it. Thoroughly enjoyed all that the Norfolk coast had to offer. Thank you!” Mandy

• Price
• Grade
• Guide
• Accommodation
• Travel

Single Occupancy Ensuite £810 Single Occupancy Superior Room £890 Twin Shared Ensuite Superior Room £740 per person Price Includes: 4 nights' B&B in 3* hotel accommodation; packed lunch; transport to walks as required; entry to nature reserve. Not Included: Evening meals (your guide will arrange for the group to eat together in the evenings); personal expenses; insurance

Walks will be taken at a leisurely pace with the emphasis on birdwatching rather than covering a lot of ground. There will be plenty of opportunities to sit and watch the birds, take photos, enjoy the views.

Madeline Holloway is a natural history expert and freelance ecologist with a hugely impressive knowledge of birds and nature. She has been a walking guide for over 10 years and her enthusiasm for her subject is infectious. Be prepared to end up on your hands and knees magnifying glass in hand!

The Lodge, Old Hunstaton is a small privately owned hotel which offers a choice of stylish, comforatable accommodation. The hotel is ideally located to explore the coast and you are guaranteed a warm welcome.

The Lodge, Old Hunstanton Road, Old Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 6HX By Train: The nearest station is Kings Lynn which is 17 miles away. A taxi costs around £40 - £50 and there is a taxi rank at the station. If you would like to share a taxi (not included) at around 4pm then please get in touch. By Car: The Lodge is 25 minutes drive from up the coast from Kings Lynn. There is a car park at the accommodation.