Marriott's Way, long-distance foot, cycle path and bridleway between Norwich and Aylsham
Marriott's Way is a long-distance trail in Norfolk spanning about 26 miles from Norwich to the town of Aylsham, following two former railway lines. The route is mostly flat and passes through open farmland and woodland, with remnants of old railway bridges and station buildings visible along the path.
The railway line was built in the late 1800s and carried freight and passenger trains through the region, supporting the growth of surrounding villages. It closed in the 1960s and was later converted into a public walking trail.
The trail is named after William Marriott, a railway worker whose memory is preserved in the local landscape. It connects small villages and farmland, reflecting how the railway shaped rural life and trade in the region.
The trail is consistently flat and accessible to most visitors, including families with children seeking easy walks. With limited facilities along the route, bring water and snacks, and use the rest areas at villages to break your journey.
The trail is decorated with art made from old railway pieces, including sculptures placed at mile markers and wind-up boxes hidden under some bridges that play sounds from the railway era. These details turn a simple walk into a discovery of the region's industrial past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.