The perfect walk for between Christmas and New Year’s Eve
THE WALK
1. With the church behind you, turn left taking the path beside the Guildhall. Follow the path to the junction. Turn left, going along the boardwalk over two bridges to a small copse, over a third bridge to Blackslough Lane. Turn left to the end of the lane. Take the footpath opposite, following the path beside the building. At the end of the field at a metal post turn left then right then left again to follow the field edge track for a distance to New Lane. Turn left. Follow the lane passing the factory. At the junction turn right. Follow the road round the corner, ignoring the path to the right.
2. Just before the next corner take the concrete track signed for a nursery school. Follow the track around the school. Taking the track to the left passing Coppins Farm follow the track round the right-hand corner. Ignore the finger post, carry straight on to the road. Turn right. Follow the road to a finger post on the left. Follow the edge of the lawn to an enclosed path then follow the field edge to the road. Turn right. This will bring you to Kenninghall Road opposite Banham Zoo.
3. Short walk. If you are doing the short walk, you turn left, then left down the track after Westgate House. At the junction of paths, turn right. Follow, ignoring the path to the right .You come to Church Lane which will return you to the start.
3. Long walk. For the longer walk, turn right past the front of the zoo. After about 400 metres, take Park Common Lane. Just before the farm buildings turn left. Following a wide field edge path, it carries on with a small wood on the left. Follow to a finger post. Cross the bridge. Follow the path with a ditch to the left. Ignoring the path turning right at the marker post, turn left following the field edge path to Wood Lane. Cross, taking the path with the hedge on your right. Follow this down to the ditch. Turn left, then right across the bridge taking the distinct path across the field to the back of the houses. Turn right following the path round the back of the houses. Cross Winfarthing Road, ignoring paths to your left. You will eventually come out on Heath Road. Turn left. This will bring you back to the village green and the start.
POINT OF INTEREST
Banham Zoo
Banham Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals from around the world and set in 50 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens. In 2013, the zoo, along with its sister park Africa Alive! near Lowestoft, became part of the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA). Its primary aims are the advancement of education, zoology, animal welfare, environmental protection and to support wildlife conservation across the world.
Kenninghall Place
You have views across the fields to the south to a house surrounded by trees, which is all that remains of Kenninghall Place. It was once the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk from where Mary Tudor rode to London to claim the throne on hearing of the death of her father Henry VIII.
St Mary's Church
The church is worth a visit with some impressive stained glass and carvings.
Food and drink
At Banham Butchers and Delicatessen in the Appleyard in Kenninghall Road, you can pick up various bakes to keep your energy levels up - the sausage rolls come recommended.
The chef at The Smokehouse at The Garden House in Banham got a standing ovation from customers when it opened in June. Bringing a taste of the American south to south Norfolk, the menu includes dishes such as smoked brisket and fully loaded burgers, along with macaroni cheese and wings.
COMPASS POINTS
START: At Banham Church gates
NEAREST POST CODE: NR19 2SX
DISTANCE: Short walk 4 miles / 6.5km or long walk 7 miles / 11.5 km
GRID REFERENCE: TM0637 8821
WHAT3WORDS: trousers.bunk.streetcar
