Bure Valley Path

This project delivered a broad range of improvements to the Bure Valley Path and the surrounding area, including:

• The creation of five new circular walks:
  • Coltishall circular walk (5 km or 3.1 miles)
  • Belaugh circular walk (6 km or 3 ¾ miles)
  • Oxnead circular walk (3.9km or 2.9 miles)
  • Buxton circular walk (4.5 km or 2 ¾ miles)
  • Little Hautbois circular walk (4.4km or 2 ¾ miles)
  • Heritage improvements at 5 stations along the route
  • Habitat creation works along the route
  • Installation of way marking, interpretation boards and furniture

Although the Bure Valley Path was a well-used walking and cycling route and a key component of ‘the Green Loop’, there were several problems which held it back from reaching its full potential as a Norfolk-wide destination and alternative destination to the Natura 2000 sites. These problems included poor accessibility due to poor surface quality, path width restrictions and a lack of awareness of available walking routes.

On the first year of Bure Valley Path improvements the trail experience over 55,000 visitors. The gateway access points onto the trail have been significantly improved with a range of new access and art features that enhance the overall experience and use of the trail. The improvements at Aylsham, Buxton and Coltishall now provide wheelchair access onto the path. 

The new circular walks with waymarking and interpretation have created further opportunities to discover and experience the wider countryside surrounding the Bure Valley Path. This project was primarily funded by Broadland District Council and EXPERIENCE, with the GNGB providing the last £59k of funding needed to make the project happen.

The GNGB supported this project because it is offered a significant opportunity to improve a popular green space for the benefit of people across the whole of Greater Norwich. It also offered the opportunity to support growth in both Aylsham and Wroxham, and aligned with aspirations set out in their neighbourhood plans to enhance the route.