Marriott's Way

About trip

The MandGN Railway was the Midlands and Great Northern, although its critics claimed the initials stood for Muddle and Go Nowhere. These days the trains go nowhere at all on this line but, for walkers, the closing of this particular stretch was a great boon, because it now forms the basis of the 21-mile (34km) Marriott’s Way, a long distance footpath, which was named after William Marriott, the MandGN’s first chief engineer. While you're there: In Cawston, to the east, St Agnes’ Church has a 16th-century gallery with a poem about making ale. Between Cawston and Booton is Booton Common, a wild area in the care of Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Booton’s Church of St Michael and All Angels is medieval, although made to look Victorian in the 19th century. Where to eat and drink: The Crown on Stony Lane and the Old Brewery House Hotel in the centre of Reepham offer bar meals and restaurants. The Crown also has a beer garden. There is a tea shop in picturesque Reepham Station, which has been restored and has edible goods and crafts for sale. Directions: From the car park turn right towards the Methodist church and turn left up Kerdiston Road, signposted ‘Byway to Guestwick’. At the junction with Smuggler’s Lane, take the path left into the CaSu Park. Take the footpath ahead of you, then bear to the right each time paths meet, and you will emerge through trees on to the lane again. Turn left and walk under a bridge. Look for the stile on the left of the street, climb over and go up the steps to Marriott’s Way Thelmthorpe Link. Turn right along the track, now part of the National Cycle Network. After about 1.25 miles (2km) the path runs under a bridge near Brick Kiln Farm, where there is one of the route’s several information boards. Follow the path straight ahead until it bends south and then east. The track is elevated above the road, on an old Victorian brick bridge that has been reinforced with new wood and metal struts. The path is more open, with good views across the surrounding countryside. The path rises upwards and passes through two gated fences to cross the main road into Reepham. After you have crossed the road, the path leads down again to return to its peaceful tunnel of hedgerows. The remains of Whitwell Station comprise several buildings including a deserted platform. When you come across the platform, take the footpath to your left, crossing the remains of an old car park. Pass five concrete bollards and turn left on the lane. After just a few paces you will see a track to your right, part of the ‘Out and About in Broadlands’ circular walks. Walk along this grassy track (which can be very muddy, especially in winter or after rain) until you have school playing grounds to your right. Follow the circular walk arrow to the right, slightly uphill, until you reach the school buildings. The track becomes grassed and then a paved lane with houses. At the end of the lane turn left, staying on the left-hand side of the road to walk on the pavement. At the clock shop go straight ahead up Station Road to return to the car park.