Norfolk urban walk: James Hill and Mousehold Heath

This lovely city walk takes in Norwich landmarks including the cathedral and Pulls Ferry.

Sunset from Mousehold Heath. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

1. Leave the station car park from the right-hand corner. Cross Thorpe Road. Follow Riverside Road to the second road on right, Aspland Road. At the end of the road go up the steps and turn left along path round into Rosary Road. Turn right just after Ethel Road. Turn left up drive to Rosary Cemetery. At the end of the wall, just before the chapel and notice board, turn right and follow the drive round the edge of the cemetery. Go on through a gap in the old wall by another notice board into a newer section. Go around a left bend. You will come to a path across the grass to a gate. This brings you on to Telegraph Lane.

2. Turn left up road for 20 meters, then take steps on opposite side of road into Lion Wood. Follow path to a clearing. Where the fence turns left carry straight on through the gap. Follow path to a barrier. This brings you onto Wellesley Avenue North. At crossroads turn left along Wolfe Road then take the second right along Britannia Road. Cross Plumstead Road then carry on along Britannia Road. Take the path opposite Britannia Barracks out to St James Hill. You have good views of the city then returning to Britannia Road.

3. Turn left. Follow to the main road turning sharp right onto a track. Pass through the barrier. Follow this path straight on. You will come to a Tarmac track. Cross, taking the path in front of you. Go gently uphill until you come to the pitch and putt course on the right. At the buildings on your right turn sharp left following this path to the road. Cross the road to the car park. Cross to the right-hand corner. Follow to a cross path in the dip. Keep straight on to the playing field on your right. Bear slightly leftwards on the main path. Go down another dip and leftwards up the other side. Go across a large open space with a pond on your left. Follow path to edge of heath.

Jarrold Bridge. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

4. At the house and exit turn left. Follow the track to barrier turning left down the steps. Follow to end of clearing then turn right. At the cycle track turn left following through to Mousehold Avenue. Cross road to the clearing. In line with the bus stop is a path through the woods. Follow this to the track coming up to the old ranger’s house. Turn left to the road then right down to the new cycle track. Follow this down through the flats to Heathgate. Turn left. Follow round to Cannell Green. At bottom of hill take path to main road. Cross at crossing. Take the path between the flats and leisure centre then turn right following Riverside to the Jarrold Bridge.

Cow Tower. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

5. Cross bridge then turn left pass through the gate. Please be aware that the Riverside path is locked at dusk. Follow the path beside the river. Cross the bridge at the 18th century Swan Pit. Then you pass the 13th century Cow Tower. Follow path to Bishop Bridge Road. Take the alley straight ahead through to Pulls Ferry. At this point if you wish to visit Norwich Cathedral turn right. If not go through the gate following Riverside to the steps to the Compleat Angler public house to the bridge. Turn left back to the station.

Norwich Cathedral. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

COMPASS POINTS

START: Norwich Railway Station

DISTANCE: 5.5 miles/8.7km

GRID REFERENCE: TG 2385 0845

NEAREST POSTCODE: NR1 1SQ

WHAT3WORDS: fakes.lower.baked

First of its kind

The Rosary Cemetery in Rosary Road, Norwich, was the first non-denominational cemetery in England, licensed for burials by the Bishop of Norwich in 1821 when the first interment took place. It was to be a cemetery where people were free to be buried with the religious service of their choice or none, if that was their preference.

A city oasis

Mousehold Heath is a unique 184-acre area made up of heathland, woodland and recreational open space located in the north of the city. It is the largest local nature reserve managed by Norwich City Council, prized for its wildlife and is a place where people can go to unwind from the pace of city life. Lion Wood nature reserve is also looked after by Norwich City Council.

The Britannia Barracks were built in 1885 and are now occupied by Norwich Prison

Point of interest

One of the earliest purpose-built artillery blockhouses in England, Cow Tower was built in 1398-9 to control a strategic point in Norwich's city defences.

The Red Lion Bishopgate pub in Norwich. (Image: The Red Lion)

Historic pub

Perched on the River Wensum next to Bishop Bridge, the Red Lion is a gorgeous spot in which to enjoy some delicious food and drink - their Sunday roasts come highly recommended. It has been a licensed premises since the 1700s and some parts of the building date back to the 16th century. It;s owned by the Great Hospital Charity as is operated by Nick and Briony De'Ath who run some of the city's best-known pubs including The Unthank Arms and the Trafford Arms.

You can work up an appetite by taking to the river with Norfolk Paddle Boards, who have a base at the pub, before your meal.

Bread Source, which is famed for its cinnamon buns, runs the cafe at Norwich Cathedral. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Daily bread

The popular Norfolk bakery chain Bread Source runs the refectory at Norwich Cathedral. A gorgeous, airy space, its pastry counter is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, laden with sweet and savoury bakes including their famous cinnamon buns. The coffee is very good too.