Route 3: King’s Lynn to Walsingham via Creake Abbey

The information on this page supplements the material to be found in Chapter 2 of the book Norfolk’s Pilgrim Routes 

Download maps of the route and follow them on your phone

The mapping for this route is divided into two stages, relating to the suggested two-day walking itinerary.

Should you choose to follow the route outlined below, please be aware of the following disclaimer

You discharge the author, and Amberley, or any associated individual concerned, of all liability for any injuries caused by or in any way related to your decision to walk any of these routes.

If you have the OS maps app, you can download the route for Stage 1 here:

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/19874351/kings-lynn-walsingham-via-gt-bircham-stage-1-lynn-to-gt-birchamkml?lat=52.813988&lon=0.413077&zoom=10.5096&style=Leisure&type=2d

Stage 1: King’s Lynn to Great Bircham

Other ways to download route maps and follow on your phone…

Open this page on your phone

Click on the white arrow in the middle of the map above

You will see a run-through of the route and, once done, the ‘expand to fill’ icon top right will go white

To follow the map without downloading… 

Click the arrow icon at bottom right on the map

This finds your location, and enables you to see where you are on the route.

NOTE If you are not on the route (eg at home before you set out) then the map display will adjust to your current location. You need to be at the start of the route, or at some point on it, for navigation along it to be possible by this method.

It’s much better to download the map to your phone.

To download the route and follow it on your phone…

Click on the dropdown menu (at top right) and select the ‘download’ option from the list

On the screen that opens you are given options on tailoring your download. Make any adjustments you want and then…

Click the orange ‘download’ button.

Choose the option ‘Save to files’

You will be asked which app you want to open it in.

Options will be presented to you, but you have to click on ‘…’ at the end of the row to find the app you want. Clicking here brings up a list of all the apps on your phone, and you can select the one you want.

Among the many map reading apps are OS (The Ordnance Survey), which I use in the subscription version, OpenStreetMap and Komoot.

Follow the instructions in your chosen app to save and follow the route.

The same process applies for the maps below this one.

Stage 2: Great Bircham to Walsingham

If you have the OS maps app, you can download the route for Stage 2 here:

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/19877160/kings-lynn-walsingham-via-gt-bircham-stage-2-gt-bircham-to-walsingham?lat=52.894998&lon=0.684663&zoom=11.1638&style=Leisure&type=2d

Public transport

Rail: King’s Lynn is served by Greater Anglia

Ferry: A passenger ferry runs across the Ouse from West Lynn to King’s Lynn. It links the pilgrim route from Walpole St Peter, featured in Chapter 2, to the King’s Lynn pilgrim trail 

Bus: A number of bus companies serve King’s Lynn and Norfolk more generally. They are listed here

The Coastliner Route 36 serves Walsingham, with services to Fakenham and King’s Lynn

Taxi: King’s Lynn Taxis is among a number of local firms

Walsingham is served by Tiny’s Taxis among other firms

Where to eat and stay

King’s Lynn Accommodation guide

King’s Lynn Food and drink guide

Castle Rising Black Horse Inn food and drink

Castle Rising Tearooms food and drink

North Creake The Jolly Farmers food and drink

Creake Abbey Barn Cafe food and drink

Great Bircham The King’s Head food, drink and accommodation

Great Bircham Bircham Stores and Cafe food and drink

Walsingham Accommodation guide

Pilgrim places

Castle Rising St Lawrence Service and open times

Norfolk Churches write up

Anmer St Mary’s

Services and open times

Norfolk Churches write-up

North Creake Creake Abbey information and open hours