Previous Events:

For most of our longer walks and some regular short walks we take pictures and write a summary to keep a record of the event.

As part of 2025 Heritage Open Days (HODs) we hosted a walk, largely within the built up area of the town. Taking in buildings of architectural note, including St Nicholas’ Church, Bishop Bonner’s Cottage Museum, the Guildhall, Dereham Memorial Hall, Dereham Railway Station, the Maltings, Assembly Rooms and Corn Hall.

Joining the walk were members of Dereham Heritage Trust, providing historical information about what we saw on our route.

Read the full report.

August Bank Holiday Monday saw another regular and popular event, our Garden Party walk. At around 4 miles, we started at 13:30 from The Neatherd and ended in a nearby garden with tea/coffee and cake.

Read the full report.

The ever popular trip to Thuxton on the Mid-Norfolk Railway, departing from Dereham Railway Station at 10:30, with the option for tea or coffee and a piece of cake or biscuits at the station café when we return.

Read the full report.

On a fine summer’s evening in June, Dereham Walkers are Welcome was pleased to host a tour of Dereham’s developing Country Park. The work was started many years ago, the plans being taken forward by Dereham Town Council with the very active involvement of Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

The evening concluded with an optional drink/meal at 'The Coachmakers'. Read the full report.

An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

In a walk of two halves: our Friday group set off from the Windmill along a route past the developing Country Park, but then gentle but persistent rain started. Fortunately everyone was prepared and out came the rain-wear for the second half of the walk.

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A one-way, longer walk of about 6½ miles from Mattishall. We started at the Market Place in Dereham in time to catch the 09:50 Konect 4 bus arriving in Mattishall at 10:15 for the walk back to Dereham

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We met outside at Church House at 13:30 for a short (3½ mile) walk, returning around 15:00 for light refreshments and a short meeting.

The Secretary reported on what we have been doing and, more importantly, on our plans for the future where we very much welcomed your suggestions and thoughts.

For more details see the:
Meeting Review (pdf), and
Accounts Summary (pdf) 1-Jan to 31-Dec 2024.

Read the full report.

An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

A sunny day and although the breeze was cool, it made for ideal walking. We set off from The Neatherd to take the byways north of the Town ...

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An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

In contrast to two days earlier, Friday was bright and sunny, with a cool breeze, so pretty well ideal walking conditions. Over the 4 mile route all puddles were safely navigated!

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Our traditional New Year’s Day walk (6¾ miles) started from Church House on the morning of 1 January 2025 and ended with seasonal refreshments.

The weather was, how shall we put it ... challenging! Nevertheless an intrepid small group completed the walk.

Read the full report.

An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

Coming beautifully between days of poor weather, our Friday walk had a clear sky with a cool, but light, breeze, making for almost perfect walking conditions. From the Windmill a circular walk brought us back where most of the group enjoyed refreshments at the Partea Hut.

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An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

A party of 19 took what in hindsight might have been called ‘The Back Alley Walk’. Never getting too far from the town, we completed the walk and half of us took refreshment at Coco’s.

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A slightly different walk which started at the earlier time of 9:50 at the Konect bus stop outside NatWest Bank to catch the 10:00 to North Elmham and then about 6½ mile walk back to Dereham including a short diversion to have refreshments at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum.

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An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

A fine, even warm, day greeted the 16 walkers on our October short walk who enjoyed the changing colours of autumn.

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As part of 2024 Heritage Open Days (HODs) theme of Routes-Networks-Connections we held town walks which looked at former road and rail routes in Dereham, with historical information supplied by a member of Dereham Heritage Trust.

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Bank Holiday Monday was a fine summer’s day, with with a very welcome breeze. Our party set out along the south side of The Neatherd for a fairly short walk (about 4 miles), ending around 15:00 for a ‘garden party’ - drinks and cakes in a nearby garden.

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In a welcome break from recent weather, a fine day saw a party of 15 meet up at Dereham Railway Station. A 20 minute train ride took us to Thuxton, where we commenced the 7 mile walk back to Dereham via Garvestone, Whinburgh and Toftwood.

An optional coffee-and-cake awaited at the station cafe on our return.

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Starting from the bottom of Cherry Tree car park a 6 miles walk going east from the town and returning through Northall Green, Quebec Wood and the path above Rushmeadow.

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An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

A bright day with a cool breeze accompanied the group assembled by the Windmill on the first Friday of June. Following a pleasing walk refreshments were available at the Partea Hut.

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The plan has changed from that in the original timetable. The date changed some weeks ago but the route also had to change at the last moment due to previous very heavy rain.

We started at 10:00 outside Church House and headed out east for a 6½ mile circuit enjoying a 'big' sky and lush greens, but also dodging some large puddles.

See the full report.

Twenty-three of us met outside Church House ready for a 4 mile walk in a cool breeze, but the sun shone too.

On our return over tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits, we reviewed our activity over the preceding year and discussed possibilities for the future.

Read the full report.

An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

The first Friday walk went well. 'Thirteen' collected for the start of the walk, but for various reasons, the walk was a bit like an Agatha Christie novel, with only 5 making it back to The Neatherd!

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A 6¼ mile walk heading out to Northall Green and then returning on paths to the east of the Town.

A small group of ten set out and enjoyed a moody sky and despite the forecast of rain stayed dry.

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An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

Just 8 of us welcomed the start of meteorological (so we’re told) spring on Friday morning, for a walk from the Windmill, taking in Etling Green and The Neatherd.

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At about 5½ miles, this adventure started with 31 people and two dogs taking a bus to Swanton Morley. They were met by further walkers for the walk back to Dereham using part of the Wensum Way (and its Dereham extension, which is also part of the Jubilee Trail from Gressenhall).

See the full report.

An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

With weather better than forecast, 32 of us set off through the town and on to enjoy the countryside to the south-east.

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An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

Just a few of us tried the paths around The Neatherd, finding plenty of water - enough to force us to turn back a couple of times.

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2024 started with our traditional 1 January walk to start the New Year. The walk was to be about 5½ miles, but mud shortened that a little.

We returned to Church House for hot drinks and a small selection of sumptuous seasonal savoury and sweet ... (Walk Leader: I’ve run out of alliteration) items. [Web editor: ... snacks !]

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The weather forecast a fine day for our regular 'short walk' slot of the first Friday of the month, but we we met with a snow flurry! Stating at Church House there was an option for a short walk finishing at the Windmill, and walking or bussing back to the Town centre, or progressing further ...

A smaller group then extended the walk via Northall Green.

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A longer walk (6½ miles), taking the Konect 4 service from Dereham to Mattishall and walking back.

This walk was part of the Walk Norfolk festival, details at Pathmakers, (link opens in a new tab).

See the full report.

As part of the National HODs week this guided walk of 4½ miles explored Dereham's history, places of interest include: Bishop Bonner’s Cottage Museum, Scarning Water Meadows, Mid-Norfolk Railway station, the Windmill, the Neatherd, the old cemetery and a rare chance to visit the Explosives Store.

See the full report.

Fine weather greeted our annual ‘garden party’ walk, starting from The Neatherd and taking in Highfields, Hoe Lodge, some of us said hello to a barn of cows, then on to Northall Green, Etling Green and Shillings Lane. The walk was led by our new committee member Celia who took us round in exactly the anticipated time. We arrived back at The Neatherd for an amazing spread of tea, coffee, scones and cake put on by our generous hosts, who also made available their wonderful garden.

See the full report.

An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

Our short walk started at The Neatherd, taking the byway along its northern edge, heading eastwards, and on to pass close by Etling Green.

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In this walk a group set off to Thuxton starting with a 20-minute train ride, courtesy of the Mid-Norfolk Railway, from where we walked back to Dereham.

Returning to Dereham station we were treated to drinks and the MNR’s home made cakes - very much enjoyed by all present.

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An 'out of area' 5½ mile circular walk at the town of Eye in Suffolk, one of the two towns in Suffolk carrying 'Walkers are Welcome' accreditation.

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On the late May Bank Holiday we undertook a slightly longer walk of about 6½ miles. The walk started from outside Church House at the bottom of Church Street, and followed a circular route to the South of the Town.

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An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

We beat the weather forecast (the thunder and rain started only after we were safely back in town) and mostly walked in very pleasant sunshine.

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It was a proper Spring day with 23 walkers setting off from outside Church House for a 3½ mile walk to the west and north of the Town.

On our return over tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits, we reviewed our activity over the preceding year and discussed possibilities for the future.

Read the full report.

An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

Starting from The Market Place, this 3¾ mile walk went through Scarning Water Meadows, out past Rash’s Green and returning via the Recreation ground.

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As has become traditional, 2023 started with a New Year’s Day walk (6¼ miles) and included a break part way for some seasonal refreshments.

In fully acceptable weather - during the first half, the sun was sighted on a number of occasions!

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Passing through the newly refurbished Queen Mother's Garden our dual length walk attracted no fewer than 29 walkers, and 2 dogs.

In our regular 'short walk' slot of the first Friday of the month this gave an option for a short walk returning via Sandy Lane and the churchyard or an extended walk to Northall Green, returning via The Neatherd.

Read the full report.

An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

A circular walk in the autumn sunshine, starting at the windmill, with many taking welcome refreshment at the Partea Hut afterwards.

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Starting in the Market Place we headed out of town on the 09:50 Konect bus 21 to North Elmham for a 7½ mile walk back to Dereham.

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The third town heritage walk for 2022 on the theme of Dereham’s Georgian Heritage.

Dereham Walkers are Welcome and Dereham Heritage Trust jointly offered a guided walk around Dereham town centre, explaining the background to some of the notable Georgian buildings and sites within the town.

Read the full report.

An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

Passports in hand (or rucksack), our September short walk took us ‘over the border’ into Scarning.

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At the end of August (Bank Holiday Monday) we held another of our popular garden party walks, starting at 13:30 from the play area by The Neatherd it was a shortish walk of about 5 miles, concluding with tea and cakes!

Read the full report.

The second town heritage walk for 2022 on the theme of Dereham’s Industrial Heritage.

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A ride out to Thuxton on the Mid-Norfolk Railway and walk back to Dereham station, where there was tea and cake!

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The first of three heritage events we are running in association with Dereham Heritage Trust throughout the year. This walk looked at various points of historical interest in Dereham.

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A 5 mile walk started at outside Bishop Bonner’s Cottage Museum. On our return we held our Annual Public Meeting in Church House, where we invite comments on what we’ve been doing and what you would like us to do in future. As usual, light refreshments were served.

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Our regular monthly First Friday short walk moved a day earlier and became a "Jubilee Thursday" walk for June. We were treated to excellent weather as 28 people joined our Jubilee themed walk concluding with light refreshments.

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An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

Read the full report.

A group of 25 partook in a 5¾ mile walk heading out up Sandy Lane, then past Dillington Hall and along Mill Lane to join a short section of the Wensum Way, returning via Hoe Lodge and the water tower.

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An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

Read the full report.






An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

Read the full report.






An brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

Read the full report.






Starting at the Ellenor Fenn Garden at the Dencora shopping centre; a 5 mile circular route to the North-west of Dereham. The weather was nothing like the snowy lane pre-walk picture with a record breaking (for New Year's Day) 16°C.

We enjoyed seasonal refreshments including mince pies and stollen on return to the Ellenor Fenn Garden.

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Our 3 December walk was designed to cater for those who wanted the usual short walk, and for those who wanted to have a bit further to go.

The walk started started by zig-zagging through the Town before heading east to Dumpling Green, then back over the A47 to head north towards Northall Green.

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This walk ws a little shorter than usual, at a little over 5 miles, but to make up for that, it will end with hot drinks and home made-cakes at a nearby venue.

The walk is a loop to the east of the Town and makes use of the newly refurbished steps.

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An occasional brief report on our regular programme of short walks in and around Dereham held on the first Friday of the month.

Read the full report.





This walk offered a choice: a longer walk of about 7 miles or a short walk of 3½ or 4 miles.

Both walks set off past the church, down Washbridge and on to Rushmeadow. We then joined Sandy Lane and progressed past the golf course to reach Quebec Road. People on the short walk could return to the town centre either on Sandy Lane or Quebec Road.

The longer walk continued to Hoe, returning via Northall Green and The Neatherd.

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A full COVID-19 compliant risk assessment has been completed.

A 6 mile walk along the Tud Valley which marks the boundary between Dereham and Yaxham. Taking about 2½ hours, including a short mid-way break for rest and/or self provided refreshments. An excellent walking day with sun and a gentle breeze.

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A full COVID-19 compliant risk assessment has been completed.

Our postponed New Year's Day walk; spring has arrived and this walk definitely did not look like the original picture !!

The walk was about 5½ miles, taking about 2 hours. The walk appears on a map to be mainly through the built up areas of Dereham, but this is misleading as it follows many tree and hedge lined tracks hiding the urban picture.

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A full COVID-19 compliant risk assessment has been completed.

This walk is an extra one from our original programme and celebrates tree week, but also marks the end of the second national lock-down.

The previous day it had rained and snowed all day, leading to some muddy tracks but for our walk it stayed dry with a few sunny intervals.

The walk circumnavigated the north of the Town, never far from habitation. It was about 6 miles, taking a bit over 2 hours, including a short break for rest and/or refreshments. The original route was impassable and had to be changed on the day, see the full report for exciting details.

Read the full report.

A full COVID-19 compliant risk assessment has been completed.

For this walk, we have put together a route which covers a number of paths that aren’t used very often. The walk was to be about 7 miles, taking about 2¾ hours, including a short break for rest and/or refreshments.

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A full COVID-19 compliant risk assessment has been completed.

The walk encompassed Neatherd Moor, Northall Green and Etling Green, about 4½ miles. Following persistent heavy rain there was some excitement crossing some flooded ditches, but everyone negotiated the terrain successfully. The route was slightly changed on the day so we ended up doing it in the reverse direction to that originally planned.

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We are delighted to have restarted our programme of walks, beginning with a 6 mile walk on Bank Holiday, Monday 31 August.

Inevitably, there were some specific requirements to ensure we are following Government guidelines - and of course to keep all participants safe. The walkers was spilt into two smaller groups each with their own walk leader setting off 10 minutes apart. It was good to be back.

Read the full report.

More (Older) Events

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2023 list of all events
2024 list of all events

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