The best walks and hikes around Catfield

Owned by the Norfolk Archaeological Trust, the ruin of St Benet's Abbey is an evocative sight. At the height of the 12th century, this monastery would have been a major force in the region. Today, the remains stand silent on the banks of the River Bure, testament to a former glory.

One of three official visitor centres in the Broads, Toad Hole Cottage is full of information regarding the national park. This delightful marshman's cottage was inhabited during Victorian times and has been left in its original state, allowing visitors to imagine what it was like to live and work here. You can also buy tickets for a local wildlife walking trail.

A wonderful place for a gentle amble all year round, Hickling Broad is a haven for wildlife. The nature reserve here covers 1,500 acres (600 ha), while the lake is the largest of all in the Broads, as well as having the largest reedbed in England. The birdlife is a treat at any time of year, while there's always the chance of spotting the iconic swallowtail butterfly.

A wonderfully attractive building, St Nicholas' is known for its hammerbeam roof and its unique 15th-century brick font. It’s set slightly away from the village, overlooking picturesque fields. The round tower originated in the 12th century, though its superb octagonal extension dates from the 14th century.

Things to know: First of all, it is a delightful walk. If you begin at Ludham Bridge, there are plenty of places to park along the road. They are free parking pull-outs, so you're not exposed to parking on a narrow street. There is a bakery and public toilets. Although the walk parallels the river, you're not really next to it, except for a couple of spots. Nonetheless it's still very picturesque. Most of the path was easy to navigate accept for one short stretch where the tall grass had obscured the trail. It was very short, and if you look to your left, you'll see the posts of a short bridge, so just aim for that. At about the halfway point is How Hill Estate. It's rather a dramatic building with a thatched roof. Unusual for a building that size. I think you can get a room there if you're not from the area. There's a large lawn there, a place to watch the boats and, most importantly, public toilets and take-away café. It can be busy on the weekends so pick your day. Although we were there on a Sunday in July and it wasn't bad. Then it's back the way you came. FYI The Dog pub is just a short, safe, walk up the road from the start/end of the walk, in case you're interested.

The idyllic village of Irstead is located on the edge of the Norfolk Broads, nestled alongside the river Ant. The village features a number of quaint thatched cottages, a picturesque church, and a pleasant rural charm.

This viewpoint looks over the expansive freshwater lake of Barton Broad in Norfolk. The lake features gorgeous reed beds and waterlilies that provide home for a number of wonderful bird species including marsh harriers, bitterns, and great crested grebes. Boating enthusiasts are often seen exploring the lake's waters too.

Only reachable by boat across the River Ant, Turf Fen Drainage Mill is an attractive 19th-century windmill. It was built to drain the marsh behind it so that livestock could graze on the land. It has been restored by the Norfolk Windmills Trust, after falling out of use in 1920.