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The Coasthopper bus is one of the great secrets of Norfolk walking. Running seven days a week along the entire North Norfolk coast, it turns what would otherwise be a logistical puzzle — how do you walk a linear coastal route without two cars? — into something beautifully simple. Get on the bus at one end, walk back from the other.
About the Coasthopper
The Coasthopper is operated by Sanders Coaches and runs year-round along the North Norfolk coast. There are two routes that together cover the entire coastline from Wells-next-the-Sea in the west to North Walsham in the east — a stretch of around 90 miles. Sanders were named Top Independent Bus Operator at the UK Bus Awards in both 2023 and 2024, and the service genuinely lives up to the reputation — reliable, regular and run by people who clearly love the coast they serve.
For walkers, the Coasthopper is transformative. It turns the Norfolk Coast Path from a demanding multi-day expedition requiring complex logistics into a series of brilliant day walks, each one doable on its own with a straightforward bus connection home. You can park your car once and spend days exploring the coast without moving it.
"Park the car in Cromer, spend three days walking the coast in each direction, sleep in a different village each night, and never worry about getting back. That is what the Coasthopper makes possible."
The Two Routes
CH1 — Wells-next-the-Sea to Cromer
The western and longer of the two routes, CH1 covers the most famous stretch of the North Norfolk coast — the salt marshes, seal colonies and nature reserves between Wells and Cromer. This is the route for big skies, birdwatching and some of the finest coastal scenery in England.
CH2 — Cromer to North Walsham (via the coast)
The eastern route, CH2 follows the coast road from Cromer through the quieter villages of Overstrand, Sidestrand, Trimingham and Mundesley before heading inland to North Walsham. This is the less-visited, less-documented stretch of the Norfolk coast — the Deep History Coast — with dramatic chalk and clay cliffs, quieter beaches and some genuinely hidden walking.
Tickets and Fares
Single fares are capped at £3. Explorer Day and multi-day tickets can be bought online at sanderscoaches.com/coasthopper or from the driver. Dogs travel free and are welcome on all Coasthopper services — though they must not sit on the seats. Bikes can travel if space permits — check with the driver.
Practical Information
The 8 Coasthopper Walks
We've divided the route into 8 manageable day walks, each with its own dedicated guide. Every walk is designed so you can get off at one stop, walk to the next, and catch the bus back — or walk in the other direction if you prefer. Mix and match to create multi-day itineraries.
The Coasthopper makes a 2–3 day walking holiday along the Norfolk coast genuinely easy to arrange. Park at Cromer, walk west along CH1 on day one (Cromer to Sheringham — bus back), walk east along CH2 on day two (Cromer to Mundesley — bus back). On day three, connect both routes for a full day from Wells to Cromer or beyond. The 7-day Coastal Explorer ticket covers everything for around £30.