I’ve lived in Norfolk for heading on seventeen years and I still really don’t know it for its beauty that I hear a lot of people talk about. Bar National Trust locations, which are beautiful, I wouldn’t know where to start. However, earlier this year I discovered AllTrails and it’s absolutely amazing. Not only for discovering walks where you are (it is a national resource), but it tracks and records your activity (should you wish it to).
The Eaton Park & UEA Broad Circular is classed as an Easy trail and is 2.9miles in distance. AllTrails approximate finishing time as 1hr3mins. It took me 1hr 11mins and I stopped to take photos. The trail starts at one end of Eaton Park, by one of the carparks. The official trail heads to the UEA section of the circular first, however, as it’s a circular you can go which ever direction you want, and I chose (accidentally, admittedly) the Park trail first. I’m actually glad I did as this part of the circular has better terrain.
The trail takes you around the circumference of Eaton park, passed the children’s park, through a lovely garden space, and around the edge of a golf course. In the centre there is a cafe which I will post separately about, but it sells very cheap hot drinks.
There are some beautiful pieces of architecture on the Eaton Park site, The park dates back around 100 years and was originally opened as a sports park, including a boating lake, which is still there, and though not as impressive as the ones which sailed back when the park was opened, there was a little boat on the surface today. There is a lot of renovation ongoing at current, especially around the cafe area, however, this did not ruin the atmosphere of the walk, and you don’t need to head to the cafe unless you want to. This is also a wonderful open space for families, dogs and picnics.
Once around two thirds of the Eaton Park trail there are paths through small woodland like areas, but often with open space close by. As a female solo walker, I definitely felt that this was safe, late morning, on a Monday.
You do have to cross over a residential road as you pass across to the UEA part of the circular, which is the only part that breaks the spell of being around nature, but almost immediately you will see the most beautiful lake and your forget about the road. I have to admit, I feel that the UEA part was my favourite as you are surrounded by more trees and nature in general. Though, Eaton Park is clearly landscaped with regular gardeners, UEA is more organic, and so you do have to watch out for the odd bramble and group of nettles.
It’s worth pointing out that bar a handful of seeing areas around Eaton Park’s trail, there are multiple places to stop to rest. Many benches and picnic tables along the way, and you could even stop for a BBQ on the situated grills. Alternatively, a short detour will take you to the Sainsbury’s Centre, where you can visit The Terrace or the Modern Life cafe, both situated inside. 
The terrain around the lake is more uneven, but still mostly flat. The day I went the weather was beautiful but it’s worth noting that it can get a little muddy around the lake after rainfall. You can park on UEA property for a fee, and just do the lake part of this circular should you wish to. This was an almost perfect trail for those wanting an ‘easy’ and self-paced walk.
As you leave UEA to the residential road and into Eaton Park, there is an incline. It’s not too steep but if you need it completely flat, it’s perhaps not appropriate for you. However, it is not a significant incline and should be passable for most. According to the trail, there is a 216ft elevation gain.
I can see this being the perfect trail for those who want a regular walk they can repeat. When passing fellow walkers, everyone was pleasant and would smile and say hello. Amenities can be found at both parts of the circular, making this one of the best walking spots in Norfolk. Spend time around the lake and see nature at its finest. Either flora or fauna, as well as many species of birds.
