Seals At Winterton and Horsey Beaches
We are slap bang in the middle of our pupping season and it is a real honour to have these wonderful creatures continue to thrive and return each year.
This year is an absolute bumper crop of pups! Yay!
But, with great wonder, comes great responsibility. We know all our Pack Holidays visitors respect these gorgeous ceatures and do adhere to the rules, but if you do know of anyone intending to visit, do feel free to share this information with them.
Our Friends of Horsey Seal Wardens are amazing people who do all they can to ensure that our seals are looked after, and they are on hand nearly all the time, during this time of year.
IF YOU DO VISIT A SEAL COLONY, PLEASE RESPECT THESE WILD CREATURES:
- Stay a good distance away from the seals
- Look out for seals in the dunes and give them a wide berth
- Be careful – seals have a nasty bite
- Keep dogs on a lead
- Keep to marked viewing areas and respect the fencing
- Remember grey seals are wild animals and should not be approached
- Respect other visitors
ACCESS AND THE TERRAIN AT HORSEY
Visiting Horsey is a joyous experience at all times of year, but please be aware that when visiting in winter to see seals, the track to the viewing areas is likely to be affected by puddles and can be uneven for people with reduced mobility, or visitors with pushchairs or prams.
Whereas we welcome all visitors, wheelchair-users should be aware that there are no facilities on the site for people with special needs. Viewing areas are reached by sloping paths with sandy surfaces. Getting to viewing points is likely to be difficult for visitors who rely on a wheel-chair. Please see below for an alternative suggestion.
The wind on top of the dunes can be very cold during the winter months, so for those unable to move around very much, it is wise to wear extra layers of clothing. Winter afternoons are short and darkness comes quickly. The site is unlit. Be prepared – take a torch.
We ask you to follow the marked paths. Best views are from an area atop the dunes about 11/4 miles (approximately 25 minutes walk) from Horsey Gap car park, which is reached by a tall flight of wooden steps.
A smaller viewing area is just 5-10 minutes walk from the car park, reached by a roped sandy/grassy path which ascends the dunes with no steps. This path leads towards a WWII pillbox. After that, the section which rejoins the main path is downhill and quite steep and you might need to check that it is suitable for you before you start the walk. On regaining the main track turn left if you wish to continue your walk to the main viewing area, or right to return to Horsey Gap car park.
The metal kissing gate at Horsey Gap car park gives access for wheelchairs and buggies to the main path leading to seal viewing areas (Coast Path) but, because of the nature of the site, there are currently no other special facilities or easy access on this site for wheelchair users.
ANOTHER WAY TO ENJOY NORFOLK’S SEALS.
If walking is a problem, an excellent alternative, is a seal boat trip from Morston Quay or Blakeney where passengers get close-up views of grey and harbour (common) seals.
Beans Boats are equipped to take wheelchair-bound passengers, and the boats run all year, although trips are weather dependant. Contact info@beansboattrips.co.uk for further information or visit their website www.beansboattrips.co.uk
WINTERTON ON SEA
The grey seal rookery centred at Horsey has expanded this year more than ever onto the beach and dunes at Winterton.
Females with pups, and bulls can be found on the beach and in the dunes as you from Winterton towards Somerton and Horsey.
For the safety of your dogs and yourselves, and to protect the seals, please consider walking your dogs and family towards Hemsby.
Please do not approach the seals or pups and please always keep your dogs on a lead in the seal areas.
The seals can be viewed at Horsey where there is car parking and where wardens are normally on duty and available to provide information too.