This easy family walk from Carole Jackson, of the Mid-Norfolk Ramblers, goes through varied countryside and links the villages of Colton and Barford.

It follows field and woodland paths as well as some quiet roads, and there is a short stretch across Barnham Broom golf course.

The route crosses the River Yare twice, not far from its source.

There is a varied selection of wildflowers to be seen along the way including bluebells in spring.

St Andrew' s Church at Colton is well worth a visit. This little flint church dates from the 13th century and contains a medieval wall painting depicting two women in the dreadful sin of gossiping and being encouraged by devils! There is a 14th century font, a 15th century rood screen and a fine Victorian Gothic-style gallery housing the organ.

St Botolph's Church at Barford is a large, light church that dates from the 12th or 13th century. Much of the early architecture is still on view and it contains several interesting features.

There are no refreshment stops on the route of the walk but both The Ugly Bug Inn at Colton and The Cock at Barford are not far away.

Please take special car when parking - please park by the fence only.

From the car park, which is on the east side of Colton church, turn right along the lane. Go past Church House and ignore a footpath on the right. Then, after just a few more paces, turn left through a hedge gap, cross a plank bridge and follow the signed field edge path ahead. At the field corner by a marker post go through the gap on the right and then bear left following a hedged green path. Then keep to the right, ignoring a path through the trees. At the road turn right and pass an impressive brick barn on the left with stepped gables, each step capped with a ridge tile. It bears the date '1666' and the initials 'IM' in the brickwork. Continue on past the pond and the village sign in Colton.

At the staggered crossroads, turn left. Then, after about 200 metres, bear right into a track by a clump of trees, passing round a barrier. When the track reaches the corner of the woods, follow it to the right with the woods on the left. Follow the well-defined path across a clearing which can get overgrown with bracken in summer. Where the path widens and goes to the left, turn right on to a marked path through the trees. At the end of the woods the path turns briefly left, then right, before joining a track with a line of poplar trees. At the end of the track, go through a gate to reach a lane. Turn left along the lane, soon crossing the River Yare. After about a quarter of a mile, turn right into a narrow lane that leads up to Barford church.

After visiting the church, return along the lane and turn right uphill to reach a road junction. Turn right along this sometimes busy road. After about a quarter of a mile, turn right along a track with a hedge on the left. On reaching the golf course, bear right on to a hedged path along the edge of the course. Then follow the way-marked path to the left over the golf course – keeping a lookout for golfers – and head for a footbridge that crosses the River Yare. Having crossed the bridge, initially bear right but then, at the top of the bank, go left crossing to a marker at the field corner. Continue ahead, with the golf course on the left, to reach a marker where the path passes through a gap in the hedge. Turn left and follow the field edge round and then go through a hedge. Go ahead to cross the stile and then follow the marked path across a garden. Go out through a gate and follow the driveway to a lane. Turn right along the lane and keep ahead, rightwards, at the junction to return to Colton church.

•This article was first published in December 2011.