The name of the route originates from the chief engineer and manager of the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway (M&GNJR), William Marriott, who held the position for 41 years.

The tranquil path passes through extensive mixed woodland of the Mileplain plantation to cross the Wensum below Attlebridge.

After reaching a country lane, the privately-owned former Attlebridge railway station can be viewed; the way can be accessed close to a car park and picnic area.

After passing through birch woods, the large industrial estate of Lenwade can be seen to the west of the way and water filled gravel pits to the east.

When the railway closed, such management ceased and a wide variety of plants colonised the track; this has made it the diverse habitat for wildlife that it is today.

Many wild flowers can be found such as shepherd's purse, ox-eye daisy, white campion and meadow saxifrage.

Closer to the river, the soil becomes heavier and wetter and vegetation includes alder, elder, marsh marigold and willow.

On the chalky soils, typical plants found are the sycamore, birch and chalk grassland species such as wild carrot, self heal, bird's-foot-trefoil, knapweed and mullein.

The route is marked by steel benches, fabricated from flat-bottomed rail at intervals of 1 mile starting from the site of Norwich City station.