Peddars Way is a 47-mile trail that follows the straight (oh so very straight) route of a historic Roman road. The fact that this route is so straight really takes the difficulty out of navigating. Moreover the signage is so amazing you really can’t go wrong. It’s the best marked route I’ve walked to date. Well, apart from the Thames Path where you knew you’d gone wrong if you couldn’t see the river!
Peddars Way is one of the more gentle National Trails. The terrain is varied but is generally flat or with only gentle gradients. So it is an excellent walk to cut your teeth on.
Apparently there are five sculptures along this trail that are part of ‘The Norfolk Songline’, created by Hugh Upton. I only saw two of them, so I must have been ‘in the zone’ and completely missed them! My challenge to you is to find all five.
Day 1 Knettishall Heath to Little Cressingham – approx 15 miles
My walk began in the woodland of Knettishall Heath. The route was well maintained, easy dried mud or grass track. Lots of butterflies with kites soaring above. A challenge follows – crossing the very busy A11 dual carriageway near the Roudham Heath Picnic Area. If it’s any consolation, there’s a WC there! I recommend using it as there are no others on this section.
The path continues under a railway line, alongside farms and down to Stonebridge. Then it’s a tarmac surface for some time, heading past Galley Hill and Thompson Water. Finally, with a sense of relief, it was back to fields leading to Little Cressingham.
Incidentally, Thompson Water is part of Thompson Common and a truly unique place. It’s home to the UK’s rarest amphibian, the northern pool frog and famous for its ‘pingo’ ponds. These are a network of around 400 small pools created during the last Ice Age. So if time allows, go explore.
Day 2 Little Cressingham to Great Massingham – approx 17 miles
Today was a lot of tarmac walking, along a single-track road, until just north of North Pickenham. But very few cars.
Approaching North Pickenham, walkers are encouraged to walk on the field side of the hedge for safety. Here the hedges are high, the road winding, so drivers wouldn’t see walkers on the road.
If you are using an app, you might need to ignore it at this point. Look for the Peddars Way sign that directs you to turn left into fields rather than head along the road.
Thankfully just up the hill out of North Pickenham, the route returns to a mud footpath and woods again. The next road you meet is the busy A47, one you need to cross. Two things worth noting: you’re almost halfway (there’s a sign that tells you!) and there’s a fast food chain offering food and toilet facilities!
The next section is more tarmac/road walking, crossing the A1065 to walk into Castle Acre. The beautiful village is a rare and complete survival of a Norman planned settlement. There is a castle ruin atop a mound, a bailey gate and a priory, one of the best-preserved monastic sites in England. Best of all you are truly spoilt for amenities here.
Leaving Castle Acre, it’s back to road walking. I veered off route about three miles out of Castle Acre to head to my overnight stay in Great Massingham. Heading down Sandy Lane I was greeted by the wonderful sight of two baby deer feeding.
Great Massingham is a lovely village, a busy general store directly opposite the renowned Dabbling Duck pub, where I stayed, and lots of ponds and ducks!
Day 3 Great Massingham to Holme by Sea – approx 16 miles
After a lovely breakfast of poached eggs and spinach, I returned to Peddars Way again for the last day’s walk. Tarmac was replaced by a very sandy track, heading past pig farms and fields, crossing roads and walking through little hamlets.
I particularly liked Peddar’s House near Fring, and Magazine Wood and Farm, all beautiful houses in great positions. I might have missed some of the Norfolk Songline sculptures but I didn’t miss three National Trail benches with various etchings on them like – “Take a seat, gal!” They offer welcome respite for tired legs.
Nearing the end you walk through Ringstead. Alas the 17th-century coaching inn, the Gin Trap was closed – great name! The general store has a café with outside seats, the one and only spot to refuel before the end destination.
Passing the last row of houses, my walking app says go left. The signs say continue on to Holme-next-the-Sea and I recommend doing that. A quick paddle in the sea ended a memorable walk along Peddars Way.
Sarah walked with: a 10L rucksack, walking pole, 2 x 1.5l water bottles, battery pack and lead, blister plasters, paracetamol, £10 in cash, a baseball cap, Sunglasses, a thin zip top, and a walking app just in case!
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