Peddar’s Way & Norfolk Coast Path – Classic Walks

Peddar’s Way & Norfolk Coast Path: A Classic Norfolk Walk:

Village of Castle Acre on Peddar's Way

Britain’s Peddar’s Way & Norfolk Coast Path is one of Norfolk’s better known walks. This walk takes you along the old Roman road which moved troops up from Colchester. Once at Hunstanton, you follow the Norfolk Coast Path to Cromer.

Peddar’s Way begins at Knettishall Heath near the old market town of Thetford, passes villages and towns of Little Cressingham, Castle Acre, Hunstanton (via Sandringham), Burnham Overy Staithe, Blakeney before arriving at Cromer on the Norfolk coast.

Bruce Robinson has written a guide book for this walk.   A specially designed, well-made and bound pocket sized book that guides you along the trail.

Peddar’s Way & Norfolk Coast Path route is 95 km long and for those contemplating this trail for their walking holiday in England, a certain amount of planning is required. Although the path is well marked, the English weather is unpredictable and needs to be catered for.

Some general information about the walk: Peddar’s Way & Norfolk Coast Path Route: Starting from Knettishall Heath near the old market town of Thetford, the path takes you to Hunstanton on north Norfolk’s Heritage Coast. The path follows the line of a Roman road, built during Rome’s battle against the rebellious Iceni tribe led by Queen Boadicea. A mix of country lanes, rich farmland makes for pleasant walking. Then the path follows the Norfolk coast to Cromer.

Some Highlights: The priory at Castle Acre, a visit to Sandringham (the Queen’s holiday residence). Hunstanton, a Victorian era holiday town and the sea dykes on the Norfolk Coast Path.

Walking Route Planner:

The number of days required depends on how fit and how quickly or leisurely you want your walking holiday to be. Work out the average number of kilometres you are prepared to do in a day, taking into account the landscape and the town or village in which you will end your day.  It’s also nice to plan on arriving a little earlier in a village if there are interesting attractions you may like to visit, such as in Hunstanton or Cromer. We did the walk in 5 days, however it’s also possible to do it in about 4 days if you put your running shoes on.

Luggage transfer: This efficient service is readily available and can be organized through a number of tour operators on the ‘self-guided’ itineraries.

Your Peddar’s Way & Norfolk Coast Path Accommodation: This is usually in B&Bs or inns and should be booked in advance.

Food: Mostly good quality traditional English food is served up at B&Bs and village inns and there are wide choices in their menu. Cider and ale are common. Most B&B owners can cater for vegetarians or people with other food preferences if given sufficient notice.

When to go? The northern spring or autumn seasons are recommended as accommodation is easier to obtain and the tourist numbers are lower.

Walking Gear: Good walking boots and socks are critical. Your shoes should have been worn in. Also important is what rain gear to take. Make sure it’s made from a breathable material.

Our Take:

There is a lot to see on this 95 km journey through Norfolk, so remember to bring your camera. We particularly enjoyed walking along the breezy coast. Be prepared for rain and the wonderful walking. The Way is well sign posted.

See the Peddar’s Way & Norfolk Coast Path itinerary here

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