An overview guide to walking the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path A National Trail

Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path 151km / 94 miles part of the Walking on the Web guide to walking in England

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Map Ordnance Survey Explorer 229, 236, 237, 250, 251 and 252

On the Ordnance Survey map Knettishall Heath Country Park has the symbol of a boot next to it. It's not suprising because three major footpaths depart from this point in three separte directions. The Angles Way heads east towards Great Yarmouth, the Ickneild Way heads west for Ivinghoe Beacon and the Peddars Way heads north to the north Norfolk coast to become the Norfolk Coast Path.

The nearest conabation to the start is Thetford which has and links and there is a convienient at Thorpe Woodlands 3km from the start on route.

Leaving Knettishall Heath Country Park from the western car park the Peddars Way heads north between Rushford Heath and Blackwater Carr with a zig zag to cross the Little Ouse River to join the eastern edge of the West Harling Belt up to and over the A1066 trunk road. Continuing north cross the minor road and join the track on the edge of the forestry to reach the banks of the River Thet. Turn right up to the bridge and cross the river. The way crosses another minor road to head over relatively open land to the south west corner of another lump of forestry. The path follows the eastern edge crossing the A11 trunk road on route.

Cross the railway line at Shadwell Crossing and enter the forest having been joined from the left by the Hareward Way. Where the path emerges from the trees the Hareward Way turns right and the Peddars Way steadfastly continues north....

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The path follows the old roman road the "Peddars Way" on a straightish course along wide tracks and minor roads through Stonebridge (PH Dog and Partridge) where it joins the edge of one danger area to the left and another danger area in the form of National Cycle Route no 13 although the 2nd is only for a short distance before it turns right for Thompson.

The Peddars Way continues straight upto a track coming out of the village of Merton where it turns left and follows the track to the B1108 where it turns left again to Little Cressingham with its pub and windmill. Tourist information for this area can be obtained from the following two sites although I suspect in future the two will combine into the latter wayland-tourism wayland.paston

The way joins a minor road north out of the village towards and beyond South Pickenham before leaving the tarmac opposite the lane leading to Houghton Farm. It heads for North Pickenham (PH) past the old airfield and on to a green track that crosses the A47 just before the start of the Swaffham bypass.

the missing bit including a priory a castle and a real ale pub the Ostrich at Castle Acre its got beds and beer ??????????????

the roads turns north and the Peddars Way continues north, north westish to cross the B1145 at Rhubarb Cottage. The bearing the route takes seems to go on forever, however if you want to rest your weary head and are looking for a camp site and a public house Great Messingham is a slight detour on your right.

After this there's nothfring! in Fring except a church

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