Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Long Distance Path Directory

The National Trails of East Anglia are featured in this concise directory which contain all you need to know about these two fabulopus long distance walks.

A countryside view from the Peddars Way Path

The Peddars Way starts on Knettishall Heath near Thetford, and follows generally flat fen country across Norfolk to the sea - a distance of some 46 miles. Along the way the path follows an old Roman road through the Norfolk countryside to the beginning of the Norfolk Coast Path near Hunstanton. The Romans built the road as part of their successful efforts to subdue the rebellious Iceni tribe in 61 AD. The Iceni tribe led by Boadicea razed Colchester and London before being brought to bay. The name "peddar" was not applied to the path until the Middle Ages, when it seems to have been a generic term for a footpath. The route is an enjoyable mix of country lanes, footpaths, and tracks. At Holme-next-the-Sea the path turns east onto the Norfolk Coast Path and travels through the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural lBeauty (AONB) to Cromer. The area is rich in salt marshes, dunes, and clay cliffs, as well as quiet villages notable for their flint and brick architecture.

Google Maps Open Source Maps

The best web sites for General Information and Planning:

National Trails of Great Britain Comprehensive site providing details on the route. Includes an accommodation guide, booking service providers, maps required.
Explore Norfolk A passionate guide to Norfolk from a local expert with a detailed section on the National Trail.

The best web sites for Guided Walking:

None available at present

The web sites that organise accommodation and/ or baggage transfer:

Absolute Escapes are offering self-guided walking packages on this walk including accommodation and baggage transfer.
The Walking Holiday Company have a range of itineraries and route options for the walk all including accommodation and baggage transfer for the whole walk.
Celtic Trails Full self guided walkers service.
Contours Full range of self guided walking services. Alternatives to the walk offered.
Xplore Britain Full range of self guided walking services.
Celtic Trails Full self guided walking service provided.
Hike Help Dedicated baggage transfer service.

The best web sites for you to plan your accommodation:

S H Systems Excellent range of accommodation. Just type in the location to bring up a list of accommodation in the area. You can sort by price, postcode or rating.

The best personal journals of the walk:

Suzy Watson Suzy lives in the region, loves Norfolk and sells the walk in this passionate story of her journey on the trail.
Sally Jordan Sally has a passion for Long Distance Trails and this reflection is excellent.
Aylmer Family A journal of the walk with added information on planning the walk.

The essential sites for safety advice and emergency services:

Ramblers Association Practical walking advice on keeping safe including a guide to map reading, navigation and a detailed list of the essential gear required on a long distance walk.
Mountain Rescue UK You may need them so take their advice.

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Feedback and Suggestions:

I am always pleased to received feedback on the structure and content of the website. I also welcome suggestions on how I can improve the website which may include new areas to cover, new walks or route alterations to existing walks. To contact me with feedback and/ or suggestions please complete the Walking Englishman Feedback Form. Thank you.

(Note: Walking without proper preparation can be dangerous. Information and downloads on this website are provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check the material and use accordingly. Postscript: My walk reports are not route guides and should not be treated as such. They are written with personal reflections of my walks)