Peddars Way
11th century priory
River valleys
Working windmill
Peddars Way is thought to be based on an ancient track used by ‘pedders’ or travelling traders in the Middle Ages.
It begins in the woodland and runs through footpaths, quiet lanes and old Roman roads to reach the coastline.
Along the way you’ll pass through heathland and pine forests and alongside ice age pingos (dome-shaped hills).
We’ve divided the trail into four stages, but you can start anywhere along the route using the map below.
Knettishall Heath to Great Cressingham
The south end of Peddars Way begins in the Brecks, an area of peaceful river valleys and breathtaking beauty.
Rich in wildlife and steeped in history dating back to the Stone Age, the trail follows an old Roman road – traversed by legionnaires 2,000 years ago – through the Norfolk countryside, all the way to the coast.
Along this gently undulating stretch of the trail, you will see the pingo ponds of Thompson Common, left behind from the last ice age more than 12,000 years ago.
You might also spot a few Songline sculptures that tell the tales of how people interacted with the landscape in times gone by.
Great Cressingham to Great Massingham
History, beauty and intrigue are never far away on stage 2, which reveals some breathtaking sites.
After a leisurely stroll through patchwork farm fields, you reach Castle Acre. This historic village boasts an extraordinarily intact example of a motte-and-bailey castle, as well as the 11th century Castle Acre Priory, one of the best-preserved monastic sites in England.
As you continue to meander through the flat arable landscape, let the tranquillity fill your senses.
You’ll finish this leg on the outskirts of Great Massingham, a picturesque spot with an impressive village green.
Great Massingham to Sedgeford
This stage takes you past ancient burial mounds and makes a detour to the only working windmill in the area that’s open to the public.
From Great Massingham, you continue north along the Roman Road through peaceful patchwork countryside.
Along the way, history and culture are everywhere. Keep a look out for Bronze Age burial mounds. And, interestingly, the Royal Sandringham Estate is only a short detour to the west.
Around 1 mile (1.6 km) after crossing Norman Road, you have the option to make a detour to Bircham Windmill to visit one of the best-preserved mills in the region, complete with a bakery.
Sedgeford to Hunstanton
During this stage, you’ll wave goodbye to the Peddars Way and find yourself on a new adventure.
To begin, hike north through glorious patchwork countryside, soaking up the last of Norfolk’s inland beauty.
Upon reaching the coast at Flaxley, the Peddars Way draws to a finish. Here, you join the Norfolk Coast Path and hike west.
When you reach the end of the walk in Hunstanton, take in this elegant resort, renowned for its unique striped cliffs and magnificent sunsets, made special by its position as the only west-facing resort on the East Coast.
Hunstanton has lots of accommodation, places for food and drink, shops and other attractions.
Norfolk Coast Path
Discover a range of landscapes along this 112-mile coastline, including cliffs, sandy beaches, saltmarshes and coastal towns.
Walking & cycling
Experience the coast on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems.
Stage 1:
The Peddars Way begins in the Brecks, an area of peaceful river valleys and breathtaking beauty.
Rich in wildlife and steeped in history dating back to the Stone Age, the trail follows an old Roman road – traversed by legionnaires 2,000 years ago – through the Norfolk countryside, all the way to the coast.
Along this gently undulating stretch of the trail, you’ll see the pingo ponds of Thompson Common, left behind from the last ice age more than 12,000 years ago.
The Tour finishes in Great Cressingham. While there isn’t much in the village, The Olde Windmill Inn has rooms and serves food. There are other options nearby, too.
Stage 2:
History, beauty and intrigue are never far away on stage 2, which reveals some splendid sites that are sure to take your breath away.
After a leisurely stroll through patchwork farm fields, you reach Castle Acre. This historic village boasts an extraordinarily intact example of a motte-and-bailey castle, as well as Castle Acre Priory, one of the best-preserved monastic sites in England.
As you continue to meander through the flat arable landscape, let the tranquillity fill your senses. Norfolk is renowned for peace and quiet and you will find the entire Peddars Way to be exactly that.
This Tour finishes on the outskirts of Great Massingham, a picturesque village with one of the most impressive greens in the county.
Stage 1 – Knettishall Heath to Great Cressingham – Peddars Way
The Peddars Way begins in the Brecks, an area of peaceful river valleys and breathtaking beauty. Rich in wildlife and steeped in history dating back to the Stone Age, the trail follows an old Roman road – traversed by legionnaires 2,000 years ago – through the Norfolk countryside, all the way to the coast. Along this gently undulating stretch of the trail, you will see the pingo ponds of Thompson Common, left behind from the last ice age more than 12,000 years ago. You might also spot a few Songline sculptures that tell the tales of how people interacted with the landscape in times gone by. The Tour finishes in Great Cressingham.
Stage 2 – Great Cressingham to Great Massingham
History, beauty and intrigue are never far away on this leg, which reveals some splendid sites that are sure to take your breath away. After a leisurely stroll through patchwork farm fields, you reach Castle Acre. This historic village boasts an extraordinarily intact example of a motte-and-bailey castle, as well as Castle Acre Priory, one of the best-preserved monastic sites in England. As you continue to meander through the flat arable landscape, let the tranquillity fill your senses. Norfolk is renowned for peace and quiet and you will find the entire Peddars Way to be exactly that. This Tour finishes on the outskirts of Great Massingham, a picturesque village with one of the most impressive greens in the county.