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Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

The Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail is effectively two long distance paths in one.

If you're a nature lover then this trail will have plenty to offer you - Peddars Way is a Roman road which passes through the Brecks, an official area of environmental sensitivity, while Norfolk Coast Path runs through the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wells-Next-The-Sea
Wells-Next-The-Sea © Elliott Brown via Flickr

There is much history to be seen on Peddars Way, together with an interesting series of sculptures created out of a project to explore Peddars Way, its creation and relationship with the land and people of the area.

Start of the The Peddars Way
Start of the The Peddars Way © Summoned By Fells via Flickr

By contrast, the wide open vistas and myriad wildlife of the Norfolk Coast Path blend with flint villages and harbours from bygone days to give a vivid sense of our long relationship with nature and the sea.

Ford on the River Nar
River Nar © Summoned By Fells via Flickr

It's an area of great importance to bird watchers and is well known for a variety of local seafood dishes.

Ruins of St Edmund's Chapel
Ruins of St Edmund's Chapel © Elliott Brown via Flickr

By National Trail standards, Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path is a relatively easy walk to undertake, though some sections, especially on the Norfolk Coast Path are exposed and can be quite hard going, especially in less clement months.

Cromer at the end of the Peddars Way
Cromer © Summoned By Fells via Flickr

As with other National Trails, Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path is split up into eight smaller sections, making up a total distance of approximately 96.5 miles. Walking Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path in one go takes, on average, 8 days or so.

Morning on the Norfolk Coast
Morning on the Norfolk Coast © Summoned By Fells via Flickr

As with any such outdoors pursuit, be sure to go properly equipped, to let someone know your plans and to check the weather forecast.

For further information, there is a Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path Trail Officer, whose office can be contacted on: +44 (0) 1328 850 530.

Sluice on the Norfolk Coast Path
Sluice on the North Norfolk Coast Path © Gavin Stewart via Flickr

Section

Description


Knettishall Heath Country
Park - Little Cressingham

Length: 14.5 miles
Total Since Start: 14.5 miles


The Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail starts here by following the Peddars Way through the Brecks. Leafy paths and tree lined trails combine with unusual landscape to give a real atmospheric sense of the ancient history behind this area.

Things to do near Little Cressingham


Little Cressingham - Castle Acre

Length: 12 miles
Total since start: 27 miles


The immersion in history continues on this section, though quaint byways are interspersed with more open, arable land and nearby villages.

Things to do near Castle Acre


Castle Acre - Sedgeford

Length: 14 miles
Total Since Start: 41 miles


A change to open heathland on this section which gives a tranquil, isolated feel to things.

Things to do near Sedgeford


Sedgeford - Holme Next the Sea

Length: 9 miles
Total since start: 50 miles


Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path's last section on Peddar's Way. More open views become apparent as you near the coast, as do classic chalk landscape features. From Holme Next the Sea, the trail runs off in a spur to Hunstanton, the popular seaside resort with its impressive 60ft chalk cliffs.

Things to do near Holme Next the Sea


Holme Next the Sea - Burnham Overy Staithe

Length: 16 miles
Total Since Start: 66 miles


Now Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path moves onto the Norfolk Coast path itself, and with it the start of wildlife coastal communities and expansive views out over the Wash and beyond.

Things to do near Burnham Overy Staithe


Burnham Overy Staithe - Stiffkey

Length: 10 miles
Total since start: 76 miles


More of the same as you head towards Stiffkey, a town famed for its cockles. On the way you'll pass the Lord Nelson pub, supposedly frequented by the Admiral of the same name. Further along the way is Holkham Hall, and very grand country house well worth a visit.

Things to do near Stiffkey


Stiffkey - Weybourne

Length: 12.5 miles
Total Since Start: 88.5 miles


A nature lovers paradise, on this section of the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path you'll be spoiled for choice with the likes of Blakeney Marshes with its seals and sea birds and Cley Next the Sea with a plethora of wild birds to be seen, to name but two.

Things to do near Weybourne


Weybourne - Cromer

Length: 8.5 miles
Total since start: 97 miles


The final stage of Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path sees you making your way to Cromer, yet another Norfolk coast town renowned for seafood, with crabs of a quality that are famous the world over. There are also museums to visit and more charming Norfolk Coast scenery to take in.

Things to do near Cromer

You can continue reading about other National Trails and Long Distance Walks using the links at the bottom of the page.

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