From heath and woodlands to stunning beaches and wild, empty salt marsh
The Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path
What is the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path?
The Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail is a wonderfully varied trail. Peddars Way starts at Knettishall Heath Country Park in Suffolk, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and follows the route of a Roman road for 49 miles (79 km) through the Brecks, a unique area of forest, heath and low river valleys to meet the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Peddars Way dates back to AD61 when Roman troops used the route to move around East Anglia. Later, in the 15th and 16th Century this route was named the Peddars Way in honour of the pilgrims who walked to the religious village of Walsingham and the Priory there.
As you walk the trail you’ll enjoy ancient woodlands, rich farmland and heathland such as Brettenham Heath National Nature Reserve. You’ll also visit historic towns and villages including Little Cressingham, Castle Acre (don’t miss the 12th century castle and magnificent Castle Acre Priory) and Sedgeford. Keep an eye out for the Norfolk Songline sculptures along the trail, these unusual waymarks were inspired by and designed to celebrate the National Trail.
The Norfolk Coast Path provides 84 miles (135 km) of walking through fantastic scenery and landscape. In recent years the trail has been extended as part of the development of the England Coast Path and currently runs from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea.
Experience seaside towns and fishing villages, tidal marshes teeming with wildlife, stunning sandy beaches and huge open skies. From the elegant resort of Hunstanton with its unique striped cliffs, to the unspoilt picturesque beach at Holkham, the pretty harbour town of Wells-next-the-Sea and the lovely village of Blakeney. If you’re lucky you might catch sight of grey seals at Blakeney Point.
If you’re interested in bird watching don’t miss Cley Marshes, a nature reserve owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. As you continue along the trail you’ll soon become aware of Weybourne’s military heritage, with several guns belonging to the Muckleburgh Collection lining the route.
Enjoy the delights of the traditional seaside towns of Sheringham and Cromer and look out for the distinctive red and white striped lighthouse at Happisburgh, the only independently run lighthouse in Great Britain.
The trail continues along the coast, taking in the Blue Flag beach at Sea Palling, the pretty little thatched cottages at Winterton-on-Sea, the excitement of Great Yarmouth and ending in Hopton-on-Sea, at the end of the trail close to the Norfolk/Suffolk border.
How long does it take to walk the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path end to end?
To walk the entire trail from end to end (133 miles) will take approximately 11 days although of course you may wish to extend this to enjoy many of the highlights that you’ll encounter along the way.
If you wish to split the route, it takes on average 4 days to walk Peddars Way and 7 days to complete the Norfolk Coast Path.
How hard is the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path?
Which direction should I walk the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path in?
Who can enjoy the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail?
Whilst the name, Peddars Way, is said to be derived from the Latin “pedester”, which means “on foot” most of the Peddars Way can also be accessed by cyclists and horseriders. Where there are footpath restrictions there are alternatives from the walking route via green lanes wherever possible.
The Norfolk Coast Path is footpath and cannot be used by cyclists or horseriders.
Taking your dog on the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path
Your dog is welcome on the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path. Some of the trail passes though farmland where stock may be grazing so please respect farmers and their animals by keeping your dog on a lead when near livestock. There are stiles which dogs may need to be lifted over.
Cows with calves are very protective and can be aggressive towards dogs. Try to avoid walking close to cows with calves, if you encounter any aggression release your dog, do not try to pick it up.
You may find areas which are restricted for dogs or require them to be kept on leads at certain times of the year or in specified zones, particularly along the Norfolk Coast Path where restrictions are put in place to protect ground nesting birds.
What is the best time of year to walk on the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path?
There is no obvious best time to walk the National Trail. During the summer the weather will generally be better and the vegetation is fresh, with the hedgerows in full blossom however the seaside resorts can be very busy during the school summer holidays and it’s advisable to book accommodation well in advance.
Bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spring and autumn on the trail as these are the main bird migration periods however there can also be some wonderful walking experiences in the winter.
Can I buy Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path merchandise?
Can I get a Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail completion certificate?
Maps & Guidebooks for the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path
Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path Merchandise
Map of the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path
What are National Trails?
Which trails are National Trails?
Are there National Trails in Scotland?
Scotland's Great Trails are:
- Annandale Way
- Arran Coastal Way
- Ayrshire Coastal Path
- Berwickshire Coastal Path
- Borders Abbeys Way
- Cateran Trail
- Clyde Walkway
- Cross Borders Drove Road
- Dava Way
- Fife Coastal Path
- Formartine and Buchan Way
- Forth & Clyde/Union Canal Towpath
- Great Glen Canoe Trail
- Great Glen Way
- Great Trossachs Path
- John Muir Way
- Kintyre Way
- Loch Lomond & Cowal Way
- Moray Coast Trail
- Mull of Galloway Trail
- River Ayr Way
- Rob Roy Way
- Romans and Reivers Route
- Southern Upland Way
- Speyside Way
- St Cuthbert’s Way
- Three Lochs Way
- West Highland Way
- West Island Way