Peddars Way
The Peddars Way is usually combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, although there is obviously no obligation about walking both.
We have chosen to split the paths (not least because the name `Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path' would take up too much space on the sidebar).
The Peddars Way, together with the Icknield Way, the Ridgeway and the Wessex Ridgeway, form what is known as The Greater Ridgeway, a 363 mile path, using much ancient trackway, connecting Lyme Regis on the Dorset coast to near Hunstanton on the Norfolk coast.
The Start of Peddars Way is in Knettishall Heath, 2 miles west of Knettishall, by Blackwater Carr. It is here where the Icknield Way finishes.
Most walkers will choose to travel to Thetford, about 6 miles away, and possibly stay there the night before starting the Peddars Way proper the following morning. In anticipation of that, we have included information for Thetford.
Accommodation
We have split accommodation into Hotels & Inns and Bed & Breakfast. Guest Houses are included with Bed & Breakfast. While we realise many guest houses are as good as hotel accommodation, in order to avoid confusion we have opted for the simpler option.
We are always looking to improve our information, and welcome accommodation recommendations.
Restaurants and Pubs
We have attempted to give as much information as possible, but restaurants and pubs are notoriously changeable. Wherever possible, we have given info on pubs serving real ale and/or food. Please let us know if our information is out of date.
Guidebooks & Maps
Guidebook
Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path
By Bruce Robinson
Includes relevant sections of OS maps at 1:25,000 scale, and is excellent value. As long as you do not stray off the route, no other maps are required.
The Greater Ridgeway: From Lyme Regis to Hunstanton
By Ray Quinlan. ISBN 1 85284 346 2
Guide to the four paths making up the 363 mile Greater Ridgeway:
| Wessex Ridgeway: | Lyme Regis to Avebury |
| Ridgeway: | Avebury to Ivinghoe |
| Icknield Way: | Ivinghoe to Knettishall Heath |
| Peddars Way: | Knettishall Heath to Hunstanton |
Despite containing four paths, the book is smaller than many other guidebooks. The guide contains Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 map extracts for the whole route, and includes path description and other helpful information. Unfortunately, the Wessex Ridgeway is described from Lyme Regis to Avebury direction, and omits the Avebury to Marlborough section.
Maps
For those wishing to stray a little from the Peddars Way, or those who feel safer with OS maps, or for those who just like to own maps (like us), we include the following information.
Do not feel tempted to save money buying the 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps; they do not have anywhere near the same detail as the 1:25,000 scale maps, and do not show field boundaries.
The following Ordnance Survey `Explorer’ maps at 1:25,000 scale are required, but please note that last two maps are common to both the Peddars Way and the Norfolk Coast Path:
| 236 | King’s Lynn, Downham Market and Swaffham |
| 229 | Thetford Forest in the Brecks |
| 250 | Norfolk Coast West |
Buying the Peddars Way Guidebooks and Maps
By clicking on the Guidebook or Map images, or on the Books/Maps button at the top, you can see what guidebooks and maps are available for this path and order them through us online.
National Trail Information
Click on the link below for valuable information and footpath news:
www.nationaltrail.co.uk/peddarsway
Public Transport
Although we have included rail station information and some bus services, the following website will prove useful:
www.carlberry.co.uk/rfnshowr.asp?RN=NRWAYA&G=1
PEDDARS WAY MILEAGE AND SERVICES TABLE
Please click on a location to open the page displaying Accommodation, Camping, Pub and Restaurant information for that location.
NOTE: Figures after the `+' sign indicates miles off route. Legend is at the bottom of the page.
| LOCATION | CUMULATIVE MILES |
FACILITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Thetford | 6 miles off | All (Exc C) |
| Knettishall Heath | - | Car Park |
| Great Hockham | 7¾ + 2 | B&B,C,PH |
| Thompson | 10½ + 1¼ | H,B&B,R |
| Merton | 13¾ + ½ | B&B,C |
| Saham Toney | 13¾ + 1¼ | H,R,PH |
| Watton | 13¾ + 2¼ | H,B&B,R,PH,TC |
| Little Cressingham | 14½ | B&B |
| Great Cressingham | 15¾ + 1½ | H,B&B |
| Ashill | 17 | C,PH |
| North Pickenham | 19½ | C,PH |
| Swaffham | 21½ + 2 | H,B&B,C,R,PH |
| Sporle | 23¾ + ¾ | B&B,PH |
| Castle Acre | 26½ | H,B&B,R,PH |
| Great Massingham | 31¼ + 1 | H,R,PH |
| Harpley | 33 + 1½ | B&B,PH |
| Great Bircham | 37¾ + 1½ | H,C |
| Sedgeford | 41 + 1 | H,R,PH |
| Ringstead | 43¾ | R,PH |
| Holme-next-the-Sea | 46½ + ½ | B&B,PH,Bus |
Legend
| B&B | Bed & Breakfast Accommodation |
| C | Camping |
| CS | Camping Shop |
| H | Hotel or Inn Accommodation |
| PH | Pub or Bar |
| R | Restaurant, Bar Meal or Tea Shop |
| YHA | Youth Hostel |
Contact us
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