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Hike the treasured Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path in 11 days

Discover
Long Distance Hikes

Hike the treasured Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path in 11 days

Damian

Hike the treasured Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path in 11 days

Hiking Collection by Dan Hobson

11

days

3-6 h

/ day

225 km

930 m

950 m

Patchwork fields, windmills, ancient ruins, sleepy villages, golden beaches, wildlife-rich marshes and dramatic coastal cliffs – this iconic hike boasts some of England's most treasured hiking trails.

The National Trail this Collection combines two routes: Peddars Way and the Norfolk Coast Path. Starting at Knettishall Heath Country Park, in Suffolk, the Peddars Way follows a Roman road to Holme-next-the-Sea, on the north Norfolk coast, where it meets the Norfolk Coast Path and runs along cliff-tops and beaches to Hopton-on-Sea.

Famed for its remoteness, wildlife, heritage and beauty, this diverse trail showcases the best of Norfolk. They say the people who live in this county have 'one foot on the land and one in the sea'. The truth is, you are never far from water here, whether it is beside the peaceful windmill-framed rivers inland or the wildlife-rich sands of the coast.

The entire trail is very clearly way-marked and the landscape is relatively flat, so this is a perfect choice for people who have not attempted a long-distance walk before. If you are a long-distance veteran, though, do not be put off, this trail can be as challenging, or as leisurely, as you want to make it.

In this Collection, I split the route into 11 stages of between 8 and 16 miles (13 – 26 km). You can, of course, break the route down into as many days as you feel comfortable with, walk individual sections and complete it in the opposite direction.

For the most part, you’re never too far away from civilisation. However, the trail does feel remote at times. As such, ensure you have enough water and snacks to keep you sustained. Sturdy footwear and waterproofs are essential. Be sure to pack sunscreen in the summer months. You can hike this route at any time of year and each season offers a unique perspective on the scenery.

If you plan to arrive by public transport, your best bet is to catch the train to Thetford. There are direct services from London and it can be reached from most places with a transfer. From Thetford, you need to catch a taxi to Knettishall Heath or walk the 6-mile (10km) journey.

Once you have completed the route, you will need to catch the 1 / 1A bus service to Great Yarmouth, which has a train station and good public transport links.

The Peddars Way combines with three other long-distance footpaths – the Wessex Ridgeway, the Ridgeway, and Icknield Way Path – to form the Greater Ridgeway, an epic country-crossing hike from Lyme Regis, in Dorset, to Hunstanton, in Norfolk, that follows an ancient trade route developed long-before Roman occupation. If you would like to combine these routes, follow the links below.

For the Wessex Ridgeway hiking route, click here: komoot.com/collection/935252.
For the Ridgeway hiking route, click here: komoot.com/collection/889209.
For the Icknield Way Path, click here: komoot.com/collection/954916.

On The Map

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Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

216 km

880 m

910 m

Last updated: May 3, 2024

Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.

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Tours

  1. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

    Stage 1: Knettishall Heath to Great Cressingham — Peddars Way

    06:23
    24.7 km
    3.9 km/h
    140 m
    120 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    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

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  2. 06:50
    26.3 km
    3.8 km/h
    190 m
    150 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    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

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  4. 05:18
    20.5 km
    3.9 km/h
    110 m
    140 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    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

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  5. 03:16
    12.6 km
    3.9 km/h
    60 m
    90 m
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    You wave goodbye to the Peddars Way on stage 4 and begin the next part of this spellbinding adventure: the Norfolk Coast Path.

    

    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

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  6. 06:33
    25.7 km
    3.9 km/h
    80 m
    90 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    After completing the Peddars Way, the landscape changes as you begin the Norfolk Coast Path.

    

    In contrast to the remote arable landscape and sleepy rural villages, the next leg boasts a heady mix of charming coastline, golden beaches, wildlife-rich marshes, immense skies, small harbours and flint villages

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  7. 05:53
    23.2 km
    3.9 km/h
    50 m
    50 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    The remote beauty of the Norfolk coastline never leaves you on this Tour – and neither does the spellbinding sea, sand and salt marsh.

    

    From Burnham Overy, continue west along the coast through Holkham National Nature Reserve stretches.

    

    A few miles later, you arrive in Wells-next-the-Sea, one of the most

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  8. 04:31
    17.7 km
    3.9 km/h
    60 m
    60 m
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Iconic salt marshes, idyllic coastal views, abundant wildlife and traditional seaside towns combine on this Tour.

    

    This hike explores something of a marshy-bird-watching-mecca that is home to many species, including marsh harrier, redshank, oystercatcher, lapwing, sandwich tern, pink-footed goose, plus

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  9. 05:08
    19.6 km
    3.8 km/h
    160 m
    150 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Expect fine views over sea and county, classic coastal architecture and invigorating hiking throughout this stage.

    

    From Sheringham, you begin by climbing Beeston Hill, known locally as ‘the bump’, where you are afforded magnificent views over the sea and countryside.

    

    As you approach Cromer (where some

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  10. 04:17
    16.8 km
    3.9 km/h
    40 m
    60 m
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    From Mundesley, the path returns to the beach. Unlike the section between Cromer and Overstrand yesterday, however, this section cannot be completed at high tide.

    

    Be sure to check tidal information carefully before undertaking this section as tidal surges are common. For information, visit: magicseaweed.com/Mundesley-Surf-Report/1397/Tide

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  11. 05:34
    22.1 km
    4.0 km/h
    30 m
    30 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    From Sea Palling, the trail winds through grassland, scrub, woodland and blackthorn thickets.

    

    After rising from the dunes at Poplar Farm, you are afforded wonderful views that stretch inland and along the coast.

    

    You then descend and wind through tall sand dunes and grazing marsh. At this point, you pass

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  12. 03:55
    15.5 km
    4.0 km/h
    30 m
    30 m
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    As you leave Caister-on-Sea, the route enters Great Yarmouth North Denes Site of Special Scientific Interest, which supports almost 10% of all Britain’s breeding little tern colonies.

    

    A short time later, you reach Great Yarmouth, a bustling seaside destination famous for its long and pristine beach. Beyond

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Collection Stats

  • Tours
    11
  • Distance
    225 km
  • Duration
    57:36 h
  • Elevation
    930 m950 m

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