Breadcrumbs
National Trails
The Peddars Way
The Peddars Way is an historic route, based on a Roman military road built to control the Iceni people after the tribal revolt led by Queen Boudicca in AD 61. It starts at Knettishall Heath Country Park in Suffolk and heads northwest towards the coast through heathland, forestry plantations and farmland. Castle Acre provides a good stopping place with its ruined 11th century castle, pubs and picturesque Cluniac priory. From here the Peddars Way heads directly for the Norfolk Coastline at Holme-next-the-Sea where it joins the Norfolk Coast Path.
The Norfolk Coast Path
The Norfolk Coast Path closely follows the North Norfolk coastline and is entirely within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It runs eastwards from the late-Victorian seaside town of Hunstanton towards some very special scenery and wildlife areas. For example, Brancaster salt marshes, Holkham National Nature Reserve with its extensive sandy beaches, the coastal town of Wells-next-the-Sea Path and the sandy cliffs and shingle beaches between Weybourne and Sheringham.
Services and Facilities on Route
The National Trail can be reached by public transport. Trains from Cambridge and Norwich reach Thetford, Kings Lynn, Sheringham and Cromer. The Norfolk Coast Hopper is a regular bus service that runs along the Norfolk Coast Path enabling people to access the path without a car.
The towns and villages along the National Trail provide a wide range of accommodation choices, from luxurious hotels to campsites and backpacker hostels. Details on accommodation can be obtained from the National Trail Office.
Partnership
The National Trail is managed and funded in partnership by Norfolk County Council, Suffolk County Council and Natural England. The National Trail Officer and Assistant National Trail Officer ensure the route is maintained to standards that reflect its status as one of the Country’s premier routes.
The partnership funds the maintenance of the trail. However, it is also responsible for specific projects centred on the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path.
Examples of some of the project work
A Norfolk Songline
A group of local artists created a Songline for Norfolk. By using story, poetry, image and song to evoke the landscape, history and geology of the Peddars Way, Hugh Lupton told the story of where the landscapes and its landmarks came from. Liz McGowan created a series of temporary sculptures on the Peddars Way, taking her inspiration from the straight Roman road, the curve of the land and how generations have interacted with the land. As part of the projects the artists held workshops for local communities and a storybook, CD and a teachers’ pack have been produced.
The River Thet Valley Recycled Boardwalk
In the River Thet Valley, the Peddars Way crosses the River towards Brettenham Heath. The trail runs along the river in an area of marshy habitat prone to flooding, making it difficult for users to cross. An old timber boardwalk was replaced with one made from recycled plastic. Two viewing platforms were built out into the river, enabling the user to take in views up and down stream of the River Thet. The recycled plastic boardwalk is easier to maintain than a wooden one and will last for up to fifty years.
The Volunteer Ranger Scheme
Set up in 1996, the scheme enables local people to get involved in the care and maintenance of the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path. Volunteers also have an important role in monitoring the condition of the trail.
For further information on the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path please visit the website; http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/peddarsway/
or contact Tim Lidstone-Scott, National Trail Officer (01328 850530)
Independent Travellers Norfolk - http://www.itnorfolk.co.uk/
Visit Norfolk - http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/
