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UK: East of England: Norfolk: Peddars Way

Peddars Way (National Trail)

The Peddars Way starts on the Icknield Way about 5 miles (8km) north east of Thetford, and runs generally northwards for some 63 miles (100km) to the North Norfolk coast. Separate riding and walking routes are available. The Peddars Way was constructed by the Romans in the first century AD shortly after the disasterous uprising by Boudica and her Iceni people. Today it is farm tracks and minor roads.

Status: Open, promoted route (National Trail).
Promotion
An information sheet is available from the National Trail Office, pending production of a new leaflet covering the whole route. Please send a stamped self-addressed envelope with your request for the Peddars Way Horseriders' Route information to:
National Trail Office, The Old Courthouse, Baron's Close, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 8BE.

A leaflet (right) covering the route within the Norfolk Brecks from Roudham Heath and the Harling Drove (part of the Icknield Way) to Fincham Drove and bridleways in the Swaffham area is available as part of a pack of routes entitled Riding in the Brecks. The leaflet recommends deboxing sites and provides detailed information on the route. The pack can be bought from The Brecks Countryside Project, Kings House, King Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2AP (Tel: 01842 765400) or online from www.brecks.org.

Information is also available from the Countryside Agency's route web site.

Ordnance Survey
This paths and tracks making up this route can be seen on the following Ordnance Survey maps. The Landranger series at 1:50,000 are useful route maps covering large areas of land, while the Explorer series at 1:25,000 show greater detail.
  • Landranger Map 144: Thetford & Diss, Breckland & Wymondham
  • Landranger Map 132: North West Norfolk, King's Lynn & Fakenham
  • Explorer Map 229: Thetford in the Brecks
  • Explorer Map 236: King's Lynn, Downham Market & Swaffham
  • Explorer Map 250 (was 23): Norfolk Coast West
    Where to stay
    A useful book entitled Bed and Breakfast for Horses which lists places to keep a horse overnight can be purchased from the British Horse Society. Entries include:

    • Mrs Joyce Hulse, Manor Farm, Newton-by-Castleacre, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE32 2BX Tel: 01760 755248 Fax: 01760 755126
    • Nick and Gill Davis, Home Farm Stables, Westgate Road, Holme-next-the-Sea, Norfolk PE36 6LF Tel: 01485 512400 Fax: 01485 512090 Email Website
    • Marigold Thompson, Lodge Farm, Castle Acre, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE32 2BS Tel: 01760 755506 Fax: 01760 755103 Email
    • Mrs J Phillips, The Lakenheath Hotel, 124 High Street, Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9EW Tel: 01842 860691 Fax: 01842 860691 Email Website

    • Mrs Helen Richardson, White Lodge Farm, Hardingham Road, Hingham, Norfolk NR9 4LY Tel: 01953 850435 Website
    • Nobby & Val Howard, Meadow Farm, North Pickenham, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 8LE Tel: 01760 441668

    Further Information
    Two following promoted circular rides are close to or touch the Peddars Way: the Swaffham Bridleroute (21 miles); the Massingham Bridleroute (15 miles). The linear route, The Harling Drove meets the Peddars Way Bridleroute at Roundham Heath.

    The H47 Peterborough to Peddars Way Bridleroute is planned to join the Peddars Way riders' route near Swaffham.

    Other Web Links
    The Brecks Countryside Project has a website at www.brecks.org.
    © 2001 The British Horse Society. Updated: 15 Feb 03.
    Reference: NR-P