Although two separate paths, the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path form one National Trail, combining centuries of history with some of the finest and varied scenery in the East Anglia region of England.

The Peddars Way starts in the Environmentally Sensitive Area of the Brecks, at Knettishall Heath near the old market town of Thetford, and leads as far as Hunstanton on north Norfolk’s Heritage Coast.

The word 'peddar' has its origins in the Middle Ages as a generic term for a footpath and the Peddars Way takes in a variety of country lanes, footpaths and tracks across the western part of Norfolk to the coast.

Thetford lies at the heart of the Brecks area of Norfolk and, history has it, was home to the legendary 'Queen of the Iceni', Boadicea. A near-straight 46 mile trail either along or close to a Roman road built as a vital access and supply route by the Romans during their attempts to fend off the onslaughts of the Iceni tribe in 61AD, the Peddars Way crosses a varied landscape. Open grassland and heathland, picturesque lakes, forestry, woodland and fertile arable farmland all lie along a route where delightful stone villages add an extra treat for walkers.

From the Victorian resort of Hunstanton, The Norfolk Coast Path travels eastwards through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to Cromer, a bustling port built around Norfolk’s crab fishing industry.

A coastline famous for its remoteness and rugged beauty, the area is also well known for its salt marshes, grass-topped dunes, sweeping sandy beaches, clay cliffs, reed beds and unspoilt flint villages.
For lovers of bird and wildlife, the coastline also provides real treat, with a wide variety of spectacular birdlife along the coast and the memorable seal colonies at Blakeney Point among the highlights of the walk.

Meanwhile, Norfolk's churches, abbeys and medieval castles, and traditional windmills typical to this part of England add to the cultural and historical character of this delightful National Trail.

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path
Total Distance: 93 miles (149km)
Start/Finish: Knettishall Heath Country Park/Cromer