Two Celebrations in 2009

 

We are celebrating two special anniversaries this year.  Seventy five years ago in 1934 the Ramblers’ Association was formed to strive to protect and improve the rights of us all to walk in the countryside.  Sixty years ago in 1949 the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act was passed.  It was this legislation which first enabled the creation of our National Parks and Long Distance Paths, such as the Peddars Way.  It also introduced the procedure for recording all public rights of way on definitive maps thereby providing the means to protect them for the future.  All of this took much longer to become effective than originally envisaged, indeed we still have cause to wish for more effective protection.  Never the less many of our rights of way are in much better order than they were 40 or 50 years ago – and now widely recognised as a valuable resource.

 

This programme has been devised by Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Ramblers working together, which would have been very surprising in either 1934 or 1949!  

We do have cause for celebration and what better way than walking together on our own National Trail?

 

The Peddars Way runs northwards from the pine forests of the Brecks on the Suffolk border to Holme next the Sea, where The Wash joins the North Sea.

Norfolk County Council in partnership with the Ramblers’ Association have organised a series of guided walks, to enable people of varying abilities to enjoy Peddars Way.

Each walk will be led by experienced guides and there will be a choice between joining a briskly-paced group or one of a more leisurely nature.

      Coach travel will be arranged from various locations in Norwich and Great Yarmouth (see option 1)

     It is advised that participants wear suitable clothing and footwear for country walking, with due consideration to the weather conditions.  NB:  In May and June the route passes through parts of Thetford Forest, a problem area for deer ticks (carriers of Lyme Disease), and we advise that you wear long trousers tucked into socks for these sections.

             Please bring a packed lunch and liquid refreshments.

 

 

The Walks


Five guided walks between 9.5 and 11 miles long completing
The Peddars Way National Trail
from Knettishall Heath near Thetford to Holme next the Sea
Plus, five shorter 5 to 6 mile “taste of Peddars Way” walks. 
Transport from Great Yarmouth, Norwich & Eaton courtesy of Norfolk County Council
 

Reg. Charity 1093577

www.countrysideaccess.norfolk.gov.uk 

 

 

Walk 1 Sunday 10th May
Knettishall Heath to Hockham Woods
STARTING POINT - KNETTISHALL HEATH VISITOR CENTRE  TL 955 807

A 9½ mile walk from Knettishall Heath, crosses the Little Ouse and the River Thet, passing alongside Brettenham Heath National Nature Reserve and continuing to Stonebridge, where our route leaves the Peddars Way to follow woodland paths and tracks to Hockham Woods Picnic Site.

Or if you prefer, a 6¼ mile walk from the Bridgham/Brettenham Road to Hockham Woods.

 

Walk 2 Sunday 14th June
Hockham Woods to South Pickenham
STARTING POINT - HOCKHAM PICNIC SITE.  TL938920.
A 10½ mile walk from Hockham Woods, rejoining the Peddars Way at Galley Hill (only missing 1½ miles along a road) then passing alongside the Stanford Battle Training Area and through Merton Park, then via Little Cressingham to the B1077 at South Pickenham.

Alternatively, try a 5½ mile walk from Hockham Picnic site to Merton crossroads.

 

Walk 3 Sunday 12th July
Ashill to Castle Acre
STARTING POINT - ASHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE.  TF886049

An 11 mile walk, first via field paths to rejoin the Way, then past North Pickenham, along Procession Lane to South Acre and across the River Nar to Castle Acre.

If you prefer, a 5¼ mile walk from Procession Lane north, to Castle Acre.

 

Walk 4    Sunday 9th August
Castle Acre to Anmer
STARTING POINT – CASTLE ACRE, field adjacent to Priory Road.  TF813150.

A 9½ mile walk goes straight to Anmer.  The Brecks and pine forest are now behind and the Trail is surrounded by the fertile rolling farmland of West Norfolk – Shepherd’s Bush is one of the highest points.

Alternatively, try a 6¼ mile walk starting from Shepherd’s Bush, and finishing at Anmer.

 

Walk 5  Sunday 13th September
Anmer to Holme next the Sea
STARTING POINT – ANMER, park alongside minor road near Bunker’s Hill.  TF758285

An 11 mile walk, going almost straight ahead to Ringstead, then turning a few corners to reach the Norfolk Coast Path and the sea.

 Alternatively, try a 6¼ mile walk,


Well Done!

 

Getting to the walks - Travel options

 
Option 1 : 

       Transport  is courtesy of NCC
The coach will leave from Great Yarmouth Asda car park at 8:45am
Thorpe Railway Station at 9.15am
St Stephen’s Street (outside British Home Stores) at 9:20am
and The Red Lion at Eaton (parking available at Waitrose) at 9:30am.
 
All coaches return for arrival in Norwich at about 4:30pm, Great Yarmouth at 5:00pm. 

The fare is £6.00 return (under 14s £3.00).

Advance booking is necessary,

a discount is available if you book 4 or 5 days at the same time, see booking form.

Option 2 :

Return transport is courtesy of NCC
You may wish to travel to the walk starting points using your own transport.
Meeting time is 10.30am.
Return transport to the starting point will be available.
The fare is £2.00 (under 14s £1.00).  No booking is necessary.
Car parking charges will apply at the first starting point.
 
For further information and booking transport please contact any of the following :
Sharon Bland (NCC) : 01603-222769 :  email : sharon.bland@norfolk.gov.uk
Sheila Smith (RA) : 01953-861094 :  email : sheilasmith@clara.co.uk


The Peddars Way Challenge 2009

 

A free commemorative badge will be available to walkers by saving the coach tickets
from four of the five long or short walks.
 
 

If you need this leaflet in large print, audio, Braille, alternative format or a different language please contact Norfolk County Council on 01603 223284.

 

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