Where to Start the Peddars Way
The Peddars Way begins at Knettishall Heath on the Suffolk–Norfolk border. From here, the route follows the line of a Roman road north through Breckland and into Norfolk, gradually approaching the coast at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Knettishall Heath
The official start of the Peddars Way is at Knettishall Heath Nature Reserve, a quiet area of heathland and woodland just outside Thetford.
View the starting point here on Google Maps
There’s no formal trailhead. The route begins at the edge of a small car park, marked by a single waymarker and a clear path heading north.
At the start point you’ll find:
- A small car park
- Open heathland and pine forest
- Clear Peddars Way waymarking
From the outset, the route is level, direct, and easy to follow.
Nearest Train Station: Thetford
The nearest rail access point to the start of the Peddars Way is Thetford, located a few miles from Knettishall Heath.
Thetford provides direct connections to Norwich and Cambridge, with onward links to London. For most walkers arriving by train, this is the practical starting point.
Getting to Knettishall Heath
From Thetford, the start of the trail is around 5–6 miles away.
Taxi
The most straightforward option, with a short journey from the station to the heath.
Walking
You can walk out from Thetford, creating a continuous route from the station. This adds several miles, passing through woodland and Breckland before joining the Peddars Way.
Public transport
Limited, so generally not relied upon.
The First Section of the Route
From Knettishall Heath, the route heads north across Breckland, following long, straight sections of Roman road through heathland, forest, and open farmland.
Early points along the route include Great Cressingham and Castle Acre, where the landscape begins to shift and the route moves into more settled countryside.
Continue Planning the Route
- Where to Stay on the Peddars Way
- Getting to the Peddars Way by Train
- Finishing the Peddars Way at Holme-next-the-Sea
- Leaving the Peddars Way by Train
- Peddars Way Route Map
- What’s the ground like walking the Peddars Way
- What’s the weather like walking the Peddars Way
- What wildlife will I see walking the Peddars Way
- Are there shops and places to eat along the Peddars Way