Castle Acre, Norfolk – Village and Priory on the Peddars Way

Stone Ruins, Village Streets, and the First Settlement on the Trail

Castle Acre in West Norfolk is the first substantial village encountered on the Peddars Way after leaving the heathland at Knettishall Heath. Set beside the River Nar, it marks a clear shift from open countryside to settled landscape, where walking routes pass directly through village streets and historic sites.

The village is best known for Castle Acre Priory, whose extensive ruins sit beside the trail and form a natural focal point for walkers. Paths lead directly through the village, connecting the priory, village centre, and surrounding countryside, making Castle Acre an obvious stopping point early in the route.

Unlike the quieter inland villages further south, Castle Acre offers a fuller range of services. There are places to eat and drink within the village, along with accommodation options nearby, allowing walkers to pause, resupply, or stay overnight before continuing north. The presence of shops and cafés also makes it the first practical place to take stock after the opening stretch of the trail.

Walking beyond Castle Acre, the route continues along the River Nar and through gently rolling farmland. The character remains rural, but the sense of isolation fades, replaced by a more populated landscape shaped by long-established settlements and working countryside.