Where the Peddars Way Begins

Knettishall Heath and the start of the trail

Knettishall Heath sits close to the boundary between Suffolk and Norfolk, within the wider Brecks landscape.

It is here that the Peddars Way begins its journey north.

The trail leaves the heath and continues through a predominantly rural part of East Anglia, passing farmland, woodland, villages and historic sites before eventually reaching Holme-next-the-Sea on the Norfolk coast.

From the Suffolk border into Norfolk

The opening section of the Peddars Way crosses the landscape of Breckland, an area characterised by sandy soils, heathland, forestry and agricultural land.

From Knettishall, the route heads north into Norfolk.

This is very different from the coastal landscape encountered at the other end of the trail. Over 46 miles, the route gradually connects the inland heaths and farmland of East Anglia with the dunes and saltmarshes of the Norfolk coast.

Following an old route north

Much of the Peddars Way follows the line of an ancient route through Norfolk.

Its long, relatively direct sections are particularly noticeable on the map, where the trail continues north through the county towards Castle Acre and eventually the coast.

The route passes close to settlements including Great Cressingham, Castle Acre, Great Massingham and Ringstead, creating a line through landscapes that have been travelled for centuries.

Today, that line forms one of Norfolk's principal long-distance walking routes.

Walking at Knettishall Heath

Knettishall Heath can also be explored independently of the long-distance trail.

Paths cross the nature reserve through heathland, grassland and woodland, while the beginning of the Peddars Way provides an opportunity to follow part of the route without committing to the complete trail.

For someone planning the full Peddars Way, however, Knettishall marks a clear geographical starting point: the southern end of a route that will eventually reach the sea.

From heathland to the Norfolk coast

From Knettishall Heath, the Peddars Way continues for 46 miles / 74 km to Holme-next-the-Sea.

At Holme, it connects with the Norfolk Coast Path, allowing the journey to continue east along the coast.

Together, the two trails create a continuous walking route from the Suffolk border to the Norfolk coast and onwards along the coastline.