How Difficult Is the Peddars Way?

How difficult is the Peddars Way?

The Peddars Way runs for 46 miles / 74 km from Knettishall Heath to Holme-next-the-Sea.

The route is mostly flat or gently undulating, with no mountain terrain and few steep climbs. Most of the walking follows established tracks, woodland paths, field paths and quiet country lanes.

The main challenge is the distance rather than difficult terrain.

Terrain

Much of the Peddars Way crosses the relatively gentle countryside of Breckland and Norfolk.

The trail passes through heathland, woodland and farmland, with long sections on tracks and paths. There are some road sections and uneven surfaces, but sustained steep climbing is not a feature of the route.

Daily distances

Our Peddars Way Complete Journey divides the 46-mile / 74 km route into five suggested walking days, with individual stages varying considerably in length.

The longest suggested stage is the first day, covering 16 miles / 26 km from Knettishall Heath to Great Cressingham, followed by shorter and longer stages as the route continues north.

For many walkers, these daily distances are likely to be more significant than the difficulty of the terrain itself.

Navigation

The Peddars Way follows an established long-distance trail.

Navigation is generally straightforward, although walkers should still carry a map or suitable digital navigation and check the route before setting out each day.

Is the Peddars Way suitable for a first long-distance walk?

The relatively gentle terrain means the Peddars Way can be a suitable route to consider if you're new to multi-day walking.

You should still be comfortable walking for several hours and covering consecutive days on foot. Walking shorter routes before your trip can help you judge whether the daily distances are suitable for you.

Difficulty at a glance

Distance: 46 miles / 74 km
Terrain: Mostly flat or gently undulating
Steep climbs: Few
Navigation: Generally straightforward
Technical terrain: Low
Main challenge: Daily walking distance
Our suggested duration: 5 walking days