Peddars Way - Route

Having finally done (Some) of Peddars way I have just realised just how crap my last route guide to the hidden gem was, so I've updated it. Its straight yes and there are no amazing climbs but boy is it fast, fit riders really can eat the miles up on this one ... mind you be careful as the 46 miles is easily to do in one day, but it's linear so you have to go there and back or get somebody to pick you, although none of the terrain is particular demanding for fit riders you will find yourself cutting along at a good speed.

HISTORY

I have no idea what Peddars are but from the directness of the route you can just tell that it was made by the Romans. The Peddars Way was originally built in 67AD by the Romans to speed up the transfer of troops from Colchester to Norfolk, the Romans were still at this point reeling from the hiding that Queen Boadicea gave them a few years earlier.

Peddars way was open the cyclist and walkers in 1986 (by Prince Charles which is a bit of a coincidence as it goes right past Sandringham) although much of Peddars way is off limits to cycles.

THE ROUTE

The new Peddars way actually starts at Knettisham Heath in Suffolk, BUT bikes are not allowed to do the first 7 miles so probably the best place to pick it up is in the layby on the A11 between Attleborough and Thetford (heading from Attleborough you hit the dual carriage way and the first layby (marked by service signs) and before you you get to Thetford) Peddars way is just south of the layby and clearly marked, head north (leave the A11 from the side that is heading TOWARD Norwich) and follow the signs. That's the thing about Peddars way, once you are on it and follow the markers and read the signs it's fairly easy to follow.

About seven miles after leaving the A11 you will come across the Villages of Stonebridge and East Wretham, just after leaving these villages you will come across a area used by the army, this area was bought by the MOD in 1942 and about 1000 people were relocated so that the army could use their houses for target practice. The area is still used by the MOD so take note of the signs telling 'DANGER BOMBS' e.t.c e.t.c (waiting for a picture of Derek filling his face to go in this point).

The next section from the MOD site to Swaffam (passing Watton) is a mixture of small B roads and edges of fields, that again although quick will zap your energy. PW crosses the A47 about 50 yards from the McDonalds and service station in sight of the new Swaffam Energy site and Windmill (modern style) which might be a good place for a break.

I have not done any further than Swaffam yet (well that's a 70/80 mile round trip) but the rest of the route to Holme-Next-The-Sea , goes past Castle Acre ..................... more to follow