Peddars Way: Fring Cross to Holme Next the Sea

The Peddars Way begins at Knettishall Heath, passes through the fascinating Brecks of Norfolk, and continues through the remote and lonely northwest of the county. This final section of the long distance footpath continues its remorseless north-northwesterly charge, passing by Heacham, the centre of the Norfolk lavender trade. Until 1941, when the Hall was destroyed by fire, it was also home to the ancient Rolfe family. It was a John Rolfe who married the celebrated and beautiful Indian princess Pocahontas in Virginia in 1613, and she returned to live at the Hall with him until dying of the old-world disease of consumption. Happily, such diseases seem a world away by journey’s end when you can breathe in the health-giving ozone rolling off the waves near Holme next the Sea.

From Fring Cross the Peddars Way rises to Dovehill Wood, changes to the other side of the hedge, then turns left and right and past some cottages to Littleport, at the junction with the B1454.

Turn right for a few yards along this road and then left at the distinctive Sedgeford Magazine House. Two miles (3.2km) further on along the B1454 is Burntstalk, a huge workhouse built in 1836 and intended to house some 500 paupers.

The route continues past Magazine Farm and crosses the line of the former railway from Heacham to Wells-next-the-Sea.

After 600yds (549m), turn left and right to descend by degrees towards the village of Ringstead. Just to the west, the Icknield Way ends its long journey at Ringstead Downs. Courtyard Farm, to the east, is owned by the former president of the Ramblers’ Association, Lord Melchett. He encourages walkers on the estate, which has a bunkhouse, and has devoted much of it to conservation purposes. There is both a pub and a shop in Ringstead village.

The main route continues left then right through the village before turning right and left towards Holme next the Sea. The sea is now visible in the distance and there is a sense of excitement that one has walked from the southern border to the north coast of one of Britain’s biggest counties.

Just after Ringstead Mill, the Peddars Way turns left and right along the boundary of a field. It descends between hedges across the A149 and finally arrives at its destination, the pleasant little village of Holme next the Sea.

Continue walking along Seagate, past the car park and towards the sea. Walkers who began their journey at the start of the Peddars Way long distance path will have travelled some 46 miles (74km) to its northern end.