Peddars Way: Little Cressingham to North Pickenham

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 short section of the Peddars Way is almost exclusively along metalled roads through pleasant countryside, forging a way north, by-passing South Pickenham before finishing at its twin settlement, North Pickenham. The flatness of the route and its relatively short distance should appeal to those who prefer their walks not to be too challenging.

With your back to the former White Horse pub in the village of Little Cressingham, walk north up a lane and continue across a stream and a crossroads towards South Pickenham, through an attractive undulating landscape.

Shortly before South Pickenham village you will see handsome Pickenham Hall, rebuilt in 1904, to your left and, to your right, the smaller but lovely Hall Farm. Across the road the path continues at the side of the minor road for nearly a mile and then turns left across a field.

Then it zig-zags across more fields, over the River Wissey, towards the village of North Pickenham and the 350ft (107m) high British Telecom relay tower beyond. It has been claimed that this was the route used for centuries by pilgrims on their way to Walsingham, and certainly there is an old feel to this part of the walk, emphasized perhaps by the pleasure of once more being away from the road.

In North Pickenham, turn right at the road and go up to the junction. There used to be a pub in the village called the Blue Lion but, alas, it is now a dwelling.