The Peddars Way, Part Three - Norfolk's Finest Long Distance Trail.

In this video, part three in the series, I will be walking from the village of Little Cressingham near Watton to Castle Acre, a distance of 12 miles and arriving at the half-way point on the trail. Under a blazing sun, I pass through the villages of North Pickenham, home to the 492nd bomb group of the US eighth Air Force during world war two, the abandoned medieval village of Great Palgrave and finally into Castle Acre itself with its well preserved 12th Century castle and even older Cluniac priory, dating back to 1090. I hope you enjoy the video and, as always, thanks for watching!

[@Uploaderization]

This is one of the rarest occurrences on youtube, a video with Simon taking his hat off!

[@marieancel1877]

Thanks for you mister i have love the vidéo

[@RSmith-td4ty]

Thanks Mr. Simon. About McDonalds I was finishing some Cheezits.. Loved the whole hike. Ryan

[@frednorman1]

Hi Simon, I feel la little strange commenting on a video that was made four years ago but I’ve been backtracking and viewing some of your videos that you made years ago . I get nervous when you cross those busy motor ways , and it would seem that the transportation department of the UK would put pedestrian bridges up over them. I am enjoying your videos, especially in these turbulent political times in the United States. Thanks for posting them

[@mozdickson]

If you are patient and have eyes and legs, they are fine Fred.

[@mozdickson]

I've never planned to dine at Maccas. But when I walk this Way, I most definitely will! Especially no shop in the Pickenham ville

[@mozdickson]

so, in August 2023 - I deviated from the Way at a fork near Thompson Water, as I desperately needed a Full English, and went to Watton (fantastic Triumph dealership there btw) Found Adem's Cafe on the High Street ---- superb food and company! I then caught a local bus to Holme Hale, and with the kindness of a bloke cleaning his car there, found my way to the Maccas for a coffee that afternoon. Cleanest McDonalds I have ever been in. Slept by a small pond, in a tiny wood, down a rise, on the right behind a transport turning bay, 100 metres up a farm road, just 500 metres before the A1065 A 10/10 stealth/wild campsite. Got to Castle Acre Priory (a historical highlight of this walk, at 7am-ish and had a nice half hour exploring the site all alone). My advice, wander off the Way path from time to time. There are lots of interconnecting by ways and public paths.. People are very kind and helpful, the bin man who just finished his shift in Watton and helped me with bus details for instance, or the Fish & Chip shop owner who turned me away, pointing me to Adem's Cafe because I told him I was "dying for a Full English!". If you think I am mad for the Full English - yes I am. I travel 5,000 miles and walked the whole Cotswold Way, and never chanced upon one before mid-day - until Adem and his kind lady served me. Finally ---- FAR TOO MUCH road walking after the A47. Personally I'd not walk the second half of the Way. The first half is Beautiful though!

[@chrisneedham5803]

I feel guilty that I waited 3 days to watch this, just brilliant. Thanks

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - glad you enjoyed it....eventually! Atb, Simon.

[@shiukumaran9094]

I really like the paddars way very nice me from fiji island

[@TOM_OUTDOORS]

We're camping not far from where you had your chilli. That cyclist made me jump lol. My mate went to the macdonalds for dinner and then brought us back some ciders. Looking forward to seeing castle acre tomorrow. Great video once again mate. These are valuable references for our trip. Thanks. Tom.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That McDonalds and the garage are a really useful refuelling stop! Remember to stock up on water in castle acre - the next section is dry! 👍💦

[@TOM_OUTDOORS]

@@simonablokeinthewoods cheers mate, thanks for the advice.

[@stellanevis3107]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼Thank you!!!

[@Kenbur]

sure enjoying these videos - it would have been nice to know of your channel a couple years ago and enjoyed your videos - BUT it might be even nicer to enjoy them while we wait for the world to right itself again - thanks and another 👍 to you Simon

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Ken. 👍

[@stevehiggins1263]

Love your channel, I'm pretty local to you too, hopefully I bump into you one day Simon, your an incredibly interesting and knowledgeable person. You seem like the perfect person to stop for a brew with haha.

[@G4RY1159]

Watched Tom and Rob do the P.W - So thought Id take in your journey too, watched parts 1 & 2 last night, pretty much hooked watching you both now lol. Sub'd to the Channel and Thanks again.

[@MrTowton1461]

Loving these videos. Great filming. Thank you for sharing.

[@welshboyoo715]

Great stuff. Makes me want to walk the peddars way more and more!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Well worth it! It gets even better as you get towards the coast too, in my opinion - then there is the North Norfolk coastal footpath that links it to Cromer. Nice walk!! Atb, Simon.

[@welshboyoo715]

I am planning to do both in the first two weeks of September, no fixed dates yet, I'm assuming the weather will be ok for sleeping out then? I'm in Wales, and that time of year here is pretty good, I would imagine Norfolk should be similar.

[@trekkingturtle4157]

Another nice tour. Very pleasant walk, at least from where I sat. :)

[@ExpatPete]

Thanks Simon for posting another great video. I really enjoy your high quality content. Thanks again mate!!!!

[@veronikaglenn5871]

Just found you Simon and saw poppies and daises in the wild, as well as a buttercup. You have made my day, transplant from Germany to California. Miss Europa more and more. If you have an urge to do the pacific crest trail, the start is not far from my house, stop by...

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Veronika! Glad it brought back some happy memories. If I’m ever that way, I definitely will! 😁👍

[@bgtrev]

Enjoying the series, brings back some good memories. Some lovely countryside and historical ruins in this area if only it was not so flat!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Trev, it is pretty flat, although we do get some rolling hills as the trail gets closer to the sea! But yes, I do crave proper hills! Atb, Simon.

[@higgsfieldinthefield9916]

Thank you for this really interesting post. series, very cool walk. mate all the beast and to Maggie too.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers! It was a lovely walk - highly recommend for lovely varied countryside, bags of history and quality stealth camp spots along the way! Atb, Simon

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Well-done video PLUS the most engaging section of the Way so far. It is now on my 'LIKED' list so I can walk it 'with you' from time to time. I looked up Pickenham, hoping for more scenic and architectural photos. I found that the property and its current owner feature in a Thatcher-Era controversy. It also seems that many of the properties in the associated villages are still owned with the agricultural land and the home. It all adds to the interest of life in Britain.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers James! I agree, it’s an interesting stretch especially the last bit into Castle Acre. Those big estates often own houses around the estate that used to house workers from the estate - many have been sold off over the years, so it’s nice in a way to come across an estate more or less intact - although some will disagree hahaha! Atb, Simon.

[@andyhenshaw9323]

Brilliant videos Simon best adventure videos on KZbin peddlers way series was excellent very interesting more more more

[@linneekay98]

Great video, Simon! Nature is absolutely gorgeous in your neck of the woods... enjoyed the lovely scenery very much! Thanks for taking us along on such a lovely walk! :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it! Atb, Simon.

[@The1Ox]

Hello Simon! Sure enjoyed the stroll. The scenery was gorgeous! Thank you my friend! Blessings!

[@billygoatfilms7531]

Lovey countryside walk that Simon, I really enjoyed coming along with you but I did miss Maggie. The chilli 🌶 looked good and I thought that cyclist came through very fast, didn’t even say hello. Cheers ⛺️🍦

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Mike - you were right about that cyclist - I just heard this clicking sound, looked up and he shot past me in a blur of shiny metal and Lycra! Glad you enjoyed the walk. Take care, Simon.

[@KentSurvival]

that priory is amazing, gonna have to visit it. Great vid mate

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Andy! There is a lot more of it to see - I just filmed what I could see from the fence (I was too much of a skinflint to pay the entrance fee!!) well worth a visit - the castle is free and just as impressive. Cheers mate!

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Fantastic video Simon. Really enjoying this series, you present the walk really well, with the notes about shops and history along the way 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Martin!

[@Myn6211]

Awesome video Simon. To bad Maggie couldn't join you for this one but I'm sure she'll make up for it when it is cooler and more comfortable for her. Incredible architecture on that old priory. My goodness there were some incredible craftsmen back then.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers! Yes there certainly were - true craftsmanship - that’s been lost in the modern age - very few people are still practicing the old techniques. All done by eye, feel and instinct. Atb, Simon.

[@LWD-Hidden-Links]

I recently walked this path and your first 2 vids were really encouraging in the build up. A fantastic walk, maybe my favourite so far. I want to walk it again in autumn for the colours.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Really glad you enjoyed the walk! It’s gorgeous in Autumn - I’ve done the route in the Autumn and in winter - it’s completely different - muddy, but beautiful! Atb, Simon.

[@1967AJB]

Nicely done.

[@JeepsterDave]

Continuing to enjoy the journey with you Simon. I visited Castle Acre with my wife a few weeks ago in fact; wasn't quite such a lovely day!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Nice place isn’t it - love the castle! There’s a great tea shop in the village too. Cheers, Simon.

[@syncrosimon]

Love that oak tree, I would love to come and clean that up with a saw, could make it into a 40ft high bonsai. Cool video. Thanks for sharing.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Simon. I know they need a bit of tidying up to keep them healthy, but I do like to see them left to do their own thing - rambling and unkempt. 😁

[@djnormalnorman6590]

Well made vid and interesting thanks

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Bob, glad you enjoyed it! I’m really look my forward to the coastal section next. Not done that leg before. Atb, Simon

[@madmike5550]

Another very interesting video. At minute 6:19 into it you show a statue of what appears to be a Norseman with the name "RASCO" inscribed along the bottom. I'm of Norse and Gaelic heritage, and my surname "RASCOE" means "ROE" or "DEER" in both languages. I wonder if he's my relative!

[@PaulC-lu8lz]

Another great video Simon 👍🏻 I walked a short section up near Massingham and Harpley Dams only last week (where the PW crosses the A148) and up towards Fring - it gets a bit hilly there too..! I'll be back in August to walk some of the top section - looking forward to the next one. Atb Paul C.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Paul - I know the section, the hills do start to roll up there - almost doesn’t feel like Norfolk! It’s all good to the sea - you’ll enjoy it on your return. Atb, Simon.

[@Boyddie]

Love these videos, they are just what i was looking for as i've just thought about exploring Peddars Way. Maybe do some of the north norfolk coast after you have finished this series. Just food for thought! Roll on the next video!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! I think I probably will continue along the NN path, I’ve walked and cycled the Peddars way several times, but not the coastal path, so it would be a good opportunity! Glad you enjoyed the videos and thanks for watching! Atb, Simon.

[@kevinpamplelollop3181]

My thought as well as I am enjoying this series of vid's keep them coming Simon

[@Voodoo_Ray]

Quality video again Simon. Keep em coming...please

[@tinbox5496]

Wow love your dehydrated meal idea have you done a video on this ?

[@stephenmillns7872]

have put Peddars way on my to do list

[@jamessd7677]

That MOD firing range sounds just like the one at Lulworth in Dorset. More of a tank range than anything else but artilery rounds too, ditto cannon fire, and machine gun fire and small arms fire etc etc. Was there one day and it sounded just like D Day or WW2 all over again, quite literally, quite or quite quite loud and audible. The range is just over the line of hills which run along the edge of Lulworth Cove and Lulworth village, and being used to it the locals take absolutely no notice, quite an expericence and a bit odd and strange, lol!!! They open up the ranges up to the public on some days but you have to stick to the paths, obviously, you can walk along to and visit Tyneham village which was evacuated and handed over to the military in WW2, a little time capsule. quite good. Thanks again mate.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers James, yes, I know what you mean - it is surreal! I could still hear those bangs in Castle Acre - 12 miles or more away!! There is also a village in that training area - commandeered during the war - a sort of pockmarked, ghost town - eerie! Cheers, Simon.

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Great video and a great walk Simon some amazing views iv not done a long walk for ages I'm sure that will change when I go camping with the wife 😂😂 atb jimmy 😎 😎

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - cheers Jimmy!

[@abefrohman1759]

Great video Simon.

[@WyeExplorer]

Nice to just get on the way Simon, dodge a few bullets and eat well. Digging that castle. Good going. Mark

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Mark! Yes, it definitely was - it was tough on the legs (combination of hard surface and longer distance) but worth it for the sights along the way - arriving at that cool stream in castle acre to refresh before exploring the castle and priory - bliss!! Atb mate, Simon.

[@WyeExplorer]

Yes lots of bliss around on the long walks. This one was good in sections. I've done a fair few - if your interested they are on my channel. I make some great videos and my commentary is engaging. A view or comment by you would be fantastic! Free will of course! Take care....

[@NorfolkTraveller]

Loved this video, very nicely done :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you - it’s a lovely walk! Atb,Simon.

[@maryhairy1]

💜

[@geoffminter2927]

A hill in Norfolk?? You should walk around the Dover area. Nowt but hills!

[@Arizona-Sonoran-Desert-Guy]

2:20 I wonder if the old oak tree, just barely clinging to life, is still alive today. Simon's feature of this old tree was touching and poignant.

[@zettle2345]

Guess the Lord in that area was not keen enough to knock down the friery and sell all the stone??

[@cheesesticks158]

I live in North Pickenham

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

If I’d known, I’d have given you a shout out! Nice to have Norfolk’s best footpath right on your doorstep! 👍

[@cheesesticks158]

Simon, a bloke in the woods My family and I usually walk up to saint marys church which is in between north and south Pickenham

[@robertshand8101]

Another cracking video, reminded me of the orienteering excercises we would get during the ATC summer camps down south...blistering sunshine and nothing to drink 😂. I like to spend a bit of time at any historical sites in the passing...usually wondering why such great buildings were left to ruin..! Such a waste. Nice looking Chilli by the way, I was going to ask how it compared to the un- dehydrated stuff...but you answered that..! Thanks again...👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Robert! It certainly was a warm one!! There are plenty of amazing historical spots along the way, Castle Acre probably being the most impressive, but not the oldest - that’s to come!! Atb, Simon.

[@robertshand8101]

I'll look forward to that one.. Cheers 😀

[@nseight]

:-) Yeah, I'm a bit of a tree huger too *

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

There is something very special about hugging an old tree! 👍🌳

[@garyjohnson4608]

How did this route get the name peddars ?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

The name is derived from the old word Pedde, meaning basket - this was on old drovers track and would have certainly been used by people carrying their wares and trade goods to sell in markets and other settlements - these wares being carried in baskets. That’s my theory anyway. 🙂👍

[@meisterbisto]

@@simonablokeinthewoods wikipedia has a different but no more possible answer en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way

[@emmawebber9438]

Via Romani

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Lots of them around these parts. ‘What have the Romans ever done for us?’ 😂