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Castle Acre to Bunker's Hill (near Anmer) (10.2 miles)
Having already walked the substantial section of Peddar's Way to Castle Acre some year's ago, the aim of today was to pick up the trail where I'd previously finished and take it on form there. We parked up one vehicle at the castle car park in Castle Acre, having already parked up another near Aymer where the Peddar's Way crosses the minor road just south east of the B1153. There is space for three or four cars to be parked here off road and it is clearly used regularly for this purpose.
The trickiest navigation is actually getting from the castle car park at Castle Acre onto the Peddar's Way itself. The Nar Valley Way (another long distance footpath) is adjacent to this car park and although it does cross the Peddar's Way at Castle Acre its proximity here doesn't help. Best to turn left on leaving the car park and proceed towards the town centre where Peddar's Way may be joined. If you have time, or are stopping overnight at Castle Acre, both the castle and the priory (passed on the way in from the south) are well worth an hour or two of your time (as are some of the excellent pubs!)
Once on the Peddar's Way navigation is simple and aided by regular National Trail way waymarks. The walking is straightforward but much more pleasant and interesting than the map might suggest. The presence of several tumulus's on route, and wildlife which included buzzards and bullfinches added interest and the day was further enhanced by excellent frosty winter walking conditions, cold, but bright and sunny without any wind of note.
The attached route shown is only 15 Kms, however we did make some minor diversions at the start of the day and for lunch. Overall an excellent half-days exercise and, frankly much better than I had expected it to be.
