This pretty walk takes in a castle, a priory, a river and a charming village
THE WALK
1. From the car park follow the hedge down on the grass to the bottom. Turn right and pass through the gap in the hedge. At the road turn left, then right, on to Blind Lane. This is part of the Peddars Way long distance path. At the end of the lane turn left. On your left are good views of the Priory. Follow the road round, crossing the bridge at the ford. Turn right at the fingerpost, leaving the Peddars Way you will pass South Acre Church on the left.
2. Turn left on to Petticoat Drove beside South Acre Hall. Follow the track to a junction of tracks with a pond on the right. Turn right at the marker post and follow the track, crossing the first track. You will come to a large oak tree with a marker post; turn right here and follow down. At the road take the path straight on which will bring you to another long-distance path, the Nar Valley Way.
3. Turn right. This part is on access land so you are free to follow any path. If following the track, at the marker post bear left to the road. Follow the marker post, cross the bridge over the river. The section between the bridges can be very wet after rain. The Ramblers hope to fund a boardwalk for this section in the near future. Follow the boardwalk taking the path through the woods. Pass through the gate on to Castle Acre Common which is Site of Special Scientific Interest. Go through the gate on to Common Road. At the tarmac road turn right then left. At the entrance to the Priory turn left following the road along the High Street passing the 13th century bailey gate. At the corner follow the road past the Village Hall back to the start.
COMPASS POINTS
STARTS AT: Castle Acre castle car park
MAIN WALK: 6.5 miles, 10.5km
GRID REFERENCE: TF820 152
NEAREST POST CODE: PE32 2XB
WHAT3WORDS: sparrows.activates.gashes
Castle Acre Castle
The castle was founded soon after the Norman Conquest of 1066, by William de Warenne, and was initially a stone 'country house'.
During the first half of the 12th-century, however, more disturbed conditions prompted its progressive conversion into a strong keep, further defended by stone walls and an immense system of ditched earthworks.
Still impressively visible, these are perhaps the finest village earthworks in England.
Free entry, open all year.
Castle Acre Priory
The priory's ruins span seven centuries and include a beautiful 12th-century church with an elaborately decorated west front, still rising to its full height, a 15th-century gatehouse and a porch, and prior's lodging still fit to live in. It was home to a community of monks until 1537, when Henry VIII disbanded all monastic houses.
The recreated herb garden situated next to the visitor centre grows herbs that the monks would have used.
See English Heritage website for opening details.
Long distance routes
The Peddars Way from Knettishall Heath near Thetford to the north Norfolk coast near Hunstanton follows a Roman road built along the route of an even older trackway.
The Nar Valley Way runs close to the river between King’s Lynn and Gressenhall, following quiet tracks and lanes, and crossing woods, meadows and commons. More information on Norfolk County Council’s Norfolk Trails website.
EAT HERE
THE OSTRICH, CASTLE ACRE
At the heart of the village overlooking Stocks Green, this beautiful inn has been a welcome sight for weary travellers for centuries. Lots of space, inside and out, and an extensive menu with small and large plate options and a welcome for anything from a pint to an overnight stay.
WITTLES CAFE, CASTLE ACRE
Brunch, lunch, home-baked cakes and snacks, to eat in or take away are just some of the delights on offer at this attractive café on Stocks Green. Rest your weary feet over a meal, or pick up a picnic – check opening days and times online.
