Norfolk health, heritage and biodiversity walks · 2016. 2. 19. · you find them and take any litter (including dog litter) home or use bins provided. Please take some time to read

Church Road

Thompson

Griston Road

Norfolk County Council at your service

Norfolk health, heritage and biodiversity walks

Walks in and around the Watton area

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Contents

Introduction page 2

Walk 1 Loch Neaton/Church Walk page 6

Walk 2 Watton Church/Town Green page 10

Walk 3 Watton/Merton page 14

Walk 4 Watton/Wayland Wood page 18

Walks 5 and 6 Ashill Church/ Ashill Panworth page 22

Walk 7 Caston/Stow Bedon page 28

Walks 8 and 9 Thompson’s College/Sparrow Hill page 32

Walk 10 Carbrooke page 40

Walk 11 Merton Sally’s Walk page 44

Walk 12 Great/Little Cressingham page 48

Project information page 52

Explore further page 53

Walks locations page 54

Useful contacts page 55

No

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Introduction

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Why Walk?These walks have been carefully selected to encourage exploration of your local area on foot, making it easy for you to discover and enjoy the natural and man-made heritage of Norfolk.

Exposure to nature simply makes us feel good. Nature is free therapy with no side effects. If there is blue sky, green vegetation and water in a scene, we like it even more. Contact with natural surroundings offers a restorative environment which allows us to relax, unwind and re-charge our batteries, improving our happiness and reducing our stress levels.

Moderate physical activity such as a regular brisk walk in the fresh air is a simple and enjoyable way of keeping fit. To gain maximum benefit, aim to walk at a pace where your heart beats a little faster, your breathing becomes a little heavier and you feel a little warmer. Regular exercise can help to prevent major conditions, such as coronary heart disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes, obesity, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, bowel cancer and back pain.

Getting aroundFor details of public/community transport, contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit www.travelineeastanglia.co.uk.

Walking from SchoolsSome of these walk routes pass close to schools providing ideal opportunities for teachers, parents and children to enjoy walking, whether this be walking to and from school or after school. The walks could also provide the basis for outdoor educational opportunities such as local school trips and projects as well as providing an additional and enjoyable form of physical activity.

Welcome to a land of enormous skies and open spaces; quiet walks and peaceful lanes; rolling farmland and secretive woods and

enchanting villages which surround the ancient bustling market town of Watton; the heart of Wayland.

Wayland is a place of mystery and legend. It is steeped in history with much evidence of its past visible across the area. The name ‘Wayland’ dates from the 11th Century and the time of William the Conqueror. It is thought to mean the ‘Dark Land’ or ‘Marshy Land’; perhaps a reference to the then densely wooded nature of the area. Much of the forest has been cleared over the years and the wood used for construction leaving the land free for farming. This has left an open landscape studded with small patches of woodland which, combined with the gentle undulations of the countryside, facilitate the beautiful views that are so typical of the Brecks.

The parishes of Wayland are full of attractive features, interesting architecture, history and wildlife. Like the town, each village has something unique to offer as well as many paths and bridleways for walking and riding. The Peddars Way National Trail runs through the Wayland area and links with the Great Eastern Pingo Trail with its many Ice Age pools.

The walks in this booklet will help you uncover the beauty and diversity of Wayland.

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Walk informationInformation about the walks includes details such as the start point, distances, path surfaces, gradients and facilities available. The following symbols will help you to decide if the walk is suitable:

Start point The start of the walk with Ordnance Survey grid references and Postcode Parking Nearest parking; not always the same as the walk start point Distance Distance of the walk Details Gentle gradient, 20% soft

Steps

Cattle (or other farm animals) could be grazing in some meadows

The route could contain muddy/uneven sections and stout shoes or boots are recommended

Café nearby

Public house nearby

Toilets nearbyStile

Suitable for buggies/wheelchairs...

Tread lightly and safelySome of the walks take you through or close to areas designated for conserving or protecting vulnerable/rare species and habitats such as County Wildlife Sites and nature reserves. Some of the routes also pass through areas grazed by cattle, sheep or horses. Please respect the surroundings as you walk; stay on the designated footpaths, leave gates as

If you have not exercised for a while, it is better to start with the shorter routes before moving on to the more challenging walks.

you find them and take any litter (including dog litter) home or use bins provided. Please take some time to read any advice that is given about the area in which you are walking.

Please note that dogs must be kept under close control on public rights of way and must not be allowed to stray from the line of the path.

Stanford Military Training AreaThe land to the west of Peddars Way, as indicated on the route maps for Thompson Sparrow Hill (page 36) and Merton Sally’s Walk (page 47), forms part of Stanford Military Training Area. The area is used intensively for military training, including live firing, and has been since World War II. Due to the risks associated with live firing and the presence of legacy munitions on site public access to the training area is strictly prohibited. Warning signs are in place to highlight the boundary of the ranges.

County Wildlife Sites• County Wildlife Sites (CWS) are areas rich in wildlife – together with

Sites of Special Scientific Interest they represent the most important habitats in the county.

• Many of these habitats and their associated species will be priorities under the UK and Norfolk Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP). These plans set out strategies for conserving our most vulnerable wildlife. Visit www.norfolkbiodiversity.org for more information.

Long Distance PathsSome of these walks incorporate sections of the Peddars Way National Trail. To find out more visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk/peddarsway

Walk

1Loch Neaton/Church Walk

Start point War Memorial (Memorial Way, Watton) Grid reference TF917006 • Postcode IP25 6BS Parking Free parking on Thetford Road by the War Memorial/ various town centre car parks Distance 1.8 miles Details Minor gradients, 10% soft

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Walk instructionsPlease note that walkers are asked to keep dogs on leads in the grounds of Loch Neaton.1. Start at the war memorial and turn right on to Thetford Road towards

the High Street. Turn left onto the High Street and after a short distance, cross at the zebra crossing, turning right into Middle Street.

2. Follow the road round to the right in front of the town hall and then turn left at the end. Almost immediately, turn right onto Dereham Road (one way street).

3. Turn left at the T-junction on to the A1075 Dereham Road. Follow the road for just under half a mile and then turn left on to Loch Lane.

Buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters: enter at the green gate near the Sports Centre on Dereham Road. Follow the path left and then bear right around the loch on a wide gravel track to an open grassy area. Return to Dereham Road the way you came. Note that tracks around the loch can be uneven and narrow.

4. Shortly after walking through the remains of the dismantled railway bridge climb the steps on the left and go through the green gate to the picnic area.

5. Follow the wide gravel track to the right of Loch Neaton, turning left in front of the gates of the sports centre to walk on the raised path around

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(Easy access option avoids steps on Loch Lane)

the end of the loch. Alternatively, you could follow the rough paths around the loch for a closer view; watch out for raised tree roots.

6. Leave the nature reserve via the green gates and turn right on to Dereham Road again.

7. Retrace your steps back along Dereham Road and then turn left through the white gates on to Church Walk, a wide lime tree-lined pathway. At the end, turn right along Church Road past St Mary’s Church.

8. Turn right at the T-junction and walk along Norwich Road to the traffic lights. Turn left on to Memorial Way to return to your start point beside the war memorial.

Loch Neaton This late nineteenth century pleasure ground was formerly the site of a railway ballast pit created by the construction of the railways in the early 1870s. At some time between 1883 and 1893 the pit was flooded and an ornamental lake was created. By 1907 a wind driven pump had been erected at the northern end of the site to pump spring water into the lake. In 1907 the site was presented to the town, a bandstand was constructed and provision made for bowls and croquet. By the 1920s the emphasis was changing from pleasure ground to sports usage. Please visit the website for more information: www.lochneaton.org.uk

St Mary’s ChurchChurch Walk

Norwich Road

Loch Lane

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An easy-going figure of eight walk around picturesque Loch Neaton and St Mary’s Church.

Watton

Thetford Road

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Dereham Road

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© Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100019340

Loch Neaton/Church Walk

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Loch Neaton

Sports Centre

Church Road

War Memorial

Memorial Way

Church Walk This tree lined walk is also known as Walsingham Way. The western end of the walk appears on a map of 1792. The footway was allotted to the inhabitants of Watton, as a way to their church, by the enclosure commissioners in 1801. The avenue was bisected by the railway in the 1860s and a period of decline followed. The walk was replanted with lime trees in 1903 resulting from proposals made in commemoration of the coronation of King Edward VII. Ornamental iron gates dating from the 1830s were given by Lord Walsingham and relocated from his Merton estate. The iron gate piers, embossed with ‘1902’ and ‘Walsingham’, survive, however the gates have been removed.

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2Watton Church/ Town Green

Walk instructions1. Starting at the war memorial, turn left

on to Memorial Way. At the traffic light junction cross to Cadman Way. Cross to walk along the right hand side of the road, pass Kittle Close and then turn right on to Church Walk via the white gates.

2. Continue ahead at the end on to Church Road. Pass St Mary’s Church which will be on your right and follow this quiet country lane to the end (note Church Road becomes Town Green Road).

3. Turn right at the T-junction to Watton Green and follow the road around the corner to the end.

4. Cross Norwich Road on to the cycle way opposite (there is a safe crossing point a little to the left).

5. At the end of the cycle way turn right on to Griston Road and walk all the way to the end. Turn left at the T-junction on to Norwich Road.

6. Turn left at the traffic lights on to Memorial Way and return to your start point by the war memorial.

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Start point War Memorial (Memorial Way, Watton) Grid reference TF917006 • Postcode IP25 6BS Parking Free parking on Thetford Road by the War Memorial/ various town centre car parks Distance 2.2 miles Details Minor gradients, 100% firm

Nissen HutsLook to your left as you walk along Town Green Road; there are some old Nissen huts that are being quietly reclaimed by nature. A Nissen hut, named so after its designer Colonel Nissen is a pre-fabricated steel structure made from a semi-cylindrical skin of corrugated steel. The Nissen hut was first produced in 1915 and was used extensively during both World Wars. The huts in Watton were erected during World War Two and relate to the airfield which lies to the east of the town. The site is one of several World War Two military sites on Town Green Road that are visible on RAF aerial photographs taken in 1946.

A tangle of wild plants now dominates the military remains. Ivy and brambles scramble over the ruins, whilst scrubby hedgerow species such as hazel and elder provide a great habitat for many birds and insects.

• Peacock butterfly

Town Green Road

Watton Green

Church Road

Cadman Way

Norwich Road

Griston Road

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On this walk you will see nature quietly reclaiming some of Watton’s old military remains; creating a new use for structures that once sheltered troops during the war.

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Watton Church/ Town Green

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Church Walk

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War Memorial

St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church This church has a Norman round tower of 13th century date, although the top of the tower is a later addition. The core of the church is of this date, with the chancel and south arcade being in the Early English style. However, the north arcade is in the later Perpendicular style. The church was altered in the 15th century and the exterior reclad in the late 19th century. Inside, there are screens dating to 1852 and a wooden poor box in the form of a stiffly standing parson which dates to 1639. The churchyard is a regionally important example of an ornamental churchyard.

• Blackthorn

• Iron gate pier, Church Walk

Walk

3Watton/Merton

Walk instructions1. Starting at the war memorial, bear right along Merton Road. Pass all

the houses and the High School and follow Merton Road out in to the countryside.

2. For the longer walk stay on Merton Road until reaching Merton Green. Turn first right before the village shelter on to Tottington Terrace and then bear right at the T-junction on to The Green leading to Home Farm Lane.

3. Follow the road past Merton Village Hall to the junction and turn right; the hard surface gives way to a farm track. Follow the restricted byway to the end (now follow instruction 5 below).

4. For the short walk (continued from instruction 1): approximately 500 yards after passing the last of the houses on Merton Road, turn right on to the public footpath opposite the wood (Rabbit Plantation). Follow the path around the edge of the field, keeping the hedge on your right. At the end, turn right to cross a footbridge (now follow instruction 5 below).

5. Cross the footbridge over the stream and bear left along the track called Long Bridle Road. After approximately a third of a mile, look out for a row of houses on your right. Turn right on to the hard surface path leading into the housing estate; then bear left on to Stokes Avenue. Pass Bridle Road on your right and keep walking to the end of Stokes Avenue.

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Flints An abundance of flint in nearby fields indicates that buildings such as these cottages will have been constructed using local materials.

Start point War Memorial (Memorial Way, Watton) Grid reference TF917006 • Postcode IP25 6BS Parking Free parking on Thetford Road by the War Memorial/ various town centre car parks Distance 3.7 miles (or shorter walk 2.7 miles) Details Minor gradients, long walk 25% soft, short walk 30% soft

6. Turn right at the T-junction on to Brandon Road. Continue ahead over the roundabout onto the High Street. Walk all the way along the High Street and then just before you reach the traffic light junction, turn right on to Thetford Road and walk back to your start point beside the war memorial.

The Clock TowerThe clock tower is narrow with three storeys and is thought to have been erected after the great fire of 1674 which destroyed many of Watton’s buildings. The clock itself dates to 1827 and is set below the lintel of a medieval cross and above a shield depicting a hare and barrel. Additionally, wooden spandrels in the clock tower may have come from another medieval market cross. The tower is topped with a cupola in which a bell was placed, supposedly to warn inhabitants if fire broke out again. It is thought to have been re-faced in the 19th century. The Cupola is mounted by a weathervane dating to 1820, also in the form of a hare and a barrel. Virtually all the visible façade is of latter date.

Home Farm Lane

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A great example of the close links between rural Wayland and the bustling town of Watton. You can walk to the pretty village of Merton from the town and it’s an ideal length to fit in with everyday life.

Watton/Merton

Ancient TreesThere are a few ancient oak trees on Merton Road near the school. Ancient trees support life forms that can live nowhere else. They are full of nooks and crannies, holes and dead and rotting wood. As the years go by they provide perfect homes for thousands of species of plants, animals and fungi, including many rare and threatened species. Clusters of ancient trees are even more important because together all the trees will offer a really wide range of niche homes for lots of different specialist species in just one small area (Woodland Trust, 2011). See www.woodlandtrust.org.uk for more information.

Farmland hedgerows also provide valuable habitats for wildlife. Visit www.norfolkbiodiversity.org for information on the Biodiversity Action Plan for hedgerows.

• Lords and ladies (or cuckoo pint) growing in the hedge and in flower.


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Merton

War Memorial

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Brandon RoadHigh Street

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(County Wildlife Site)Merton

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Stokes Avenue

Long Bridle

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Rabbit Plantation

Village Hall

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4Watton/Wayland Wood

Walk instructionsPlease note: to prevent disturbance to wildlife, dogs are not allowed within Wayland Wood Nature Reserve.

1. Starting at the war memorial, turn left along Memorial Way to the traffic light junction and then turn right on to Norwich Road.

2. Just after the right turn to the industrial estate, turn right on to Griston Road. After approximately a quarter of a mile, turn right on to Field Maple Road. Bear right into Whitebeam Crescent and then bear left around the green.

3. Follow Whitebeam Crescent to the end and then leave the housing estate, turning right on to a path behind the houses and around the outer boundary of a field which will be on your left.

4. At the fenceline, turn left to follow the direction of the public footpath across the field to the opposite hedge. Go through the gap in the hedge beside the waymark post and continue in the same direction across a second field, heading for the corner of Wayland Wood.

5. As you approach the hedgeline, follow the path through the field boundary. Go through the kissing gate to Wayland Wood in front of you.

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Start point War Memorial (Memorial Way, Watton) Grid reference TF917006 • Postcode IP25 6BS Parking Free parking on Thetford Road by the War Memorial/ various town centre car parks Distance 3.5 miles Details Minor gradients, 75% soft

6. Follow the path straight on (don’t follow the public footpath to your right). Pass a pond and go through/round a gate before heading straight on over a small earth bank.

7. Follow the path until it opens out to a main track. Here you will see some Norfolk Wildlife Trust waymarker posts. Follow the Norfolk Wildlife Trust waymarked circular trail through the wood, ignoring all paths leading off the main wide grassy path. Please note: there is an information panel by the car parking area.

8. Eventually you should come back to the point at which you joined the circular trail and you can retrace your steps back out of the wood, over the earth bank, through/round the metal gate and then through the kissing gate.

9. Cross the track and go through the hedgeline in front of you. Retrace your steps back across the field. Go through the hedge with the waymarker post and then turn left along the footpath cross-field.

10. Go through the hedgeline at the waymarker post and turn right to follow this footpath past some houses to the road.

11. Turn left, crossing Abbey Road to head straight along Vicarage Walk. Follow Vicarage Walk round to the right. Turn left onto Monkhams Drive, then turn right at the T-junction on to Thetford Road. Continue along Thetford Road to return to your start point at the war memorial.

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Thetford Road

Abbey Road

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Vicarage Walk

Norwich Road

Griston Road

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This walk takes you to the wonderful ancient Wayland Wood; thought to be the setting for Babes in the Wood, this peaceful retreat is especially beautiful in spring with carpets of bluebells and other woodland flowers.

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Watton/Wayland Wood

Norfolk Wildlife Trust Wayland Wood Nature ReserveWayland Wood is a wonderful ancient woodland of oak, ash, hazel and bird cherry. In spring you will find carpets of bluebells, bugle and wood anemones and may spot rarer woodland flowers including early purple orchids and yellow archangel. At any time of year you are likely to see both muntjac and roe deer. Birds to look and listen for include great spotted woodpecker, tawny owl, treecreeper,

woodcock and sparrowhawk, plus

in spring and summer many migrant warblers including blackcap, chiffchaff, willow warbler and garden warbler. Some people believe this woodland is a direct descendent of the original ‘wildwood’ which covered much of England many thousands of years ago.

Babes in the WoodLegend has it that Wayland Wood is the place where two young children died as a result of their wicked uncle’s plan to get his hands on their inherited fortunes.

• Bugle (above) and Red Campion (left)

Photographs © David North, Norfolk Wildlife Trust

WattonWar Memorial

Field Maple Road

Whitebeam Crescent

Wayland Wood(SSSI)

Follow waymarked circular trail

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Start point Community Centre (Hale Road, Ashill) Grid reference TF886048 • Postcode IP25 7BL Parking Community Centre car park – free Distance 1.2 miles Details Minor gradients, 55% soft

Walk instructions1. From the community centre, turn right along Hale Road.

After approximately 200 yards and just before you reach Chapel Lane and the Methodist church, turn right on to a public footpath between the houses.

2. Follow the footpath right and then at the end, turn left on to a track. At the end of the track, cross the drain via a footbridge and turn left. Keep following the public footpath along the field edge as it turns right and then left.

3. At the end of the footpath, turn left on to Swaffham Road. Just after St Nicholas Church, continue straight on to Church Street.

4. At the end of Church Street, turn left on to Hale Road. Follow Hale Road back through the village to the Community Centre on your left.

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(Village shop on Hale Road)

Walk

5Ashill Church

Church of St Nicholas This is an impressive late medieval church with a west tower, a nave with just one aisle and a series of upper windows. The tower has an extraordinary main doorway formed with a flame-like ogee arch.

The church is built in a mixture of styles including Early English, suggesting that the parishioners of Ashill felt wealthy enough to continually rebuild sections of their church. The nave roof is dated 1618. The church was restored in the 19th century.

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Goose

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Fascinating walks which include the deserted medieval settlement of Panworth and the impressive Church of St Nicholas. There are some wonderful views across Breckland farmland.

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Ashill

Swaffham Road

St Nicholas Church Church

Street

Community Centre

Panworth Hall

Panworth Hall Farm Cottages

Green Farm

The Green

Panworth Cottages

Ashill Common

Short cut

Dunnetts Close


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6Ashill Church/ Ashill Panworth

Ashill CommonLook out for skylark and linnet across this open grassy area. Willow warblers have been found to breed here. Hawthorn found in the Devil’s Dyke is ideal for small mammals, birds, insects and other invertebrates to nest, roost or hibernate in. It supports many insect species such as shield bugs, earwigs, bumblebees, cockchafers, etc. These in turn are eaten by predatory insects such as the violet ground beetle or harvestman spider, as well as small birds such as the wren or blue tit. The bright red berries in the autumn (pictured) provide essential autumn feeding for blackbirds and thrushes, finches and yellow hammers along with winter visitors such as redwing and fieldfares.

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• Hawthorn berries

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Deserted medieval settlement of PanworthThe route takes you through the site of the medieval deserted settlement of Panworth, mentioned in the Domesday Book, but which does not appear on a map of 1581. The earthworks of the former manor, moat and houses are visible on the ground. Part of the moat appears to have been made out of the Panworth Ditch. The field crossed diagonally by the public footpath is protected by Scheduled Monument status.

Panworth Ditch/Devil’s DykeThe Panworth Ditch or Devil’s Dyke is one of only four similar linear earthworks in western Norfolk. The surviving section is a Scheduled Monument, about 300m long and comprises a ditch and bank. Its date is uncertain, although it could be Iron Age or Early Anglo-Saxon. The existing gap in the earthwork is original and may have been where a Roman road crossed. If Early Anglo-Saxon, it probably served as a tribal or estate boundary or allowed travel and the transport of goods to be controlled and tolls to be levied.

Walk

6Ashill Panworth

Start point Community Centre (Hale Road, Ashill) Grid reference TF886048 • Postcode IP25 7BL Parking Community Centre car park – free Distance 2.2 miles or short walk 1.4 miles Details Minor gradients, 50% soft

Walk instructions1. Starting at the Community Centre, cross over Hale Road to Dunnetts

Close opposite. Walk along Dunnetts Close for almost half a mile.

2. Turn right on to a public footpath along the drive to Panworth Hall.

3. Follow the drive left at Panworth Cottages and then immediately after passing the cottages turn right, climbing a stile, onto a public footpath.

See map for short walk: After climbing the stile, do not cross the field diagonally but instead, follow the hedge on your right and then bear right over to another stile. Follow the public footpath and turn right onto a grassy track. Now follow instruction no. 8 below.

4. Walk diagonally across this field to the far left hand corner. Turn right on to the lane.

5. At Panworth Hall Farm Cottages, turn right, still following the public footpath (this is a wide farm track).

6. At the corner, continue to walk straight on following the grassy footpath along the field edge, keeping the hedge on your right.

7. At the end, cross the drain via the footbridge and turn right along a wide grassy field margin. Follow this until you reach Green Farm.

8. Follow the farm track straight on past the pond on your right and then bear left past the farm buildings.

(Village shop on Hale Road)

9. Keep walking straight on to The Green. Pass the playing field (Goose Green) on your right.

10. Turn right on to Hale Road and continue until you arrive back at the community centre on your left.

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Walk

7Caston/ Stow Bedon

Start point Caston Village Green Grid reference TF958975 • Postcode NR17 1DB Parking Caston Village Hall car park – free Distance 2.7 miles (add approx 2/3 mile to distance if parking at village hall) Details Minor gradients, 100% firm

Caston Village Hall coffee drop-in – every Friday morning. Toilets available if using village hall for refreshments.

Walk instructions1. From the village green, walk past Holy Cross Church on your left and

continue straight on along this road. Continue walking until you reach Stow Bedon.

2. At the road junction in Stow Bedon, turn right along Mere Road.

3. At the end, turn right and follow this road all the way back to the village green in Caston.

Note: please park at rear of the village hall and avoid parking here when the hall is busy and in use by other groups. You are welcome to drop in to the village hall for tea or coffee on Friday mornings between 9:30am and 11:30am.

Holy Cross ChurchThe medieval period following the Norman Conquest has left the parish with its oldest surviving building, Holy Cross Church. The oldest part of the church is the 13th century chancel, the west tower, nave and two storey north porch (now a vestry) being from the 14th and 15th centuries. A very fine 17th century brass

chandelier hangs in the chancel. Legend has it that it comes from Hampton Court and was given away by Charles I, eventually ending up in Caston in 1871. The building underwent restoration in the 19th century.

St Botolph’s Church, Stow Bedon Take some time to visit St Botolph’s Church at Stow Bedon. It is a little off the route but this pretty church in its picturesque setting is certainly worth seeing.

Great BrecklesNearby Great Breckles was once a separate parish but is now incorporated into Stow Bedon although it still has its own church (St Margaret’s). There was also a medieval settlement of Little Breckles which was mentioned as a separate town in Domesday. This village had become abandoned by 1547, having had its church demolished during the reign of Edward III (1327-77).

Remains of the Caston village crossThe remains of the medieval standing stone village cross is said to have been a stopping point for pilgrims on their way to Walsingham Priory. The shaft of the cross was taken down in the 19th century but the three tiered circular base is still there.

Mere Road

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With particularly fantastic views across a vast agricultural landscape, this walk is extremely uplifting.

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Caston

Stow Bedon

Village Hall

Stow Bedon Mere


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Caston/ Stow Bedon

Stow Bedon MereAlthough this walk is entirely on quiet country roads, the route takes you beside a series of County Wildlife Sites in Stow Bedon. There are approximately 1,300 County Wildlife Sites in Norfolk supporting a wide range of biodiversity. Behind the trees to the south of Mere Road is Stow Bedon Mere, a large shallow lake with a deep silty bottom. The lake is surrounded by a mixture of wet woodland and fen species. The nationally scarce marsh fern grows both here and on Caston Common, another excellent wildlife-rich area comprising a mix of grassland, broad-leaved high forest and coppice along with a lake and several ponds. Please note there is no public access to the Stow Bedon County Wildlife Sites.

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Walk

8Thompson’s College

Start point The Chequers Inn (Griston Road, Thompson) Grid reference TF922968 • Postcode IP24 1PX Parking Chequers Inn car park – free Distance 2.5 miles Details Minor gradients, 30% soft

Walk instructions1. Starting at The Chequers Inn, turn left along Griston Road. Walk for

just over half a mile (ignoring the public footpath on your right) and then turn right on to a public bridleway (Drove Lane), immediately after passing the white railings.

2. Follow the bridleway all the way to the end and then turn right on to Stow Bedon Road.

3. At the island, turn right. Stow Bedon Road becomes Church Road. Follow the road as it bends left and then right through the village.

4. At the church, follow the road left. At the end of Church Road, bear right onto School Road.

5. At the crossroads, turn right on to Griston Road and walk back to The Chequers which will be on your left.

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The Chequers Inn during opening hours, toilets available if using pub for refreshments.

The Chequers Inn This Grade II Listed, thatched Inn has a mid 16th century core although the majority of the fabric dates to the 17th to 18th centuries. It is timber-framed with clay lump and brick infill and sits on a brick and flint plinth.

Chantry College of St Martin, Blessed Virgin Mary and All SaintsAround 1349, Sir Thomas and John de Shardelow founded the chantry college of St Martin, Blessed Virgin Mary and All Saints. The date of the rebuilding of the College building is a little vague since it is believed there may have been a small chantry of earlier date on the site which may have been altered or enlarged some time after the 1350 endowment. The college was surrendered in April 1541 with the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The remains of this building survive as part of College Farmhouse, although there were substantial alterations in the 17th to 19th centuries.

Drove LaneLook to the right through the trees when walking along the Drove Lane bridleway. Stunning highland cattle graze the meadows beside the stream in this biodiversity-rich County Wildlife Site, where plants such as water mint, marsh-marigold, wild angelica, greater bird’s foot trefoil and ragged robin flourish in the wet meadows.

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Walk

8Thompson Common nature reserve

Norfolk Wildlife Trust Thompson Common Nature ReservePlease note: dogs are allowed on leads along the pingo trail route but not elsewhere on this nature reserve due to livestock on site.

This area is famous for its pingos – more than 300 shallow pools are found on the reserve and support a dazzling array of water plants. In spring and summer they are perfect spots to enjoy watching dragonflies and brightly coloured damselflies. Experts still argue about exactly how these ponds formed. However it is generally thought that they date back more than 10,000 years and were formed by the action of sub-surface ice which melted leaving shallow depressions.

Today the nature reserve is a wonderful mix of Breckland habitats including grassland, fen, scrub and woodland and supporting a huge range of wildlife. More than 400 species of plants have been recorded including water violets, marsh pennywort, bogbean, marsh orchids, tormentil and agrimony. Birds to look for include kestrels, barn owls, grey partridges, woodcock, reed buntings, yellowhammers, bullfinches and linnets.

You can follow the Great Eastern Pingo Trail through the reserve which leads to Thompson Water, a 6 hectare man-made lake originally designed for fishing by Thomas de Grey in 1854. Today it’s a great spot for water birds. Look for great crested grebes, gadwalls, tufted ducks and in summer, reed warblers. You may also spot otters here.

When you walk on this reserve look out for the Konik ponies. Norfolk Wildlife Trust uses these small hardy ponies to graze the wet grasslands and open fens preventing too much scrub developing and shading out more diverse plant communities. You may also spot native breeds of sheep on the reserve. You can access the reserve from Butters Hall Lane.

35

Watton Road

School Road

Mill Road

Stow Bedon

Road

Church Road

Totti

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ad

Tottington Road

Drove Lane

Walk 9 Start

36 37

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Two walks full of variety. Don’t miss visiting Thompson Common, a Norfolk Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve where you will see the many Ice Age pingos clustered around the Great Eastern Pingo Trail.


Walk

8Walk

9Thompson’s College/Sparrow Hill

St Martin’s Church The church belonged to the adjacent college of canons which was a small community of priests. This explains the surviving stalls in the chancel with carved misericords. The building is mainly 14th century with an impressive west

tower. The aisleless nave has its original scissor-braced roof although it underwent restoration in

1974. The style of the chancel is firmly Decorated. There is much surviving woodwork of interest,

as well as some fragmentary wall paintings from the 14th century.

Walk 8 Start

Walk 8Short cutWalk 9Parking Church

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Beware of live firing!The land to the west of Peddars Way (shaded on the map) forms part of Stanford Military Training Area. Stanford Military

Training Area

Due to the risks associated with live firing and the presence of legacy munitions on site, public access to Stanford Military Training Area is strictly prohibited. Warning signs are in place to highlight the boundary of the ranges.

Thompson

The Chequers Inn

Thompson Common

War Memorial

Marlpit Road

Sparrow Hill

Merton Wood

Peddars Way

Griston Road

Sparrow Hill

Walk instructionsPlease see important note on page 5.

1. Starting at The Chequers Inn, turn right on to Griston Road. At the crossroads, walk straight on to Tottington Road.

2. Walk past Hallfield Road and then at the junction with Marlpit Road, bear left, heading straight on along Tottington Road. Follow the road as it bends right.

3. At the end of Tottington Road, turn right along the Peddars Way which follows the edge of the Stanford Training area.

4. When you reach the road, turn right. This is Sparrow Hill. Walk all the way to the end of Sparrow Hill.

5. At the junction (where you will see the war memorial), turn right along Watton Road.

6. At the crossroads, turn left along Mill Road and then at the next crossroads, turn left on to Griston Road and make your way back to The Chequers Inn which will be on your left.

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Breckland Farmland Many of the walks in the Watton area pass through a predominately large scale arable landscape with long, open views which provide a valuable habitat for farmland birds. With rare birds such as the stone curlew nesting in cultivated land which has plenty of bare ground and very short vegetation, much of the area is under National and European protection.

Some of Breckland’s farmland is designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) characterised by its climate and soils. Situated in the driest region in Britain it is subject to great extremes of temperature and the soil is a complex mix of free draining chalk, sand, silt, clay and flints. Some Breckland farmland is also designated a Special Protection Area (SPA). SPAs are designed to protect internationally rare breeding birds (in this case, stone curlew, nightjar and woodlark) and form a European network of ‘Natura 2000’ sites, designed to protect Europe’s most threatened wildlife.

This walk passes Merton Wood (County Wildlife Site), a traditionally managed coppiced woodland. Many of the oaks are over 150 years old and scattered amongst them are exotic curiosities such as the monkey puzzle tree and sequoia.

Walk

9

Start point The Chequers Inn (Griston Road, Thompson) Grid reference TF922968 • Postcode IP24 1PX Parking Chequers Inn car park – free Distance 3.3 miles Details Minor gradients, 15% soft

The Chequers Inn during opening hours, toilets available if using pub for refreshments.

CarbrookeWalk

10

Start point Carbrooke Village Hall (Church Street) Grid reference TF949021 • Postcode IP25 6SW Parking Carbrooke Village Hall car park – free Distance 3.3 miles Details Minor gradients, 50% soft

Walk instructions1. Starting at the village hall, turn left on to Church Street and follow the

road through the village (Church Street becomes Shipdham Road).

2. Turn left along a public footpath towards Fen Farm (you will see a large sign for ‘Fen Farm’ at this turning).

3. Follow the track sharp left when you reach the farm buildings.

4. Bear right, continuing to follow the track through the trees and ignoring any paths to your left.

5. After almost three quarters of a mile, turn a sharp left at the junction of tracks, still following the track through open fields.

6. At the corner, bear left, still following the track.

Note: please park at the rear of the Village Hall to keep front access and hall access areas clear.

7. At the water works, go under or around the gate and turn right on to a hard surface lane.

8. Turn left at Water House and then when you reach the road, bear left (effectively walking straight on).

9. At the road junction, turn left. Follow the road through Caudlesprings and continue on as it becomes Drury Lane.

10. At the end of the road, turn left on to Bridge Street using a raised pavement on the right. Follow Bridge Street (which becomes Church Street) back to the village hall on your left.

Church of St Peter and St Paul A massive late medieval church with a tall west tower and aisled nave. It is all 15th century except for the chancel which is late 13th century and has very elaborate Geometric tracery in its east window. It has a collection of late 16th century armour and the oldest identifiable tombs in Norfolk - those of Matilda de Clare and her son - dating to the late 13th century.

And then there was one…Originally the Manor of Carbrooke was split in two, with two churches: Carbrooke Parva, where a church was sited to the right of the bridge on Ovington Road at Caudle Springs; and Carbrooke Magna, where the Church still dominates the village. In about 1424 the Church at Carbrooke Parva had fallen down, but stone from the ruin was removed and used to extend the other church, thus making it the large church it is today. www.midnorfolktimes.com/

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Walk

10A peaceful and pretty route; you won’t miss the church with its extremely tall tower; stunning in the evening sunshine.

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Start

Carbrooke

Village Hall

Church Street

Bridge Street

Water Works

Caudlesprings

Drury Lane

Water House Shipdham

Road

Fen Farm

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• Great crested newt Photograph © Karl Charters, Norfolk Wildlife Trust


Carbrooke

The Preceptory of the Knights of St JohnThe modern village of Carbrooke is now centred around the medieval site of the commandry or preceptory of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem (a military monastic order similar to the Knights Templar) that was established in 1193 and was in use until Henry VIII closed it down in 1540. In the 14th century the Commandery at Carbrooke was the largest in England.

The great crested newtThe walk passes close to four County Wildlife Sites (none with public access). One of these is noted for a cluster of ponds supporting great crested newts, which are the largest European newt and are fully protected under European law. The male has a splendid orange belly with black spots and a dinosaur-like ridge along its back in the breeding season. It spends the spring and summer in ponds, but at other times inhabits damp terrestrial places such as wet grassland. The site is managed solely for nature conservation by seasonal mowing and light grazing by sheep resulting in a mosaic of species-rich grassland and fen-meadow. Visit www.norfolkbiodiversity.org and read the Species Action Plan

for more information on the newt.

44

Walk

11Merton Sally’s Walk

Start point Merton Village Hall (Home Farm Lane) Grid reference TF905989 • Postcode IP25 6QU Parking Merton Village Hall car park – free Distance 4.2 miles Details Minor gradients, 60% soft

45

St Peter’s Church This church has an attractive setting in the park of Merton Hall with the great house nearby (superb views from behind the church). The west tower was built during the late 11th or early 12th century; some of it may date to before the Norman Conquest of 1066.

The rest of the church dates to the 14th century, with later 15th and 16th century alterations.

Merton Hall and ParkMerton Park is part of the estate of the de Grey family, who have held the Manor of Merton since the early fourteenth century. In 1780 William de Grey was ennobled, becoming the first Baron Walsingham.Merton Hall was built of red brick in 1613, with a wing and extra rooms added during the 1830s and 1840s. All but the 1840s wing was destroyed by fire in 1956. There is a surviving 17th century red brick Jacobean style gatehouse to the east of the Hall. The landscape park was established by the early 18th century and was expanded during the late 18th century when woodland and an ornamental nursery were established. The great pond is one of several late 18th and 19th century additions to the park.

Walk instructionsPlease see important note on page 5.

1. Starting at the village hall, turn left on to the road. Walk along The Green and past Tottington Terrace. Head straight on to Crow’s Lane.

2. Take your first right on to a gravely lane where you see a public path post. After a few yards, bear left on to Sally’s Walk.

3. Follow the grassy path, continuing straight on along the edge of the field. You will see a belt of trees ahead. Bear left along the path as you pass the trees on your right and continue through the wood.

4. At the end of this woodland track, turn left on to an open track. You will see a view of the church through the trees. Go past The Lodge on your left and walk through the gates straight ahead of you to the road.

5. Turn right along the road. Walk for just under half a mile and then turn right on Sparrow Hill (you will see a war memorial at this junction).

6. Walk for just over three quarters of a mile and then turn right along Peddars Way.

7. Follow Peddars Way all the way to Home Farm and Hawthorn Farm. Go through a gate and continue past the farm along Home Farm Lane.

8. At the end of the track (where Peddars Way goes left), turn right on to the road (still Home Farm Lane). Walk for a quarter of a mile and then turn left in to the village hall.


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Stanford Military Training Area

Walk

11Visit the church and you will find a stunning view of Merton Hall with its great pond; a lovely spot to enjoy a quiet moment before enjoying the rest of this pretty route.

46 47

Merton Sally’s Walk

StartMerton

Village Hall

Home Farm Lane

Hom

e Fa

rm L

ane

Home Farm

Hawthorn Farm

The Squares

Merton Wood

The Lodge

Sparrow Hill

Peddars Way

War Memorial

Watton Road

Crow’s Lane

Sally’s Walk

P

The Squares‘The Squares’ is a County Wildlife Site; an area of broad-leaved plantation situated between Merton village and Merton Hall. The wood is old parkland type woodland, visually attractive with a mixture of tree species

such as oak, silver birch, sweet chestnut and beech. There are some large old trees with spreading boughs. Sally’s Walk runs north to south through the wood.

Merton WoodMerton Wood is another County Wildlife Site. Look out for bluebells as you pass; they are abundant across much of the woodland here in spring. You may also spot oak trees over 150 years old at the eastern end of the site.

Ancient trees This horse chestnut in flower is just one of several ancient trees growing beside the road on the edge of Merton Wood.

Beware of live firing!The land to the west of Peddars Way (shaded on the map) forms part of Stanford Military Training Area.

Due to the risks associated with live firing and the presence of legacy munitions on site, public access to Stanford Military Training Area is strictly prohibited. Warning signs are in place to highlight the boundary of the ranges.

48

Walk

12Great/Little Cressingham

49

Start point Great Cressingham village sign (St Michael’s Crescent) Grid reference TF851017 • Postcode IP25 6NH Parking The Olde Windmill Inn car park – free Distance 5.1 miles Details Gentle gradients, 20% soft 100% hard avoiding Green Lane

St Andrew’s Church, Little Cressingham Originally a large 14th century church, St Andrew’s is partly ruined. The building contains Norman fragments although it is mostly in Decorated style. It was repaired and restored in the 18th and 19th century. A storm in 1781 brought down the tower and damaged half the nave but it was restored with a brick wall separating it from the ruined tower. In 1990 the tower, still ruined, was secured with help from the Norfolk Churches Trust.

St Michael’s Church, Great CressinghamA medieval parish church dating from the 13th century, with extensive 15th century alterations. The church contains 13th century wall arcading, a 14th century piscina and late medieval poppy head bench ends.

In 1086 Great Cressingham was almost entirely in the hands of the Bishop of Thetford, before passing to Norwich Cathedral Priory who held land in the parish until the Dissolution. Manor Farm, once known as Priory Farm, was thought to be the site of a monastic manor. In fact, there was never a religious foundation on the site, and although the manor has been linked to the Priory of Norwich, the double moated site is thought to be that of Risley's Manor, recorded from the 15th century. In the mid 16th century

the house was acquired by the Jenny family who built an elaborate and substantial courtyard house, only a small portion of which survives. Manor Farm is surrounded by earthworks relating to the medieval village of Great Cressingham.

Walk instructionsIf you have parked at the Windmill Inn, turn left on to the road and walk for just over a quarter of a mile. Turn left on to The Street and walk for a little over 350 yards to St Michael’s Crescent.

1. From St Michael’s Crescent (by the church), walk straight on along Priory Drove, passing the church which will be on your right. Priory Drove becomes Priory Road.

2. At the end of the road, turn right to follow the Peddars Way along a quiet road.

3. At the crossroads, walk straight on, still following the Peddars Way towards Little Cressingham.

4. At the end of the road, when you reach Little Cressingham, turn right on to Fairstead Lane. You will walk past the disused mill.

5. After approximately 500 yards, bear right off the road onto Green Lane (track). At the T-junction, turn left.

Buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters: continue following Fairstead Lane and turn right at the T-junction.

The Olde Windmill Inn, Water End (just over ¼ mile from south-west end of The Street. Toilets available if using the pub for refreshments.

6. When you reach the road, turn right and follow the road back to Great Cressingham.

7. If parked at the Windmill, walk straight on past The Street and back to the pub on your right. If you started in the village, turn right on to The Street and make your way back to your starting point.

The Olde Windmill Inn

With breathtaking views, particularly across to the mill at Little Cressingham, this walk will fill you with a sense of energy and inspiration.

50 51

Wind and Watermill, Little Cressingham This combined wind and watermill is a unique type in Norfolk. It was built in 1821 and lies on the site of an earlier watermill marked on Faden’s 1797 map. A waterwheel turned two pairs of stones on the first floor of the mill whilst the sails turned two pairs of stones on the fourth floor. There is a decorative pump house on the site built around 1806 that housed a Bramah pump and later two hydraulic rams which were used to

raise water to Clermont Lodge. There is also a 19th century Miller’s House adjacent to the mill. The mill last worked by windpower in 1916 though it continued by waterpower and an oil engine into the 1950s. The site (excluding the mill house) is managed by the Norfolk Windmill Trust. Some restoration work was carried out during the 1980s and 1990s.

StartP

The Street

Priory Drove

Disused Mill

Priory Road

Peddars Way

Fairstead Lane

Fairstead Lane

Green Lane (track)

Little Cressingham

Great Cressingham

Walk

12Great/Little Cressingham



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52 53

AcknowledgementsMany thanks to the following organisations for their support of the Health, Heritage and Biodiversity Walks project, for their help in developing the walking routes and their general input to the publication:

Wayland Partnership; Watton Town Council; Breckland District Council; Active Norfolk; Breckland and Brandon ‘Fit Together’ Walking for Health Scheme and its volunteers; NHS Norfolk; local parish councils; local village hall committees; local landowners; local public houses; Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Further informationWatton’s Tourist & Local Information Facility (Visitor Centre) is staffed wholly by volunteers and is located in the Dragonfly Gallery & Visitor Centre at the address below:

The Wayland Tourism Association:c/o Wayland House, High Street, Watton, Norfolk, IP25 6ARTel: Administration 01953 884224

Telephone (when open): 01953 880212

We are open during the season: 10am – 4pm Mon-Fri, 10am – 1pm Saturdays & Public Holidays

Also by appointment: Please telephone: 01953 883915 (office hours) or 884224 or email: [email protected]

Project information Explore further...

Wayland TrailsThe Wayland Word Journey contains four trails for visitors and local people to explore by car, cycle or on foot, offering a challenge to find Wayland’s treasures. The poetry and reflective thoughts in this attractive, colourful book have been written by members of the local community who wanted to celebrate the distinctiveness of this quiet and lovely part of Norfolk. All trails start from the Dragonfly Visitor Centre at Wayland House on Watton High Street (01953 880212). The book is priced at £3.00.

The Watton Heritage Trail includes 20 places of particular interest. These are listed and illustrated in the Heritage Trail brochure with a short background note about each one. You can pick up free copies of the brochure at Wayland House. Guided walks of the Heritage Trail can be arranged for small groups; contact the Visitor Centre for more information.

The Peddars Way is an historic Roman Road dating back to 61AD. Starting at Knettishall Heath Country Park in Suffolk, the Peddars Way National Trail runs for 46 miles through the Brecks and on to the rolling open farmland of north-west Norfolk where it meets the Norfolk Coast Path.

The Great Eastern Pingo Trail is an 8-mile/12.9km circular (waymaked) walk and includes parts of the Peddars Way, the old Thetford to Watton railway line and crosses Thompson Common Nature Reserve. There is an access for all trail situated at the main car park just off the A1075 Watton to Great Hockham Road in the former Stow Bedon station yard. The trail is 300m long and follows part of the old railway line with a firm and level surface.

Visit the Countryside Access website for more information about the Great Eastern Pingo Trail.

See ‘Useful contacts’ for more websites.

54

Walks locations

Are you interested in walking with a group?Walking for HealthThe Breckland and Brandon Walking for Health Scheme delivers a series of led walks in the Watton area. Visit www.activenorfolk.org/fittogether/ or call 01603 732333 for more information and contact details.

Carbrooke

Thompson

Merton

B1077

B1108

B1108

B1077

A47

A11

1012


Useful contacts

Active Norfolkwww.activenorfolk.orgBreckland District Councilwww.breckland.gov.ukBreckland Societywww.brecsoc.org.ukBrecks Partnershipwww.brecks.orgEnglish Heritagewww.english-heritage.org.ukLoch Neatonwww.lochneaton.org.ukNational Trailwww.nationaltrail.co.ukNational Trustwww.nationaltrust.org.ukNatural Englandwww.naturalengland.org.ukNHS Norfolkwww.norfolk-pct.nhs.ukNorfolk Biodiversity Partnershipwww.norfolkbiodiversity.orgNorfolk Churches Trustwww.norfolkchurches.co.uk

Norfolk Countryside Accesswww.countrysideaccess.norfolk.gov.ukNorfolk County Councilwww.norfolk.gov.ukNorfolk Heritage Explorerwww.heritage.norfolk.gov.ukNorfolk Online Access to Heritagewww.noah.norfolk.gov.ukNorfolk Wildlife Trustwww.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.ukTraveline 0871 200 2233www.travelineeastanglia.co.ukWayland Trailswww.wayland-tourism.org.uk/ waylandtrails.htmWayland Walking and Cyclingwww.wayland-tourism.org.uk/ walkingcycling.htm Wayland Partnership Development Trustwww.wayland.org.ukWatton Town Councilwww.wattontowncouncil.gov.uk

55

Ashill

Great/Little Cressingham

Caston

A1075

A1075

A10

65 9 8

1

4

5 6

7

3

11

2Watton

56

at your serviceNorfolk County Council

G25473 7/11 CB

DownloadYou can download a copy of this booklet at www.countrysideaccess.norfolk.gov.uk/health-walks.aspx

ContactIf you have any comments regarding these walks, whether good or not so good – tell us what you think! Writeto: Norfolk County Council, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 2SGEmail: [email protected]: 01603 222769

• All information correct at time of going to press (July 2011)• Printed on recycled paper using vegetable based inks

Going for a walk in natural

surroundings is one of the easiest

and most enjoyable ways to maintain

good health, to relax, unwind

and re-charge your

batteries. This book

has 12 walks of

varying lengths, ideal

to fit in with daily life.

The locations have been chosen

to help you enjoy and appreciate our

Norfolk heritage, both natural and

man-made, linking history

to nature and health.

Enjoy the walks!

at your serviceNorfolk County Council

No

rfolk C

ounty Council – Health • Heritage •

Biodi

vers

ity

Nor

folk Walks

Documents

Norfolk health, heritage and biodiversity walks · 2016. 2. 19. · you find them and take any litter (including dog litter) home or use bins provided. Please take some time to read