The
Nar Valley Way
A
journey along the Nar Valley Way is a voyage of discovery. The route stretches
some 54km (34 miles), starting at the Norfolk Rural Life Museum at Gressenhall
in the heart of Norfolk, and following the River Nar downstream to the
historic port of King's Lynn. It will take you on a journey through a splendid
variety of scenery, encountering a wealth of wildlife and history.
The
route meanders through contrasting landscapes
from the open farmland around Mileham and expansive lowland panoramas
near King's Lynn, to the intimacy of woodland glades found at West Acre and
Narborough. You will travel along quiet tracks and lanes, across farmland,
through woods, meadows and commons. The river is never far away with long
stretches of riverside path to enjoy.
The
River Nar itself is recognised as one of the finest chalk streams in East
Anglia and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Nar Valley supports a
diverse range of habitats and wildlife and the river ecosystem is of
particular interest. Places of note include Castle Acre Common and Litcham
Common Local Nature Reserve, which are havens for wildlife.
The
clear waters of the Nar have influenced the human occupation of the valley and
there is much for the historian to discover, with evidence of a thousand years
of settlement along the Way. See why the Nar Valley has been called
"Norfolk's Holy Land" with its priory ruins like those at Castle
Acre and West Acre and the Abbey at Pentney. Look out too for the fine variety
of churches. The Anglo-Saxon round tower at East Lexham is probably the oldest
in the County. Your travels will also take you past castles and grand country
houses, attractive villages, and ultimately into King's Lynn with its fine
medieval architecture. With its lovely countryside and fascinating history,
the Nar Valley Way holds something of interest for the traveller, whatever the
season.
GETTING
STARTED: The route is directly accessible on foot from King's Lynn, and
from East Dereham via link footpaths from the town centre to Gressenhall
Museum.
Public
transport is limited but there is a bus service between King's Lynn and East
Dereham. Bus times and destinations are available from the Norfolk Bus
Information Centre 0845 300 611
Car
parking is available in both towns and at Gressenhall Museum. There is also
parking provision at Shouldham Warren and Litcham Common Nature Reserve.
ROUTE
FINDING: The Nar Valley Way is signposted and waymarked in both
directions. Detailed route information can be found on The Ordnance Survey
Explorer Maps 236 and 238. In addition there is a guidebook 'An
introduction to the Nar Valley Way' by Pathway Publishing ISBN 0 9526628
5 X.
REST AND REFRESHMENT: Accommodation is available in King's Lynn and East Dereham as well as Castle Acre, which is a convenient mid point along the walk and interchange with the Peddar's Way National Trail. Village stores and pubs can be found along the way. Further information including places to visit and accommodation, is available from Tourist Information Centres at:
Acknowledgements - the information on this page is reproduced from the Norfolk County Council leaflet - ' Nar Valley Way - A Norfolk Long Distance Path'. Illustrations are by Richard Wilkins.