King's Lynn to Walsingham

5 day Walking Itinerary

This 5 day walking itinerary uses sections of three well established long distance paths in Norfolk to produce a modern day pilgrimage route from the Hanseatic town of King's Lynn to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. A variety of other significant religious sites are encountered on the way including the gatehouse of Pentney Abbey, Castle Acre Priory and the ruins of St. Mary's Carmelite Priory at Burnham Norton.

The route starts on the Nar Valley Way by following the River Nar upstream to Castle Acre. At Castle Acre the route diverts to the Peddar's Way, an ancient trackway which may even pre-date its use by the Roman military. At the northern limit of the Peddar's Way the route heads east along the Norfolk Coast Path. After reaching Wells-next-the-Sea the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway is used to transport you to Walsingham (or an alternative walking route can be negotiated to complete your journey to the Shrine).

Route and map links

Five stage itinerary:

• Day 1: King's Lynn to Pentney / Narborough (21.5 km / 13.5 miles)
• Day 2: Pentney / Narborough to Great Massingham (via Castle Acre) (18.5 km / 11.5 miles)
• Day 3: Great Massingham to Holme-next-the-Sea / Old Hunstanton (24 km / 15 miles)
• Day 4: Old Hunstanton to Burnham Overy Staithe (26 km / 16 miles)
• Day 5: Burnham Overy Staithe to Wells-next-the-Sea (11 km / 7 miles, plus railway)

The Three Paths Pilgrimage uses sections of three routes, each of which is detailed on the Norfolk Trails interactive map (opens new window).

Norfolk Trails interactive maps:

• Nar Valley Way (opens new window)
• Peddar's Way (opens new window)
• Norfolk Coast Path (opens new window)

Detailed maps associated with particular sections:

• Day One: King's Lynn to Pentney /Narborough (13.5 miles)
  • King's Lynn to Narborough (125 miles) (PDF) [550KB]
• Day Two: Pentney / Narborough to Great Massingham (via Castle Acre) (11.5 miles)
  • Narborough to West Acre (3 miles) (PDF) [663KB]
  • West Acre to Castle Acre (25 miles) (PDF) [320KB]

Additional information

Norfolk is noted for its level terrain, which means that the daily distances from 7 to 16 miles may be comfortable for those more familiar with walking in hillier areas. This itinerary may be shortened or extended as required to meet the needs of all levels of experience.

You may wish to extend your stay in King's Lynn, either before or after embarking on The Three Paths Pilgrimage. The town made its fortune as a medieval port and has long been associated with pilgrims.

The King's Lynn Pilgrimage Trail highlights many features in the town, including King's Lynn Minster and the 15th century Red Mount which was used as a wayside chapel by pilgrims on the way to Walsingham. Lynn Museum hosts an important collection of medieval pilgrim badges, many of which were discovered locally. You might find the links below useful if planning to stay:

• The King's Lynn Pilgrimage Trail is available to download from Visit West Norfolk (opens new window)
• Lynn Museum