Castle Walk

This itinerary takes you from the ruins of Pentney Mill up into the pretty villages of Shouldham and Wormegay. These villages like so many had their own priories, which led to historian Augustus Jessopp calling the Nar Valley "Norfolk's Holy Land". The walk will take you through examples of landscape more reminiscent of Norfolk's Breckland as well as a former rabbit warren and a motte-and-bailey castle in Wormegay.

If arriving by bus, walk west from the bus stop towards medieval Cross. A little further on, a lane on your left will take you towards the former gatehouse of Pentney Abbey which once stood there. Another lane halfway down on your right will take you to the site of Pentney Mill. Your walk will return you to the Nar Valley Path; at Setch you can carry on walking or catch the bus into the medieval town of King's Lynn.

Routes and maps

View routes on Norfolk Trails Interactive Map (opens new window).

Accessibility

The itinerary uses Norfolk County Council Nar Valley path and some public rights of way, footways and quiet lanes (C roads or less). Surfaces of paths can change, but main Norfolk County Council trails are normally maintained well in normal circumstances. Inclusive access could well be affected by weather; as the route is near a river, potential flooding could occur especially during the winter months. The route does involve crossing the normally busy A47 and A10 at Setchey. There are some uphill sections along the route, but these can be avoided via the Nar Valley Path if an issue. Access to all activities is possible by other transportation means.

Getting there

Access to public transport is available in both Swaffham and King's Lynn. Buses are available from King's Lynn to Pentney.

Visit West Norfolk Community Transport (opens new window) for more information about bus timetables.

Local visitor information

Visit West Norfolk website (opens new window) for more information about accommodation, food and local activities.