Bridgham Heath

Downs, Moorland in Norfolk Breckland

England

Bridgham Heath

Pigs grazing near Black's Plantation (taken on the Peddar Way) — Pigs grazing near Black's Plantation Credit: Basher Eyre

Bridgham Heath is a vast expanse of heathland located in Norfolk, England. Situated near the village of Bridgham, it covers an area of approximately 1,000 acres and is known for its diverse range of habitats, including downs and moorland.

The heath is characterized by its open, undulating landscape, dotted with gorse bushes and heather. The sandy soil supports a variety of plant species, such as bristle bent grass, hare's-tail cottongrass, and bell heather. These plants create a vibrant display of colors, especially during the summer months when the heath is in full bloom.

Bridgham Heath is also home to a rich array of wildlife. It provides an important habitat for several bird species, including stonechats, woodlarks, and nightjars. The heathland environment attracts many insects, which in turn attract a variety of reptiles, including adders and common lizards. Additionally, the heath is a habitat for small mammals like rabbits and voles.

The heathland is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for walking, birdwatching, and nature photography. The area is crisscrossed by footpaths and tracks, allowing visitors to explore its many nooks and crannies. It is also part of the larger Breckland Special Protection Area, which helps to ensure the conservation and preservation of its unique flora and fauna.

Overall, Bridgham Heath is a picturesque and ecologically significant landscape, providing a haven for both nature enthusiasts and the diverse range of wildlife that call it home.

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Bridgham Heath Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.443625/0.83177537 or Grid Reference TL9286. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pigs grazing near Black's Plantation (taken on the Peddar Way)

Pigs grazing near Black's Plantation

(taken on the Peddar Way)

Celebratory bench on the Peddars Way Installed in 2017 to honour John Adamthwaite and Larry Field <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/news/croydon-news/croydon-man-marks-turning-70-1069215" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/news/croydon-news/croydon-man-marks-turning-70-1069215">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Celebratory bench on the Peddars Way

Installed in 2017 to honour John Adamthwaite and Larry Field Link

Looking west-northwest along High Bridgham Road (while crossing it on the Peddars Way)

Looking west-northwest along High Bridgham Road

(while crossing it on the Peddars Way)

Approaching the A11 on the Peddars Way I&#039;ve driven along it many times- a whole different proposition trying to cross it on foot!

Approaching the A11 on the Peddars Way

I've driven along it many times- a whole different proposition trying to cross it on foot!

Ramblers on the Peddars Way The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way &amp; Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles.
Wikipedia: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Ramblers on the Peddars Way

The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea. Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles. Wikipedia: Link

Looking from the Peddars Way towards Bridgham Belt The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way &amp; Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles.
Wikipedia: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Looking from the Peddars Way towards Bridgham Belt

The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea. Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles. Wikipedia: Link

Route marker on the Peddars Way The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way &amp; Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles.
Wikipedia: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Route marker on the Peddars Way

The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea. Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles. Wikipedia: Link

Spindly trees seen from the Peddars Way

Spindly trees seen from the Peddars Way

Path from High Bridgham Road to Broom Covert The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way &amp; Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles.
Wikipedia: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Path from High Bridgham Road to Broom Covert

The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea. Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles. Wikipedia: Link

Looking southwards towards High Bridgham Road on the Peddars Way The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way &amp; Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles.
Wikipedia: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Looking southwards towards High Bridgham Road on the Peddars Way

The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea. Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles. Wikipedia: Link

Leaning tree spotted from the Peddars Way The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way &amp; Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles.
Wikipedia: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Leaning tree spotted from the Peddars Way

The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea. Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles. Wikipedia: Link

Path between High Bridgham Road and the A11 (taken while walking the Peddars Way)

Path between High Bridgham Road and the A11

(taken while walking the Peddars Way)

The Peddars Way approaches the A11 The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way &amp; Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles.
Wikipedia: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

The Peddars Way approaches the A11

The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea. Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles. Wikipedia: Link

The A11 on a glorious late September afternoon (seen from the Peddars Way)

The A11 on a glorious late September afternoon

(seen from the Peddars Way)

Signpost near a power post on the Peddars Way The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way &amp; Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles.
Wikipedia: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

Signpost near a power post on the Peddars Way

The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea. Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles. Wikipedia: Link

3 types of transport seen from the Peddars Way The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea.
Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way &amp; Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles.
Wikipedia: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peddars_Way">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

3 types of transport seen from the Peddars Way

The Peddars Way is a long distance footpath in Norfolk. It is 46 miles long and follows the route of a Roman road. It has been suggested by more than one writer that it was not created by the Romans but was an ancient trackway, a branch or extension of the Icknield Way, used and remodelled by the Romans. The name is said to be derived from the Latin pedester – on foot. It starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk (near the Norfolk-Suffolk border, about 4 miles east of Thetford), and it links with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea. Combined with the Norfolk Coast Path, it forms the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales, and the two paths together run for 97 miles. Wikipedia: Link

Looking eastwards on the Breckland Line (taken while walking the Peddars Way; also see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breckland_line" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breckland_line">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> )

Looking eastwards on the Breckland Line

(taken while walking the Peddars Way; also see Link

)

Heading northwards from Shadwell Crossing on the Peddars Way (taken while walking the Peddars Way)

Heading northwards from Shadwell Crossing on the Peddars Way

(taken while walking the Peddars Way)

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Bridgham Heath is located at Grid Ref: TL9286 (Lat: 52.443625, Lng: 0.83177537)

Administrative County: Norfolk

District: Breckland

Police Authority: Norfolk

What 3 Words

///slimming.image.initiates. Near Thetford, Norfolk

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.443625,0.83177537

Marker: yes

Pipeline: marker

Substance: gas

Utility: gas

Lat/Long: 52.4448672/0.8364201

Marker: yes

Pipeline: marker

Substance: gas

Utility: gas

Lat/Long: 52.4447884/0.83612

Fixme: incomplete

Lat/Long: 52.44471/0.8358518

Barrier: cattle_grid

Bicycle: no

Foot: yes

Lat/Long: 52.4426833/0.8287118

Milestone

Distance Norwich: 25 mi

Distance Thetford: 4 mi

Lat/Long: 52.4424192/0.8264619

Note: The trees that were here are all cut down 25-12-19

Lat/Long: 52.4411726/0.8262813

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Mulberry Green Essex

High Plantation Norfolk

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