Boudicca Way

Summary

Boudicca was Queen of the Iceni people of eastern England and led a major uprising against occupying Roman forces. Much of the action took place in the area covered by this walk, hence its name.

The walk of about 37 miles is across gentle Norfolk countryside using delightful sections of footpath linked by farm tracks, byways, and quiet lanes. This is an easy walk and can be divided into four sections for a leisurely long weekend or midweek break. The route is generally well signed on the ground, but be aware that recent changes have taken place so see the new guide at boudiccaway.co.uk.

An alternative approach would be a challenge march of the full 37 miles, returning by train or bus to your start. Ken Brockway opted for two sections and found that Tasburgh is served by the Simonds bus company, including a Sunday service, between Diss and Norwich.

Walk Journal Report

Having parked the car at Tasburgh, Ken caught the bus into Norwich and had a look around the city as he walked between the bus and rail stations. While Norwich Union Insurance may now be Aviva, the many office buildings still bear the former name in both stone and iron and will no doubt be perpetuated if the buildings have 'Listed' status. The head office, Surrey House, claims to be “One of the most elegant and opulent Edwardian office buildings in Britain”.

Thorpe station was the first and is now the only rail station to serve the city. It was rebuilt in 1886, no doubt in response to the proposed opening of an upstart trying to usurp its position.

The walk makes a very pleasant start alongside the River Wensum, threaded through the city. The Sea Cadets have a large grey ship here while an ugly wooden structure offers evening meals. Daily river trips are also on offer, though none were running on the day. Old buildings and boats sit alongside new apartments and a new bridge, providing plenty of interest along this all-too-short section of the walk shared with the Wherryman's Way. Carrow Bridge was built to open for boats to pass through, but does not look as if it has been called upon to move recently. Leaving the pleasant waterside, the route exits the city by road—likely the only escape route, as cyclists on Cycle Route 1 are also required to compete with traffic.

Trowse village offers a shop for refreshments and a pleasant row of houses opposite the green where children play on a Sunday morning. The Boudicca Way is not well signed out of the city, but at the first section of real footpath, the first sign appears along with an advertisement for Arminghall Car Boot Sale in full swing.

After nearly three miles, the Boudicca Way finally hits open countryside. Chalk and gravel have long been quarried here—flints having once been an important export—and the path detours around a former chalk pit.

Passing a small group of female ramblers just before arriving at a splendid seat in memory of a lady “who loved these footpaths”, Ken paused for an early lunch on the wide mown headlands. Moving on towards the remains of the Roman Town of Venta Icenorum, permission paths provided by High Ash Farm allow for an enjoyable detour around the Roman town walls, which remain exceptionally well-preserved because the site was abandoned rather than plundered for stone.

Approaching Upper Stoke, tall robust metal fencing surrounds the remains of RAF Stoke Holy Cross, part of the coastal early warning radar stations code-named Chain Home. Nearby stand two tall radio towers, one owned by the Ministry of Defence and the larger stepped tower by BT.

The route then passes through Shotesham, where The Globe Inn was flat out serving Sunday lunches. A refreshing pint of Adnams straight from the barrel set the tone for exploring the village church with its uncovered wall paintings and the enigmatic Duke's Head.

Straying from the Way to explore St Martin's church (whose tower was recently cleared of ivy by local volunteers), the route continues through Saxlingham Green and Saxlingham Nethergate, passing cricket matches and flower festivals.

Note: Penny Whyte offers camping facilities for Boudicca Way walkers (Postcode: NR15 1TG). A one-acre private wild meadow with fruit trees and cosy camping spots running parallel to Boudicca Way on Saxlingham Green. Booking essential via email at pennywhyte@hotmail.com (£10.00 per person per night; off-grid, no facilities).

Approaching the A140, the path follows fenced walkways alongside fields full of horses at the Redwings Horse Sanctuary—the largest horse sanctuary in the UK caring for over 1,100 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. Lower Tasburgh features thatched buildings and a round-towered church dating back through Anglo-Saxon and Iron Age settlements.

The second leg begins from Diss along lanes toward Hempnall and Fritton, weaving through hedge-lined tunnel paths and the woodland estate of Tyrrel's Wood. Arriving in Pulham Market, a well-timed stop at the village green allowed for a pint of Woodfordes Wherry before a light drizzle passed over.

Passing Tivetshall St Mary onto formal Norfolk “Quiet Lanes” designed for shared pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist use, the route reaches Shimpling and St George's church, cared for by The Churches Conservation Trust.

Further south, views of the late 16th-century Thelveton Hall precede Frenze church and its historic brasses. Joining the Angles Way across a bridge over the River Waveney, the walk nears its end in Diss. While official guides point toward the railway station, finishing at Diss Mere and exploring the vibrant market town makes for a much more rewarding conclusion.

Report and pictures by Ken Brockway.