Castle Acre Circular (Long)

This longer circular from Castle Acre threads together two of Norfolk's most evocative medieval sites with quiet farmland and riverside walking. The route sets out past the earthwork moats of Castle Acre Castle and the village's surviving Bailey Gate, then heads out into open countryside towards Fingerhill Plantation, Three-cocked-hat Plantation and Blakeneyhill Plantation.

Beyond the woods the path opens onto West Acre Common before dropping down to follow the gentle valley of the River Nar. There are glimpses across the water towards West Acre Priory and the nearby Washpit Reservoir, before the trail turns back east through fields and hedgerows on the return leg.

The finale is the highlight: a riverside approach to Castle Acre Priory, where the ruined Gatehouse, Prior's Lodging and ornate west front rise above the meadows. From here a short climb leads back up into the village beneath the Bailey Gate, closing a loop that takes in both castle and priory in a single afternoon.