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United Kingdom
England
East Of England
Norfolk
Breckland District

Saham Toney

Easy hikes and walks around Saham Toney

4.8

(160)

949

hikers

51

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Saham Toney offer a diverse landscape of woodland paths, open farmland, and common land. The area is characterized by subtle valley topography and extensive views, including glimpses of the historic Saham Mere. A notable natural feature is Thompson Common, home to unique "pingo ponds" formed during the ice age, creating a distinctive environment. These natural elements provide varied scenery for hikers.

Best easy hiking trails around Saham Toney

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Thompson Water – Woodland Wild Camping Spot loop from Thompson, a 4.7 miles (7.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 56 minutes to complete. This route features low elevation gain and passes by Thompson Water.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Hiking loop from North Pickenham, an easy 3.4 miles (5.5 km) path. This trail offers gentle gradients through the local countryside.
  • Local hikers also love the Wanderers Woodland loop from Bradenham, a 3.1 miles (5.0 km) trail leading through pleasant woodland terrain, often completed in about 1 hour 18 minutes.
  • Hiking around Saham Toney is defined by woodland paths, open farmland, and unique pingo ponds, with routes offering options for different ability levels.
  • The routes in Saham Toney are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 140 reviews. More than 900 hikers have used komoot to explore Saham Toney's varied terrain.

Last updated: June 30, 2026

5.0

(2)

14

hikers

#1.

Thompson Water – Woodland Wild Camping Spot loop from Thompson

7.60km

01:56

20m

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

6

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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5.0

(1)

11

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

5.0

(1)

9

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

LivingAutumn
July 4, 2025, Thompson Water

Take time to go off the trail to the bird hides and vantage points around the water. The route is best in spring before the nettles take over the path in summer!

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Great

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Lovely!

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The pretty village of North Pickenham lies on the route of the Peddars Way long-distance trail. The impressive St Andrew's Church is worth a look, while the nearby Grade I listed St Mary's Church has murals that date back to the 11th century. St Mary's is a remnant of the deserted medieval village of Houghton on the Hill.

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Andy
August 29, 2023, Thompson Water

Just enjoy being out n about

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1

Really nice easy walk good on a warm day with shelter from the forests

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51m
August 18, 2023, Thompson Water

Thompson Water and the common form an SSSI managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. It's a particularly important area for dragonflies and damselflies.

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Thompson Common is an important habitat for wildlife, with dragonflies, damselflies, otters and pool frogs all in residence. The common is famous for its pingos, post glacial depressions that look like small ponds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available around Saham Toney?

There are over 25 easy hiking trails around Saham Toney, offering a variety of landscapes from woodlands to open farmland. In total, the area features 53 hiking routes across various difficulty levels.

What unique natural features can I expect to see on easy hikes in Saham Toney?

Saham Toney is known for its unique 'pingo ponds' at Thompson Common Pingos and Ponds. These are post-glacial depressions, creating a distinctive landscape. You'll also encounter diverse woodlands and open farmland, with glimpses of the historic Saham Mere.

Are there any family-friendly easy walks in the area?

Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. The relatively flat terrain and varied scenery make them enjoyable for all ages. Consider the Wanderers Woodland loop from Bradenham, which is 5.0 km (3.1 miles) through pleasant woodland.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails around Saham Toney?

Most trails around Saham Toney are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through farmland with livestock or sensitive wildlife areas like Thompson Common. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.

Are there any circular easy walks available?

Yes, many of the easy routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Thompson Water – Woodland Wild Camping Spot loop from Thompson (7.6 km) and the Hiking loop from North Pickenham (5.5 km).

What are the typical lengths and elevations for easy hikes in Saham Toney?

Easy hikes in Saham Toney typically range from 4.5 km (2.8 miles) to 7.6 km (4.7 miles) in length. They feature minimal elevation gain, usually less than 50 meters, making them accessible for most fitness levels. For instance, the Shakers' Furze loop from Merton is 4.6 km with only 25 meters of ascent.

What do other hikers say about the trails in Saham Toney?

The trails in Saham Toney are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 140 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, diverse scenery, and the unique natural features like the pingo ponds.

Are there any specific points of interest or landmarks along the easy routes?

Yes, several easy routes pass by interesting points. You can see Thompson Water and the distinctive Pingo Pond on the Pingo Trail. Some trails also offer views of the historic Saham Mere or pass near the Desert Rats Memorial.

What is the best time of year to go hiking in Saham Toney?

Saham Toney offers pleasant hiking conditions throughout the year. Spring brings wildflowers to the woodlands, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for longer days, and winter offers crisp, quiet walks, though paths can be muddy after rain.

Is there parking available near the trailheads?

Parking is generally available near the starting points of many trails, particularly in villages like Thompson, Bradenham, and North Pickenham. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages.

Are there any cafes or pubs near the easy hiking trails?

While Saham Toney itself is a quiet village, nearby towns and villages often have local pubs or cafes where you can refresh after your hike. It's advisable to check opening times in advance, especially in smaller communities.

What kind of wildlife might I spot on the trails?

Thompson Common, in particular, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a haven for biodiversity. You might spot over 400 species of plants, various dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, and numerous bird species, especially around the pingo ponds and woodlands.

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