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.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
5.0
(2)
14
hikers
7.60km
01:56
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
5.49km
01:26
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
11
hikers
4.53km
01:10
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
hikers
4.56km
01:11
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
6.78km
01:44
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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!
0
0
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.
0
0
Really nice easy walk good on a warm day with shelter from the forests
1
0
Thompson Water and the common form an SSSI managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. It's a particularly important area for dragonflies and damselflies.
0
0
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.
1
0
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.