Thompson Common is famous for its pingos; a series of around 400 post-glacial depressions. Here, you can see more than 400 different species of plants. It’s also one of the most important sites in the county for dragonflies and damselflies; 19 species have been recorded as breeding here. There have been 25 species of butterfly and more than 600 species of beetle recorded here, too.

Claire

December 26, 2021

Hiking

If you plan on having a dog with you, then double check where you can take it around Thompson Water. The main footpath that runs beside Thompson Water is Peddar's Way, so dogs are allowed there, but the rest of the reserve is owned by Norfolk Wildlife Trust and some areas are dog free zones at some points of the year.

LivingAutumn

July 4, 2025

Hiking

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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Routes here

Best Hikes to Thompson Water

4.7

(40)

195

hikers

1. The Great Eastern Pingo Trail

11.6km

02:57

30m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

5.0

(11)

hikers

2. Thompson Water – Pingo Pond on the Pingo Trail loop from Caston

9.05km

02:18

20m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

5.0

(2)

hikers

3. Thompson Water loop from Thompson

7.58km

01:56

20m

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

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Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 80 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 21 January

9°C

4°C

98 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Thompson, Breckland District, Norfolk, East Of England, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Thompson Common Pingos and Ponds

Pingo Pond on the Pingo Trail

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39 Steps Trail

Desert Rats Memorial

Lynford Stag

Wretham Heath Road

Croxton Stanch Bridge Over the River Thet

Thatched Cottage

Woodland Wild Camping Spot

Thompson Water

1. The Great Eastern Pingo Trail

2. Thompson Water – Pingo Pond on the Pingo Trail loop from Caston

3. Thompson Water loop from Thompson

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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