Adam GrettonBusinesses in rural south Norfolk are set to reap from a tourism boost after a project to revitalise a footpath between Diss and Norwich received a cash injection.Adam Gretton

Businesses in rural south Norfolk are set to reap from a tourism boost after a project to revitalise a footpath between Diss and Norwich received a cash injection.

The 38 mile Boudicca Way - named after the Iceni warrior queen of East Anglia - was first created about ten years ago, but failed to establish itself as a well-known Norfolk route alongside the likes of Angles Way, Weavers' Way, and Wherryman's Way.

Now shops, pubs, accommodation providers, and other local companies are being urged to get behind a project, which has received almost �50,000 to resurrect the walkway between Norwich and Diss railway stations.

The funding has been granted from the Waveney Local Action Group (LAG), part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), to help establish the route that runs roughly parallel with the A140 past Caistor St Edmund, Shotesham, Tasburgh, Pulham Market, and Scole.

Officials behind the scheme said that the long distance footpath running through south Norfolk's unspoilt and scenic countryside will attract more tourists to the area and provide new opportunities for local businesses.

Project leader Steve Falvey, who owns a B&B in Pulham Market, said the initiative would also promote green travel options and responsible tourism. He added that he hoped Boudicca Way will be an established walk when funding runs out in 2013.

'Most walks start in the middle of nowhere, but this is quite nice because it runs from Norwich railway station to Diss railway station and it is quite sustainable for people who want to arrive by train and leave by train and walk in between.'

'The signage is very sporadic at the moment and you can only do it if you have an ordinance survey map and are an experienced map reader. We want to make it easier for the leisure walker,' he said.

The money, which will be used over the next three years, will be spent on improving signage along the route, promoting Boudicca Way, and bringing local businesses together.

The route will be published on a new website that is set to be launched later this year. But in the meantime, local companies are being urged to support the project.

'This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses of all sizes to come together, reap the benefits of partnership working, and promote a new tourism offer around the existing Boudicca Way. Whilst being tourism based there are so many ways that local businesses of all sorts can benefit from an increase in tourism and recognition of what the Waveney Valley has to offer,' said Mr Falvey.

Firms wishing to register their interest can visit www.boudiccaway.co.uk, call 07817 098784 or email info@boudiccaway.co.uk.