Cycling in Norfolk

Norfolk is now a top tourist destination there’s no better way to get away from it all than by getting on your bike.

Whether you’re exploring peaceful lanes, wild woodlands or seaside paths, cycling is a wonderful way to make the most of the county’s unspoilt coast and countryside. Sweeping skies and shallow valleys make the perfect backdrop for a car-free journey through natural beauty and historical interest, while traditional market towns and ancient inns provide refreshment stops where the welcome is always warm.

Low-lying but far from flat, Norfolk’s quiet byways are perfect for two-wheeled travel. Here’s a selection of some of the best routes to head for…

Cycling – Norfolk’s got it sussed
The Sustrans National Cycle Network passes through Norfolk and is designed to make cycling fun, safe and simple across huge stretches of the UK. Routes through the county include a ten-mile circular journey around Wells and Holkham, a Mid Norfolk Cycle Route from Fakenham to Thetford and the Two Rivers Cycle Guide from King’s Lynn to Diss and then on to Lowestoft. For details, see www.sustrans.co.uk

Making tracks
Trains and bikes make a good combination in Norfolk – the 30-mile Bittern Line railway connects the city of Norwich with the north Norfolk coastal towns of Cromer and Sheringham, via the Norfolk Broads and you can follow nine cycle rides from its stations. You could cycle beside the Bure Valley railway on a nine-mile route between Aylsham and Wroxham and then ride back on the train, or combine five miles of cycling with a trip on the North Norfolk Railway from Sheringham to Holt, starting and finishing at Kelling Heath. 

Ancient and adventurous
For an energetic ride, follow the ancient Peddars Way – 93 miles from the heather-carpeted Knettishall Country Park to Holme-next-the-Sea on the wild north Norfolk coast. The Norfolk Coast Cycleway covers 59 miles from King’s Lynn to Cromer, with much of the route passing through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And the Weaver’s Trail is a 13-mile route from Stalham to Aylsham which can be combined with the Marriotts Way via Reepham and into Norwich to make a more challenging 60-mile ride.

Broadly speaking
The Broads by Bike trails travel through picturesque countryside in the Broads National Park – if you haven’t brought your own, cycles can be hired from the Norfolk Broads Cycling Centre at the BeWILDerwood adventure park between Hoveton and Horning, and at Ludham Bridge. Nine circular rides explore the northern Broads area from Wroxham, Ranworth and South Walsham along the River Bure, to Neatishead, Barton Turf and Dilham on the River Ant, with a lot more in between. There is even a stretch of the Network that reaches the coast, at Horsey, with its sand dunes and resident seal population.

Forest thrills
No holiday in Norfolk is complete without a trip to Thetford Forest – and there’s no better place for a relaxing bike ride, with family trails ranging from two to six miles. But the UK’s largest lowland pine forest has plenty for the thrill-seeker too, with a ‘black route’ specially designed to challenge the more experienced mountain biker. See www.forestry.gov.uk/thetfordforestpark for details.

 

 

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