Guide to CYCLE ROUTES in NORFOLK and SUFFOLK including BURE VALLEY RAILWAY, PASTON WAY, MARRIOT'S WAY and NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK ROUTES across the NORFOLK BROADS and SUFFOLK in EAST ANGLIA and the EAST of ENGLAND UK.

The opportunities are endless - from purpose designed cycle tracks along former railway lines, around reservoirs and through forests, to all the specially tailored tours along the numerous quiet country lanes, taking in the beautiful countryside and picturesque villages with plenty of places to stop for refreshments.

East Anglia is ideal for cycling, whether for family days out on traffic-free cycle paths, gentle circular routes taking in attractions, pubs, towns and villages, or challenging long-distance routes for more ambitious cyclists.

There is a relatively unknown rural hinterland in East Anglia, with its varied rolling countryside, distinctive villages, historic market towns and quiet country lanes that can be explored (with a little forward planning) without a car. You can start your journey to many of these areas by train.

You don't even need to bring your own bike. There are numerous cycle hire centres where you can hire a range of bikes for anything from just a few hours to a few days. You'll also find companies who will happily organise a cycling holiday for you, providing you with cycles, arranging your accommodation and even transferring your luggage.

Bacton Woods

Description   Bacton Woods offers circular rides of up to two miles within its compact 113 hectares. It is open to cyclists and walkers, with some paths also open to horseriders. Great place for a picnic. OS Map   Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham. Ease of use   Easy (although there are a couple of short stiff climbs). Access for all   Most of the main parths are slightly bumby with some loose surfaces. Nearest railway station   Bittern Line North Walsham Parking   Use the main car park. Please do not park on or beside the roads. Information   Backton Woods leaflet available Links   A link to the Norfolk Coast Cycleway passes through Bacton Woods. The Woods are also on the Quiet Lanes network. See entries.

Bittern Line

Description   Not a cycle route but a cycle friendly railway line operated by Anglia Railways. The line links Norwich with Cromer and Sheringham. It has a special map showing linear and circular cycle routes from its stations, using country lanes. OS Map   Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham Landranger 134 Norwich & The Broads Ease of use   Mostly easy. Distances vary from 6 miles to 30 miles and more, as some routes can be linked together. Access for all   On-road routes. Wheelchairs can be carried on the trains. Nearest railway station   Bittern Line Norwich, Salhouse, Hoveton & Wroxham, Worstead, North Walsham, Gunton, Cromer, West Runton, Sheringham Parking   Car parks are available in all towns and serve some stations along the Bittern Line Information   Cycling around the Bittern Track' leaflet available. Links   North Walsham, Gunton, and Cromer stations link with the Quiet Lanes. Other links are with the Norfolk Coast Cycleway at Gunton and Cromer, the Sure Valley Railway and Path and the Norfolk Broads at Hoveton & Wroxham, the Paston Way at North Walsham, and the Marriott's Way and National Cycle Network Route 1 at Norwich. See entries.

The Broads

Description   Famed the world over, the Broads need little introduction. There is a network of mainly quiet country lanes around the rivers and broads of this special wetland area giving access to many broadland nature reserves and conservation centres. The Broads Authority has a network of bike hire operators throughout the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Area and has produced a series of Bike Trail leaflets showing on-road cycle routes. OS Map   Landranger 133 North East Norfolk Cromer & Wroxham. Landranger 134 Norwich & The Broads. Ease of use   Easy. Access for all   On-road routes. Nearest railway station   There are several railway stations in the Norfolk Broads on the Bittern and Wherry Lines Parking   Various opportunities. Please do not park in open countryside. Information   Broads Bike Trail packs, long and short route, available. Links   At Hoveton there are easy links to the Sure Valley Railway and Path. The Norfolk Coast Cycleway also passes through the Broads' area. See entries.

Bure Valley Railway and Path

Description   Thought to be the only traffic-free cycle path in Britain that runs alongside a narrow gauge railway. This nine-mile route follows the Bure Valley Railway between Aylsham and Hoveton & Wroxham. It is open to cyclists and walkers. Cycles can be carried on the railway, subject to space availability. OS Map   Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham Ease of use   Easy Access for all   Some narrow sections and the surface can vary. Wheelchairs can be carried on the trains. Nearest railway station   Bittern Line Hoveton & Wroxham. Bure Valley Railway Aylsham, Brampton, Buxton, Coltishall, Hoveton & Wroxham. Parking   Car parks at Aylsham, Hoveton & Wroxham stations on the Bure Valley Railway, and in the towns. Information   Bure Valley Railway and Path leaflet available. Links   At Aylsham the railway line becomes the Marriott's Way, and a short ride across town links to the Weavers' Way. At Wroxham the Bure Valley Path links with the Norfolk Broads. See entries.

Hockwold cum Wilton

Description   The Hockwold cum Wilton bridle route is approximately 10 miles in length and is mainly on tracks and grass. The main parts of the route are along Cowles Drove, on Hockwold Fens and a pleasant ride on the bank of the little Ouse River where there are fine views across both New and Brandon Fens. On leaving the river the ride continues over sluices and along the cut-off channel before entering Hockwold cum Wilton.

Lords of the Manor Cycling Discovery Map

Description   This 25-mile cycle ride takes you from the historic town of Aylsham into a beautiful area of peaceful countryside, through the picturesque North Norfolk villages and lanes. Along the way the route takes in Blickling Hall, and Wolterton and Mannington Halls, and the remains of Baconsthorpe Castle as well as having an optional route to Felbrigg Hall. OS Map   Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham Ease of use   Easy Access for all   On road route. Nearest railway station   Bittern Line Hoveton & Wroxham, Cromer Bure Valley Railway: Aylsham and Hoveton & Wroxham. Parking   In Aylsham Information   The Lords of the Manor Cycling Discovery Map available in Summer 2005. Links   The route links with the Marriott's Way and a short ride across Aylsham town links to the Weavers' Way and the Bure Valley Railway and Path. At Felbrigg the route links with the Norfolk Coast Cycleway. See entries.

Marriott's Way

Description   At 26 miles this is one of the longest traffic-free routes in the country. Linking Aylsham and Reepham with the heart of Norwich this combination of two former railway lines is open to cyclists, walkers, and horse riders. Look for the artist-designed Dragon Crossing in Norwich and the poetry by Esther Morgan to be found along the path on seats, as well as special way markers and other features. OS Map   Land ranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham. Landranger 134 Norwich and the Broads. Ease of use   Mostly easy, but some wet and sandy sections between the former Reepham and Whitwell stations. In wet weather puddles can be a nuisance on parts of the Aylsham to Reepham section. Access for all   Some parts of the route between Reepham and Whitwell stations can be difficult. The best surface for wheelchairs is from Whitwell Station to Norwich. Nearest railway station   Bittern Line Norwich and the Bure Valley Railway Aylsham (via Hoveton & Wroxham). Parking   Car parks at various points along the route, including the Bure Valley Railway station in Aylsham, and at Reepham and Whitwell. Information   Leaflet currently out of print. Links   At Aylsham the former railway line continues as the Bure Valley Railway and Path (adding a further nine miles of traffic-free route). Between Norwich and Themelthorpe the Marriott's Way forms part of National Cycle Network Route 1. The route also links with the Bittern Line in Norwich. See entries.

Massingham

Description   This bridle route is approximately 15.5 miles in length in its entirety and offers some good off-road parking. Part of the route follows the Peddars Way which passes the villages of Great and Little Massingham before joining minor roads to Gayton Thorpe. An alternative route is offered around Grimston Heath where the track passes through conifer plantations, which are home to large colonies of Grey Squirrels. The ride also gives superb views over the valley towards Great Bircham.

Morningthorpe to Denton (The Southern Trail)

Description   This circular, waymarked route is about 22 miles long (35k), and is suitable for both cycling and horseriding. It takes you to the South Norfolk parishes of Morningthorpe, Shelton, Denton, Alburgh, Starston and Pulham St Mary. The varied route follows bridleways and quiet country lanes through a landscape of farms, cottages and some remarkable and beautiful churches.

National Cycle Network Route 1 (Hull to Harwich)

Description   A massive 370-mile journey if you're game, or you can enjoy just part of the route as it travels though Norfolk to King's Lynn, via Norwich and Fakenham. There is an ever changing scenery, from cathedral cities to towns, villages and peaceful countryside. Ease of use   Mainly easy but long distance. Access for all   This is mostly an on-road route, but from Norwich to Themelthorpe (via Reepham) it is off-road on the Marriott's Way. On the Marriott's Way there are some difficult surface conditions between Reepham and Themelthorpe (and on the alternative route between Whitwell and Themelthorpe). Parking   In towns and villages. Please do not park in open countryside. Information   National Cycle Network Route 1 map available. Links   National Cycle Network Route 1 links with the Norfolk Coast Cycleway at Wighton, and with Route 13 at Gateley, just south of Fakenham. It also uses part of the Marriott's Way, and forms part of the North Sea Cycle Route. See entries.

National Cycle Network Route 13 (Gateley, Near Fakenham, to Thetford)

Description   A feature of this 30-mile signed route is that it passes through the distinctive Breckland landscape of Mid-Norfolk. It follows mainly minor roads and a short section of the Peddars Way between Thompson and Wretham. OS Map   Landranger 132 North West Norfolk, King's Lynn and Fakenham. Landranger 144 Thetford, Breckland & Surrounding Area. Ease of use   Easy Access for all   On-road route Nearest railway station   King's Lynn and Thetford Parking   In towns and villages. Please do not park in open countryside. Information   National Cycle Network Route 13 flier available, April 2002. Links   National Cycle Network Route 13 joins with National Cycle Network Route 1 at Gateley. It also passes close to Thetford Forest High Lodge (four miles) which offers wide scope for off-road riding, and links with the Peddars Way. See entries.

Nelson's Norfolk Cycling Discovery Map

Description   One of a series of Cycling Discovery Maps published by the East of England Tourist Board, this 29-mile circular route (with a 21-mile short cut option) starts and ends in Fakenham Market Place. It includes visits to Burnham Thorpe (Nelson's birthplace), Holkham Hall and the attractive village of Little Walsingham, world renowned as a centre of pilgrimage. OS Map   Landranger 132 North West Norfolk, King's Lynn & Fakenham. Ease of use   Easy Access for all   On-road route. Nearest railway station   King's Lynn, North Norfolk Railway, Holt. Parking   In Fakenham, or other towns and villages along the route. Information   Nelson's Norfolk Cycling Discovery Map is available. At present there are three other Norfolk routes in the series - one starting in Dereham, and another in Gressenhall near Dereham). Also see the Lords of the Manor Cycling Discovery Map. Links   The route links with the Norfolk Coast Cycleway between Wighton and Burnham Market, and with National Cycle Network Routes 1 and 13 at Fakenham. See entries.

Norfolk Coast Cycleway (National Cycle Network Route 30)

Description   One of the finest cycle routes in the country, the Norfolk Coast Cycleway follows minor roads just inland from the busy coast road. It is rewarded with spectacular views on a journey with plenty to explore - including Sandringham. The original section that runs for 59 miles from Cromer to King's Lynn has now been extended with a 39-mile route from Cromer to Great Yarmouth. The only caution is that between Sea Palling and Great Yarmouth where there can be more traffic (there is a delightful alternative, but this involves walking besides the River Thurne between Potter Heigham and Martham). The route is fully signed and benefits from a map pack that includes circular routes (18 to 40 miles) off the main Cycleway. The Cycleway is designated Route 30 as part of the National Cycle Network. OS Map   Landranger 132 North West Norfolk, King's Lynn & Fakenham. Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham. Landranger 134 Norwich & The Broads. Ease of use   Easy to moderate (some challenging hills), and long distance. Access for all   On-road route. Nearest railway station   King's Lynn, Great Yarmouth and the Bittern Line Railway - Sheringham, West Runton, Cromer, Gunton and North Walsham. North Norfolk Railway - Holt and Sheringham Parking   In towns and villages. Please do not park in open countryside. Information   Norfolk Coast Cycleway, King's Lynn to Great Yarmouth Map, is available. A Leisure Cycling Discovery Guide to the North Coast Cycleway (King's Lynn to Cromer stretch only) is also available. Cycle hire drop off, pick up and rescue services are available along this route from Knight Riders of Cromer and Huff and Puff Cycle Hire, Sheringham / Holt / Wells. Links   The Norfolk Coast Cycleway, links with National Cycle Network Route 1 at Wighton on its journey to King's Lynn. The Cromer to Great Yarmouth section also travels large parts of the Quiet Lanes network, and near to Bacton Woods - and links with the Broads. See entries.

North Sea Cycle Route

Description   This is a 3,750-mile route that travels the coastal areas of all countries that border the North Sea. Not ideal for those on a short-break in Cromer! It passes through Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Holland. It is the first of a series of EuroVelo routes across Europe. Information   Use the website www.northsea-cycle.com Links   The North Sea Cycle Route's journey along almost the entire length of Britain's east coast uses National Cycle Network Route 1, which includes the Marriott's Way. At Fakenham it links with National Cycle Network Route 13, and at Wighton it joins with the Norfolk Coast Cycleway. See entries.

Paston Way

Description   Short but sweet. This one-mile former railway line runs from the edge of North Walsham almost to the hamlet of Knapton, for an easy road link to Mundesley on the coast. The surface is firm but there are steep access steps, which mean carrying your bike. Please note that the full length of the Paston Way runs for eight miles from North Walsham to Cromer, but it is only lawful to ride on the old railway section. Where the rest of the route is off-road it is a footpath only. OS Map   Landranger 133 North East Norfolk Cromer & Wroxham. Ease of use   Easy, except for the steep access steps. Access for all   Access is up and down steep and long steps. Nearest railway station   Bittern Line North Walsham Parking   Park in North Walsham, or in the small car park at the Paston Green end of the track. Information   Paston Way leaflets available. Links   The Paston Way links with the Quiet Lanes, and is a short ride across North Walsham to the Weavers' Way, See entries.

Peddars Way

Description   A challenging off-road ride. There are easy sections, but others that are bumpy and some that involve moderate climbs. The reward is excellent and varied scenery along this 46-mile route that runs from Holme near Hunstanton, on the Norfolk coast, and inland to touch the edge of Thetford Forest, finishing just beyond the Country Park of Knettishall Heath. Most of Peddars' Way is off-road. It is open to walkers. Cyclists and horseriders should note that there are a few restrictions. OS Map   Landranger 132 North West Norfolk, King's Lynn & Fakenham. Landranger 144 Thetford, Breckland & Surrounding Area. Ease of use   Moderate to hard. Access for all   Surfaces vary on this lengthy route take local advice. Nearest railway station   King's Lynn and Thetford Parking   Various opportunities. Please do not park in open countryside. Information   Peddars' Way leaflet available. Links   The Peddars' Way crosses the Norfolk Coast Cycleway (and National Cycle Network Route 1) at Ringstead, near Hunstanton, and links with National Cycle Network Route 13 at Wretham, just north of Thetford. See entries.

Quiet Lanes

Description   Norfolk was the first county in Britain to introduce Quiet Lanes. They are country lanes where motorists are encouraged to take particular care in the presence of cyclists, walkers, and horseriders. These Quiet Lanes occupy a triangle of North East Norfolk, stretching from Cromer to Bacton along the coastal area, and inland to North Walsham. Covering some 36 miles they are not a continuous network, but link with many other lightly trafficked lanes for riders to create their own routes. The entry and exit points of each Quiet Lane are clearly signed. OS Map   Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham Ease of use   Easy Access for all   On-road routes Nearest railway station   Bittern Line North Walsham, Gunton, Cromer. Parking   In towns. Please do not park in open countryside. Information   Quiet Lanes leaflet available. Links   Quiet Lanes link with the Paston Way, Bacton Woods, the Norfolk Coast Cycleway, and Bittern Line stations at North Walsham, Gunton, and Cromer. See entries.

Reepham

Description   This clearly waymarked circular riding route runs between the parishes of Great Witchingham, Cawston, Reepham, Themelthorpe, Wood Dalling and Salle. It follows minor country lanes, and also uses part of the Marriott's Way. The varied landscape is punctuated by numerous beautiful churches. Salle church is unique; built in the fifteenth century and seen today virtually unaltered. The main route is 23 miles long and has the flexibility of additional connecting rides for those who prefer a shorter circuit. Parking is available at Salle, Reepham, Themethorpe, Cawston and by permission at Blackwater Farm.

Suffolk Cycle Routes

Description   A circular signed route through the peaceful countryside of coastal Suffolk. Ideal for a short break or weekend ride, it takes you through ancient market towns like Framlingham and Woodbridge, past vineyards, churches and castles, across rich farmland heath and forest (perfect for off-road detours), to Snape Maltings home of the Aldeburgh festival, and, via a small ferry, to the port of Felixstowe.

Swaffham

Description   The Swaffham bridle route is approximately 21 miles in length and the site is mainly on soft-roads, tracks and minor roads. The route passes through forestry plantation, the gentle rolling hills of West Norfolk and the market town of Swaffham, offering a varied and interesting ride.† An additional feature on this route is the link made by the Peddar's Way to the Massingham bridle route, approximately 4 miles distant from South Acre.

Weaver's Way

Description   Much of the 57-mile Weavers' Way, which runs from Cromer to Great Yarmouth, is strictly footpath only. But where it follows the route of the old railway line between Aylsham and Stalham cycling is permitted. This 13-mile section is delightful but its surface is not always easy for the cyclist. It is traffic-free except for a short section where the route crosses the market town of North Walsham OS Map   Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham Ease of use   Moderate, but hard in parts due to the variable surface. Best suited to mountain bikes. Young children may find it difficult. Access for all   Not suited to wheelchairs. Nearest railway station   Bittern Line North Walsham, Sure Valley Railway Aylsham. Parking   Various. Please do not park in open countryside. Information   See OS map Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham. Links   A short ride across North Walsham links the Weavers' Way with the Paston Way. Also nearby are Bacton Woods, Quiet Lanes, and the Norfolk Coast Cycleway. Similarly a short ride across Aylsham links the trail with the Bure Valley Railway and Path and the Marriott's Way. From Stalham there are links into the Norfolk Broads. See entries.