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 Ref |
Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham. |
| Difficulty |
Easy (although there are a couple of short stiff climbs). |
| Accessibility |
Most of the main parths are slightly bumby with some loose surfaces. |
| Railway |
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 Ref |
Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham<br>Landranger 134 Norwich & The Broads |
| Difficulty |
Mostly easy. Distances vary from 6 miles to 30 miles and more, as some routes can be linked together. |
| Accessibility |
On-road routes. Wheelchairs can be carried on the trains. |
| Railway |
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, a |
|
| 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 |
| OS Map Ref |
Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
| Accessibility |
Some narrow sections and the surface can vary. Wheelchairs can be carried on the trains. |
| Railway |
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 |
|
| 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 Hall |
| OS Map Ref |
Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
| Accessibility |
On road route. |
| Railway |
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 Drag |
| OS Map Ref |
Land ranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham.<br>Landranger 134 Norwich and the Broads. |
| Difficulty |
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. |
| Accessibility |
Some parts of the route between Reepham and Whitwell stations can be difficult. The best surface for wheelchairs is from Whitwell Station to Norwich. |
| Railway |
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 wi |
|
| 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.< |
|
| 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.<br><br>The varied route foll |
|
| 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. |
| Difficulty |
Mainly easy but long distance. |
| Accessibility |
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 |
| 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 Ref |
Landranger 132 North West Norfolk, King's Lynn and Fakenham.<br>
Landranger 144 Thetford, Breckland & Surrounding Area. |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
| Accessibility |
On-road route |
| Railway |
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), H |
| OS Map Ref |
Landranger 132 North West Norfolk, King's Lynn & Fakenham. |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
| Accessibility |
On-road route. |
| Railway |
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 tha |
| OS Map Ref |
Landranger 132 North West Norfolk, King's Lynn & Fakenham.<br>Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham.<br>Landranger 134 Norwich & The Broads. |
| Difficulty |
Easy to moderate (some challenging hills), and long distance. |
| Accessibility |
On-road route. |
| Railway |
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 a |
| 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. |
|
| 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 |
| 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 |
|
| 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. P |
| OS Map Ref |
Landranger 133 North East Norfolk Cromer & Wroxham. |
| Difficulty |
Easy, except for the steep access steps. |
| Accessibility |
Access is up and down steep and long steps. |
| Railway |
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 inla |
| OS Map Ref |
Landranger 132 North West Norfolk, King's Lynn & Fakenham.<br>Landranger 144 Thetford, Breckland & Surrounding Area. |
| Difficulty |
Moderate to hard. |
| Accessibility |
Surfaces vary on this lengthy route take local advice. |
| Railway |
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 Norfol |
| OS Map Ref |
Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
| Accessibility |
On-road routes |
| Railway |
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.<br><br>The varied landscape is p |
|
| 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 hea |
|
| Swaffham |
| Description |
The Swaffham bridle route is approximately 21 miles in length and the site is mainly on soft-roads, tracks and minor roads.<br><br>The route passes through forestry plantation, the gentle rolling hills of West Norfolk and the market town of Swaffham, offe |
|
| 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 Auth |
| OS Map Ref |
Landranger 133 North East Norfolk Cromer & Wroxham.<br>Landranger 134 Norwich & The Broads. |
| Difficulty |
Easy. |
| Accessibility |
On-road routes. |
| Railway |
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. |
|
| 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 surf |
| OS Map Ref |
Landranger 133 North East Norfolk, Cromer & Wroxham |
| Difficulty |
Moderate, but hard in parts due to the variable surface. Best suited to mountain bikes. Young children may find it difficult. |
| Accessibility |
Not suited to wheelchairs. |
| Railway |
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 Ma |
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