Norfolk


<p>Whether you’re a full-Lycra weekend warrior who clips in before sunrise or a family of wobblers bribing the kids along with flapjack stops, Norfolk was practically made for cycling. Flat-ish, scenic and blessed with enough charming cafés, country pubs and coastal pit stops to keep morale high, it’s one of the easiest counties to explore on two wheels.</p>



<p>So saddle up: we’ve rounded up 10 of the best local cycling routes for every level. Expect big skies, pretty villages, woodland paths, sea air and plenty of strategic stops for caffeine, carbs and the occasional cheeky rosé. Balance is important, after all.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Woman-on-bicycle.png" alt="Woman on bike with basket" class="wp-image-42547" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Woman-on-bicycle.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Woman-on-bicycle-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Woman-on-bicycle-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Woman-on-bicycle-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-beach-cycle-winterton-to-great-yarmouth"><a href="https://www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/media/2138/Great-Yarmouth-Cycle-Map-2017/pdf/Great-Yarmouth-cycle-map-2017-s.pdf?m=636893891855730000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Big Beach Cycle</strong></a><strong>, Winterton to Great Yarmouth</strong></h2>



<p><strong>12 miles</strong></p>



<p>Fancy visiting six beaches in one day? Us too. The Big Beach Cycle starts at Winterton and heads down to Great Yarmouth via Hemsby, Scratby, California and Caister. It’s a chance to enjoy a day packed with east coast fun, from adventure golf and a pint at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thelaconarms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lacons Arms</a>&nbsp;in Hemsby to lunch at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.branfords.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Branford’s</a>&nbsp;in Caister. Finish the day off in true Great Yarmouth style with chips on the Golden Mile and a visit to <a href="https://www.visitgreatyarmouth.co.uk/things-to-do/the-waterways-p1383261" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Waterways.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whitlingham-country-park-trowse"><a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksCycle/whitlingham-country-park-walking-and-cycle-route" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Whitlingham Country Park</strong></a><strong>, Trowse</strong></h2>



<p><strong>2.2 miles&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>A great one for little legs – start at Whitlingham’s flint barn visitor centre (there are Beryl bikes there if you don’t fancy lugging your own along) for a short cycle along Whitlingham Lane to the log jumble climbing frame, stopping on the way to feed the ducks and soak in the views. Head back to the <a href="https://www.whitlinghamcountrypark.com/flint-barn-cafe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flint Barn Café</a> for essential cake and caffeine supplies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holkham-country-park-holkham"><a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/visit/activities/cycling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Holkham Country Park</strong></a><strong>, Holkham</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Holkham-Cycling.png" alt="Cycling past Holkham Hall" class="wp-image-42545" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Holkham-Cycling.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Holkham-Cycling-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Holkham-Cycling-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Holkham-Cycling-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>1 to 6 miles&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>Whether you’re wobbly on two wheels or live in lycra, you’ll find the trail for you around the swoon-worthy Holkham. The brown route is ideal for junior cyclists, while the yellow one has stunning views across the lake and on the green one you’ll zoom past the gorgeous Palladian Hall. Most importantly, all pass the Courtyard Café, where you can tuck into sandwiches, salads and sausage rolls. We have our priorities right.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marriott-s-way-norwich-to-aylsham"><a href="https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/out-and-about-in-norfolk/norfolk-trails/long-distance-trails/marriotts-way" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Marriott’s Way</strong></a><strong>, Norwich to Aylsham</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Woman-on-bike2.png" alt="Woman on bike in wild flower meadow" class="wp-image-42548" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Woman-on-bike2.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Woman-on-bike2-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Woman-on-bike2-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Woman-on-bike2-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>26 miles&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>Marriott’s Way is fab if you’re after a challenge that definitely won’t get samey. Following disused railway lines, it’s traffic free and passes farmland, woodland and water meadows from its start in Norwich (by the roundabout on Barn Road) to its end in Aylsham. Twitchers will love its bird-spotting potential (keep an eye out for jays and magpies), and there’s loads of public art on the way, including rail sculptures every mile. There’s pitstops galore en route – pack a picnic to enjoy in Drayton’s Mystical Woods, stop by <a href="https://www.junction21.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Junction 21</a> café at Themelthorpe or savour a pint in <a href="https://crownreepham.uk/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crown</a> in Reepham.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blickling-hall-blickling"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blickling-estate/cycling-at-blickling-estate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Blickling Hall</strong></a><strong>, Blickling</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Blickling-Estate-CREDIT-National-Trust.png" alt="Blickling Estate - CREDIT National Trust" class="wp-image-42544" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Blickling-Estate-CREDIT-National-Trust.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Blickling-Estate-CREDIT-National-Trust-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Blickling-Estate-CREDIT-National-Trust-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Blickling-Estate-CREDIT-National-Trust-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Blickling Estate, National Trust</figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>4 miles&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>There’s a massive 4,600 acres of parkland to explore at Blickling, but for a whistle-stop tour of the highlights, hop in the saddle for its four-mile trail, which is suitable for all levels of cycling prowess. When it’s time for some R&amp;R, head to one of its super cafés for a bite to eat (there’s The Stables, The Farmyard and Muddy Boots). We’d recommend planning your ride for a Sunday and spinning by the <a href="https://www.bucksarms.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bucks Arms</a> for a seriously special roast dinner. A range of children&#8217;s and adult bikes are available to hire, including e-bikes, trailers and tag-alongs, with balance bikes free of charge. More <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/blickling-estate/cycling-at-blickling-estate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">info here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coltishall-common-coltishall"><a href="https://norfolkbroadscycling.co.uk/coltishall-common/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Coltishall Common</strong></a><strong>, Coltishall</strong></h2>



<p><strong>8 miles</strong></p>



<p>This delightful eight-mile ride takes you from Broadland Cycle Hire at BeWILDerwood to Coltishall Common along the River Bure. It takes in a short section of the Bure Valley cycle path (tackle the <a href="https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/out-and-about-in-norfolk/norfolk-trails/long-distance-trails/marriotts-way/bure-valley-path" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">full nine-mile</a> route if you fancy it, from Aylsham to Wroxham). Watch the boats, feed the ducks and sip something refreshing at the <a href="https://kingsheadcoltishall.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kings Head</a> or <a href="https://www.risingsuncoltishall.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rising Sun</a> in Coltishall, and stop for ice cream at <a href="https://www.wroxhambarns.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wroxham Barns</a> on your way back. The very Insta-friendly <a href="https://www.hovetonhallestate.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hoveton Hall</a> gardens are also en route. Bliss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sandringham-circular-cycling-route-sandringham"><a href="https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/out-and-about-in-norfolk/norfolk-trails/coastal-treasures/cycling-routes/sandringham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Sandringham circular cycling route</strong></a><strong>, Sandringham</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Cycling-through-estate.png" alt="Family cycling through woodland" class="wp-image-42550" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Cycling-through-estate.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Cycling-through-estate-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Cycling-through-estate-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Cycling-through-estate-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>15 miles</strong></p>



<p>Head to the home of all things royal for Sandringham’s circular route, which begins at Sandringham Visitor Centre and takes in the Norman castle at Castle Rising, pretty Dersingham village and the royal estates of Amner and Sandringham. There’s some fantastic places to stop along the way, including <a href="https://www.biagiosnorfolk.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biagio&#8217;s Coffee Shop</a>, <a href="https://www.blackhorsecastlerising.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Black Horse Inn</a> and Sandringham Country Park. If 15 miles isn’t enough, start your trek from King’s Lynn train station and follow National Cycle Route 1 for 11 miles to the visitor centre.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thetford-forest-thetford"><a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge/cycling-and-mountain-biking-trails-high-lodge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Thetford Forest</strong></a>, <strong>Thetford</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Thetford-Forerst.png" alt="Children cycling at Thetford" class="wp-image-42546" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Thetford-Forerst.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Thetford-Forerst-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Thetford-Forerst-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Thetford-Forerst-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>5 to 11 miles</strong></p>



<p>A mecca for all things cycling, High Lodge at Thetford has something to offer everyone from biking beginners to off-road pros. There’s trails ranging from five miles up to 11, graded by colour – the green shepherd trail is flat, wide and uses gravel forest roads, tracks and trails, while the black mountain biking pits are for serious adrenaline junkies with the right kit (we’ll stick to green, thanks). Stop and soak in the forest tranquillity and head back to High Lodge café for hearty delights like pie of the day or ham, egg and chips.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-rivers-way-hoveton-to-horning"><a href="https://maps.norfolk.gov.uk/trails/?tc=PRO/470" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Three Rivers Way</strong></a><strong>, Hoveton to Horning</strong></h2>



<p><strong>2.5 miles</strong></p>



<p>Staying in the Broads, this jolly jaunt takes in two of the area’s most gorgeous villages, Hoveton and Horning, and is absolutely ideal for a leisurely summer bike ride. Whichever end you start at, there are tonnes of shops and cafés to explore – we’d suggest stocking up on picnic supplies at the <a href="https://www.thegalleyhorning.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Galley</a> deli in Horning or heading to the pub garden of the <a href="https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/east/theswaninnhorning?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=gmb-homepage#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swan Inn</a> for lunch, before ordering a wedge of cake at <a href="https://www.thegalleyhorning.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Mill</a> in Wroxham later on. Hire your bikes from the self-service points in Hoveton, Ludham Bridge or Horning or from Broadland Cycle Hire.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-norfolk-coast-cycleway-nbsp-king-s-lynn-to-great-yarmouth"><strong><a href="https://norfolkcoast.org/visit-us/walking-and-cycling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norfolk Coast Cycleway</a>,</strong>&nbsp;<strong>King’s Lynn to Great Yarmouth</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Bikes-by-the-sea.png" alt="Bikes parked with a sea view" class="wp-image-42549" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Bikes-by-the-sea.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Bikes-by-the-sea-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Bikes-by-the-sea-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/05/Bikes-by-the-sea-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>92 miles&nbsp;</p>



<p>Don your lycra, fill the water bottle and put a few days aside to face this true cross-county trek, which spans from King’s Lynn to Wighton (as part of the wider Hull to Harwich route). Taking in the likes of Burnham Market, Wells, Cromer and Great Yarmouth, largely through quiet roads and lanes, you’ll pass beautiful Norfolk landscapes, as well as no end of pubs, cafés and attractions where you can rest aching legs. There’s loads of explorer loops off the main cycleway, too – loop 4 will take you via Stanhoe, Docking and Bircham Windmill, a great excuse to visit foodie treasure <a href="https://www.theduckstanhoe.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Duck Inn</a>.</p>



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On yer bike! 10 Gorgeous Norfolk cycling routes (with excellent pit stops)

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