FEATURE I FEATURE I CYCLING NORFOLK

hile Noel Coward wasn’t poppies and golden barley with the distant Great Yarmouth via . With much entirely accurate with his sea sparkling on the horizon. It might mean of the route passing through an Area ‘Very flat, Norfolk’ line in woodland or the open vistas of the of Outstanding Natural Beauty it has Wide Open WPrivate Lives, it’s quite true Fens, former low-lying marshlands and dramatic views, beautiful countryside and that you don’t have to be the Tour de wetlands that have been drained over the outstanding wildlife. It follows less-used France’s King of the Mountains to enjoy centuries for agriculture. It might mean the lanes just inland from the coast and around cycling in the country’s combined sunniest heather-carpeted heathlands of the Brecks every corner you will see yet more breath- and driest county - the undulations here or by the water in the unique man-made taking scenery. Skies and are very kind to knees and calves. landscape of the Norfolk Broads. The coast is the UK’s The great thing about Norfolk is that it The city of is also very bike- capital of birdwatching, with many reserves has gentle gradients and terrains for all ages friendly and by cycle is a great way to get to stop off at, and spectacular migrations in and types of cyclists, whether it’s off-road or around one of the best-preserved medieval Winter and Spring. You could also leave your on quiet lanes, whether you pedal gently to cities in northern Europe, with its imposing cycle for an hour and take a boat trip out Empty Spaces see the countryside or you’re a little more Norman castle and cathedral. to see the grey and common seal colony at competitive. If you’re feeling energetic you can Blakeney Point. Cycling in Norfolk might mean travelling try the Norfolk Coast Cycleway which The area around Cromer is actually the Whether it’s off-road or on quiet lanes, along the country lanes of the Waveney covers 59 miles from King’s Lynn, with its highest in the whole of and here Norfolk has something for everyone Valley, or pretty coastal paths past fields of rich maritime history, to seaside resort you’ll get dramatic views of the sea and

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the rolling cliffs. The route down to Great inland to . Covering some 36 1 at Norwich. The Sustrans National Cycle Yarmouth takes in sandy beaches and dunes miles they are not a continuous network, Network Route 1, using old railway paths, tufted with marram grass. but link with many other lightly trafficked forest tracks, country parks, bridleways, Also, the Bure Valley path passes lanes for riders to create their own routes. quiet minor roads and traffic-calmed streets through some of the most beautiful and The entry and exit points of each Quiet in urban areas, passes through Norfolk, to peaceful parts of , following the Lane are clearly signed. King’s Lynn via Norwich and Fakenham, and stunning past the picturesque The Quiet Lanes link with the Norfolk is designed to make cycling fun, safe and village of Coltishall. To get a true feel for Coast Cycleway and Bittern Line stations simple. There is ever-changing scenery, from what is probably one of the nicest stretches at North Walsham, Gunton and Cromer. market towns to quaint villages and of river in Norfolk TheCanoeMan has a very The Bittern Line is a cycle-friendly railway peaceful countryside. unique offering called a Pedal Paddle – line operated by Greater The quieter paths, including the where you can cycle to the top of the river and links Cromer and with Marriott’s Way, are a great place for children and then canoe your way back down making Norwich and the Norfolk Broads. It has a and new cyclists to practice their cycling the obligatory stop at the riverside hostelry! special map showing linear and circular skills and many are just the right length for With your bikes to meet you when you finish cycle routes from its stations, using country a day ride. what better way to spend a day? lanes. Distances vary from 6 miles to 30 At 26 miles the Marriott’s Way is one of Norfolk was the first county in Britain to miles and more, as some routes can be the longest traffic-free routes in the country. introduce Quiet Lanes, country roads where linked together. Linking historic and Reepham with motorists are encouraged to take particular The Bittern Line links with the Norfolk the heart of Norwich, this combination of care in the presence of cyclists, walkers Coast Cycleway at Gunton and Cromer, the two former railway lines is open to cyclists, and horseriders. These quiet country lanes Path and the Norfolk walkers and horseriders. occupy a triangle of North East Norfolk from Broads at & , and the From Aylsham you can take the 9-mile Cromer to Bacton along the coastal area and Marriott’s Way and Bure Valley Path through the picturesque

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river valley to Wroxham in the heart of the day at the Waveney River Centre. This is a passes close to Thetford Forest High with National Cycle Network Route 13 at border the makes a ideal centre for cycle Broads. It follows the narrow-gauge Bure perfect area to explore by bike, with many Lodge which offers wide scope for off-road Wretham, just north of Thetford. touring, with many rides out either following INFORMATION: Valley Railway and halts are provided at miles of gentle and peaceful country lanes riding, and links with the ancient Peddars If you have time for a detour to High the river Waveney, or along country lanes To find out more about cycling in Norfolk Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall to put and the Centre can provide long or short Way. The Peddars Way National is a Lodge at Thetford Forest, it’s a great into quiet villages. The best place to get www.visitnorfolk.co.uk. down or pick up passengers on request, route maps free of charge. If you want challenging off-road ride. There are easy opportunity to go off-road. In the heart of local knowledge is at Madgetts Cycles Norfolk is a great county for competitive including bikes (subject to space). At to stay, you could book yourself into an sections, but others that are bumpy and the largest lowland pine forest in the UK, in Shelfanger Road, where all the staff cyclists. Revolution Events put on an Wroxham why not take a boat trip out on Escape Pod for the night! You could also some that involve moderate climbs. There’s you will find miles of trails especially for are keen cyclists. For nearly a century annual Cycle Show and organise a series of the water and see for yourself why we call try Cycle Hire at the fantastic varied scenery along this 46-mile route cyclists. You can hire a mountain bike at the it has been the hub of the local cycling sportives. Details at this the UK’s Magical Waterland. BeWILDerwood visitor attraction. that runs from Holme near Hunstanton, Forest Centre and join one of the organised community, and can advise on local routes www.revolutionevents.co.uk The Wherryman’s Way travels through National Cycle Network Route 1 links where the famous Seahenge was found that rides, or take your own bike and explore the and terrain, as well as club rides and events, Norfolk Broads Tourist Information & Activity the southern Broads area, following the with the Norfolk Coast Cycleway at Wighton now resides in King’s Lynn Museum, and forest at your leisure. There is a variety of also helping you with any technical advice, Centre based in the heart of the Broads course of the between Norwich and with Route 13 at Gateley, just south of inland to touch the edge of Thetford Forest, routes to choose from with something for repairs – or even selling you a new bike!” (beside Wroxham Bridge) offers access to and Great Yarmouth. Look out for the Fakenham, it forms part of the North Sea finishing just beyond the Country Park of all abilities. Graded by colour, the green If you appreciate wide open skies and cycle routes, maps & downloads as well as unique way markers along the route, which Cycle Route. The route also links with the Knettishall Heath. Most of Peddars Way is Shepherd trail is a gentle route and great empty spaces with no hills to disrupt offering top quality cycle & canoe hire and includes figures, sculpture, information Bittern Line in Norwich. off-road and is open to walkers, cyclists and for all the family with wide tracks and fairly the glorious views, then Norfolk is ideal, access to a wide variety of activities that will allow you to explore the quieter areas of the panels and audio points. A feature of the 30-mile National Cycle horse-riders. level ground, there’s a blue Poacher trail and whatever your age and however you like beautiful Norfolk countryside. There are also cycle routes in the Network Route 13 is that it passes through The Peddars Way crosses the Norfolk the more challenging red Beater trail and to cycle. It’s said that wherever you are in 01603 783777 info@ NBtic.co.uk Southern Broads around Burgh St Peter the distinctive Breckland landscape of Coast Cycleway and National Cycle Route red Lime Burner trail. Norfolk you can see a church on the horizon. www.NBtic.co.uk where you can hire bikes by the day or half mid-Norfolk. It follows mainly minor roads, 1 at Ringstead, near Hunstanton, and links The town of Diss in the Norfolk/Suffolk Why not come and put that to the test? Next year, Norfolk will once again host a stage of the Tour of Britain.

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