Norfolk
Ready, Set, Ride! 9 Incredible Norfolk Bike Routes
Ready, Set, Ride! 9 Incredible Norfolk Bike Routes
Bure Valley Railway and Bure Valley Path by Glen Denny under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Are you looking for an adventure that combines physical activity, stunning wildlife, and unique cultural experiences? Look no further than the cycling routes in Norfolk! Whether you're a novice or experienced cyclist, the many broads, riversides, and seascapes of this beautiful region provide endless opportunities to explore. From day-long treks through lush countryside to shorter family routes that can be tailored to your needs and abilities – there's something for everyone in Norfolk! From tranquil fishing villages to vibrant cities bursting with history, culture, and events — cycling in Norfolk is sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.
You can cycle the 10-mile circular loop on the Wells and Holkham Circuit, go back to the time of the Romans on the Peddars Way, or test your mountain biking skills on the trails at High Lodge!
The table above lists all the best cycle routes in Norfolk. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that route.
Discover the Best Cycling Routes in Norfolk
Explore the county on your bike with these recommended trails. Have a look below at the cycle routes listed on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each route, for further information before you travel. The purple icons on the map indicate some local bike hire places. Check them out for prices on their website before you rent.
Bure Valley Path
Discover the picturesque villages and countryside of Norfolk on a nine-mile journey, from Aylsham to Hoveton and Wroxham on the Bure Valley Path. Follow part of the former Great Eastern Railway with options to extend your ride along Marriott's Way or Weavers' Way, two disused railway line cycle routes through tranquil rural scenery. Enjoy several train halts en route for those wanting a hybrid experience - combining both cycling and rail travel.
Wells and Holkham Circuit
Step into nature and explore the great outdoors while cycling on this 10-mile circular loop on the Wells and Holkham Circuit. The route is crafted with care by a partnership between many organisations including Sustrans, Holkham Estate, and the Norfolk Coast Partnership County Council amongst others - taking you along part of the National Cycle Route 1 as well as through scenic parts of Holkham Park!
The Marriott’s Way
The Marriott's Way offers 26 miles of adventure for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. It links the towns of Norwich and Aylsham in North Norfolk along two disused railway lines that were once managed by chief engineer William Marriott many years ago. As part of the National Cycle Network, the route also forms part of Norwich’s Pedalways network - a perfect way to explore this beautiful area!
The Weavers Way by Aylsham North railway station by Evelyn Simak under license CC BY-SA 4.0
The Weaver’s Way
Enjoy the majesty of nature in Norfolk on this unique bike route! The Weaver's Way from Aylsham to North Walsham, or Bengate to Stalham follows disused railways creating the perfect traffic-free paths. Feel free to enjoy this scenic route perfect for cycling and can be connected via back lanes for a longer journey. With each ride having something different headed both ways, it's like getting two getaways wrapped into one long weekend adventure.
Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path at Morston by Mat Fascione under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Peddars Way
Ever wanted to explore a history-rich land? Peddars Way National Trail is the ideal choice for discovering Britain's fascinating past. This trail was once an old Roman road and historical references suggest its name may have originated from 'pedester', which means "on foot". Cyclists can embark on this 46-mile journey through the captivating Brecks area of Suffolk then north to the Norfolk coast near Hunstanton. So create your adventure and follow ancient paths used for hundreds of years back to Roman times!
MTB: Cromer to Felbrigg
Immerse yourself in the stunning countryside of Norfolk, taking a 12-mile bike ride from Cromer Ridge to Beacon Hill. Here you can experience views that reach far beyond your wildest dreams as you traverse through peaceful lanes filled with flint villages and isolated farmsteads. With the average duration being 3 hours long this offers some time away surrounded by beauty.
MTB: Sandringham to Bircham
Discover the wild beauty of Norfolk's arable landscape with a 14-mile ride from Sandringham, or opt for an 6-mile circular route starting in Bircham. Either way, you'll traverse miles of rural tracks and paths that wind through open pastures! Spend hours traversing across long grassy trails and unsurfaced tracks as far as your eyes can see.
MTB: Hunstanton to Ringstead
Get ready for a captivating cycling journey across the rolling hills of Hunstanton, Holme-next-the-Sea, and Heacham. Enjoy tranquil green lanes, farm tracks, and unclassified roads with soft surfaces that are perfect to discover during warm summer days - just be sure to bring your mountain or hybrid bike! This challenging 16-mile ride from Hunstanton to Ringstead takes around 4 hours long so get ready for an adventure like no other while enjoying breathtaking views along the way.
MTB: High Lodge
Pedal along winding trails through Thetford Forest and explore the beauty of High Lodge. From beginners to experienced cyclists, there's something here for everyone - get out into nature and experience a thrilling ride on the mountain bike trails here!
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have shared some of the best Norfolk bike routes. To find out more about things to do in this area, click on the buttons below:
Please note...
All outdoor activities including cycling involve a degree of risk. The routes are recommended due to the well known features of each route but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each route so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your cycle!
Crown Copyright, courtesy Forestry Commission (06/03/23) licensed under the Open Government License.