by Katie Thompson
As one of the driest and flattest regions in the UK, it’s no wonder that cyclists of all abilities love to explore our wonderful Norfolk countryside. (That goes for walkers too, if you prefer to take it slower.)
Under wide-open skies, along winding lanes, leafy green trails and past rippling waterways, there’s a rainbow of colour no matter the season and thriving wildlife to spot. And Norfolk was the first county to introduce the Quiet Lanes Network, prioritising those on foot or bicycle. Did you know Norwich and Norfolk are also on the North Sea EuroVelo route? From the Broads National Park, to sprawling fields of countryside and a wild coastline reaching into the horizon.
Whether you’re based in Norwich’s buzzing centre (ideal for a fuelling coffee and cake) or are searching for a secluded rural retreat to wind down after a long ride, these are the best cycling routes in Norwich and Norfolk worth exploring!
Norwich is a city with many cycle lanes if you want to get around. And just over a mile away is Whitlingham Country Park. The 2-mile pathway around Whitlingham Broad is popular with locals for a laidback walk or cycle. Here, you’ll be right on the water’s edge, with beautiful birds bobbing in the waves and trees lining the route.
If you want to extend your cycle, Whitlingham is along National Pedalway Route 1, taking you through the city centre to northwest Norwich. Along the way, we suggest a pitstop for a locally brewed pint and slice of pizza in Redwell Brewery’s working taproom or end at Taverham Mill for a freshly baked treat from their cafe.
Where to Stay: The Maids Head is a historic hotel full of character and charm (from £130 per night) with secure outdoor bike storage. They hold a Cycle Friendly accreditation from Cycling UK and can accommodate cycling groups, too. Conveniently located in Norwich’s Cathedral Quarter, it’s just a 15-minute cycle to Whitlingham. And guests can make use of complimentary bobbin bikes if you don’t bring your own.
Spanning 26 miles from Barn Road in Norwich’s city centre north to Aylsham, Marriott’s Way is a favourite route for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. Following two disused railway lines, you can mark your progress with art created from old tracks. Immerse yourself in the wildlife of the Wensum Valley. It’s not unusual to see soaring birds of prey, stealthy stoats, squirrels and hedgehogs, and even rarities like otters and kingfishers! In summer, stop for a spot of strawberry foraging.
Where to Stay: Make Kett Country Cottages’ fantastic selection of holiday cottages your own for a night or two as you explore the full length of this cycleway (accommodation prices vary). There’s a number of boltholes in Aylsham (also a great base for Blickling Hall). Or make Norwich your base and combine a cultured city centre stay with days out in Norfolk’s nature.
The 9-mile Bure Valley Path will take you from the traditional market town of Aylsham (12 miles north of Norwich) to Broads capital Wroxham (8 miles northeast of Norwich). This route travels through verdant countryside, linking villages like Buxton and Coltishall (where you’re sure to be tempted by a waterside pub lunch!). When you arrive in Wroxham, check out the UK’s largest modelling attraction, Wroxham Miniature Worlds, which will fill you with nostalgia and happy memories.
What’s more, the route runs alongside the Bure Valley Railway, so if you don’t want to cycle back again, hop on board this traditional steam train for even more picturesque views.
Another popular Broads cycling path is the 12-mile Reedham Loop. This serene circular route takes you through charming villages, rolling countryside and enjoys wonderful views of the River Yare before passing by the iconic Reedham Swing Bridge.
Where to Stay: 5 miles from Bure Valley Path are Poolside Lodges, spacious and homely holiday homes that boast a shared outdoor pool (seasonal) and individual hot tubs for you to unwind in (from £110 per night). For caravaners, Reedham Ferry Touring Park offers a secluded 4-acre site that’s the perfect Broads base (pitches from £16, March – October), with electric bike charging close by.. And if you’re with friends and family, Go Norfolk Cottages in nearby Bergh Apton are modern, comfortable and social (2 nights from £655).
With such a varied coastline as Norfolk’s, you can expect to cycle along cliffs, past pebbled shores, towering dunes, and bird-covered wetlands across its 90 miles. It’s also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Norfolk Coastal Cycleway takes you from King’s Lynn (west) to Great Yarmouth (east) along 59 miles of quiet, winding coastal roads parallel to our popular Norfolk Coast Path. (Or you can choose to complete loops along this cycleway for smaller rides.)
On the way, discover our beautiful coastal towns and villages. Check out Cromer Pier– stopping for a hot chocolate with all the trimmings or a spot of crabbing- before heading 27 miles west to Holkham where there are 7 routes that explore every inch of this sprawling estate! You can cycle anywhere on the Estate. Across grass, woodland and gravel tracks, admire the Hall’s Palladian architecture, sweeping open spaces, its resident fallow deer and its mile-long lake, a haven for wildlife. We suggest an evening ride down the gravelled Lady Anne’s Drive, flanked by marshland, passing through sweet-scented pines, to the windswept shores of Holkham beach for a picnic in the dunes as the sun sets and shimmers on the horizon. And during the day, head to the Estate’s South Gates (past the Obelisk), where a myriad of quiet country lanes will lead you to characterful coastal villages.
Where to Stay: For rural relaxation where you can truly escape after a day spent outside, Holkham’s Shepherd Huts offer rustic charm and comfort (and they’re dog friendly!) (from £280 per night, minimum 2 nights). There’s cycle storage at Holkham’s The Victoria to lock up your bike, as well as e-bike charging points, and you can hire a bike for any length of time over the course of your stay (helmet and charger provided)- all you have to do is bring it back before you leave! Nearby, Thursford’s boutique Holly Lodge B&B is on the Wells-Next-the-Sea and Walsingham Explorer Loop, where a brilliant breakfast of local produce awaits you the next morning (from £160 per night). Plus, they have bikes to use free of charge.
There are so many trails to explore through the pines of Thetford Forest
Traversing 46 miles from Thetford Forest, through Swaffham, Castle Acre and north to Holme-Next-the-Sea on the Norfolk coast, the Peddars Way follows a former Roman road straight through the centre of our nature-filled county. From heathland, woodland and low river valleys to numerous historic churches, thriving towns and plenty of pubs, this route is alive with nesting birds, blooming hedgerows and wild landscapes.
When you reach Thetford Forest (you’ll find the largest lowland pine forest in Britain at the southern end of the Peddars Way), a whole other network of cycle paths opens up to you. Follow gentle trails through towering trees and seemingly endless woodland or, for the more experienced, there are miles of undulating off-road options! And for real thrill seekers, how about a treetop Go Ape adventure? It won’t be hard to hop on your bike if this exciting adrenaline-pumping obstacle course is your destination!
Where to Stay: With a selection of holiday homes and cottages along the Peddars Way, Norfolk Cottages and Holiday Cottages provide the ideal bases for getting out and about in the wild beauty of Breckland (accommodation prices vary). And with Norwich just 30 miles away via the A11, you can have a great day out if you want to give your cycling legs a bit of a rest!
And for even more cycling, walking and bridleway routes, check out the Norfolk Trails interactive map, visit our What’s On page for events like the Norfolk 100/60/30 or look out for local cycling clubs.
