The Broads Cycling
Blessedly flat and with an extensive network of well-maintained paths and bridleways, the Broads National Park was made for cyclists. Our guide to cycling in the Norfolk Broads highlights three easily accessible routes, whether you’re an experienced rider or just seeking an energetic day out with your family.
Our pick of cycling routes in the Broads takes in charming villages, historic landmarks and peaceful waterways. We’ll provide you with handy tips about where to rent bikes and equipment, as well as practical advice on safe riding practices that will keep you on the right side of walkers and the local population.
Top cycling routes in the Norfolk Broads
Marriott’s Way
Distance: 26 miles (42 kilometres)
Approximate time: 8.5 hours
Starting points: From Norwich, the roundabout on the inner ring road at Barker Street and Barn Road. From Aylsham, opposite Bure Valley railway station
Marriott’s Way is one of Norfolk’s most popular trails for cyclists and walkers. This delightful route follows two former railway lines between Norwich and Aylsham and can be ridden throughout the year. Conditions start out hard and flat but can become muddier around Themelthorpe. It’s suitable for riders of any level, and you should be fine if you’re riding a mountain bike or a sturdy hybrid.
Along the way you’ll pass art installations, quiet villages and historic local landmarks like Whitwell and Reepham station, now a museum with steam and diesel locomotives, old rolling stock and a café. On the first Sunday of the month you can even take a ride on one of these magnificent trains (please check the website for details).
Every mile or so, handy signs and sculptures made from remnants of the old railway highlight local points of interest, distances and directions. Each one has a metal-rubbing plaque that you can complete as a souvenir of your journey. Look out for the three wind-up ‘sound boxes’ that play old railway sounds when activated.
The valley of the Wensum River and Whitwell Common are both Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Watch out for hares frolicking in the fields during spring, barn owls, kestrels and kingfishers in summer, and wild orchids on Whitwell Common. Autumn brings a riot of glorious colours, and if you prefer a quieter ride, try pedalling in winter.
The Bure Valley Path
Distance: 9 miles (14.5 kilometres)
Approximate time: 2-3 hours
Starting point: Aylsham (links up with Marriott’s Way)
This flat, well-maintained, countryside route follows the Bure Valley Railway and the River Bure from Aylsham to Wroxham, passing through villages including Buxton, Coltishall and Horstead. It’s another easy, traffic-free ride suitable for riders of any age or ability.
There’s no shortage of places along the way where you can stop for a coffee, lunch, or just a quick bite, including two riverside pubs near Coltishall with enchanting views. Since this is a comfortable ride, we’d also recommend stopping off to take a peek at Hautbois Hall, a charming Elizabethan country house with a beautiful 52-acre garden (the railway passes right through the estate), and the handsome restored water mill beside the river in Buxton.
The Three Rivers Way: Hoveton to Horning
Distance: 2.5 miles (4 kilometres)
Approximate time: 1 hour
Start point: Hoveton and Wroxham station
This project, the brainchild of local residents, seeks to showcase the beautiful Broads countryside along the Bure, Ant and Thurne rivers between Hoveton and Potter Heigham. This initial section (the easiest of our three rides) is a particularly great choice for those cycling with kids, thanks to two great attractions for families en route.
Just 2.5 miles long, it’s sure to tempt even the youngest cyclists. They’ll hardly notice the length of the ride thanks to the presence of BeWILDerwood, a treetop adventure park with zipwires, slides and bridges to play on, and the RAF Radar Museum at Neatishead, which offers a fascinating interactive trip back in time to the days of the Cold War.
Further sections of The Three Rivers Way are set to continue to Ludham and Potter Heigham, taking in Potter Heigham’s medieval bridge and the atmospheric St Benet’s Abbey. Keep an eye on the Three Rivers Way Association website for the latest updates.
Cycling tips for the Norfolk Broads
Equipment and preparation
To get the most out of your cycle trip in the Broads National Park, it’s essential to be prepared. Here’s a simple guide to which type of bike to choose, being ready for poor weather, and what to take with you. If renting, your choice of cycle provider will always be happy to offer help and advice.
Cycling equipment and clothing
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Choose a comfortable bike that’s the right size for you and suits the terrain – in most cases here, that will mean a hybrid or a mountain bike
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Always wear a correctly fitted cycling helmet, breathable layers and sturdy footwear such as a tough pair of trainers
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Carry waterproof clothing and sunscreen, just in case
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Don’t forget your puncture repair kit, a pump, and a tool that has Allen keys for wheel removal and minor adjustments
What to carry
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Saddlebags, panniers or a small rucksack that leaves your hands free
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A map of the route, and a mobile phone with a GPS app for directions
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Plenty of water, and adequate food to keep you fuelled for the duration of your ride
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A bike lock so that you can safely leave your bike if you stop off to explore along the way
Safety on the Trails
When you’re cycling in the Broads, you’ll occasionally find yourself sharing paths with others. Please keep the following advice in mind:
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Be alert: always keep an eye out for other users of the pathway
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Be considerate: leave plenty of room and give way to pedestrians and horse riders
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Be prepared: always be ready to slow down or stop if necessary
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Be careful: ride slowly at junctions, bends and entrances, near roadways or on busy sections
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Be polite: use your bell to warn walkers, and call out to horse-riders to warn them when approaching from behind.
Where to rent bikes in The Broads
Here are our suggestions for cycle hire services close to our three routes. Bikes can generally be rented by the hour, for the whole day, or for longer periods if you’re planning an extended cycling holiday. Always check online for opening hours prior to visiting to avoid disappointment:
You can also contact one of the Broads’ three visitor centres for advice on cycle hire and local guided tours, while many local hotels, outdoor activity centres and campsites also offer bike rental.
Eco-friendly cycling
Cycling is environmentally friendly, healthy, and fun. Please stick to marked routes, be respectful of the natural environment, local wildlife and livestock, and follow the Countryside Code.
With its flat terrain, beautiful landscapes and a wealth of family friendly routes, the Norfolk Broads is a great choice for cyclists. Whether it’s a day trip or a few nights in the Broads, it’s time to start planning your next adventure.