Where to find the best Norfolk cycle routes

The low-lying county of Norfolk is a popular tourist spot thanks to its miles of unspoilt coastline, beautiful countryside, lush forests and heathland. Over the years, miles of cycle routes have carved through this charming terrain allowing holidaymakers to make the most of this idyllic eastern point in the UK.

With so many routes and dense countryside to steer through, we have compiled a quick guide to some of the best Norfolk cycle routes to help you plan your days out.

The Broads

Stretching across Norfolk and Suffolk with gentle slopes, quite roads and beautiful countryside, the Broads are ideal for cycling. Nestled in the Broads are a variety of small villages with plenty of charming attractions to enjoy, including ancient churches, independent shops, cafes and pubs.

The Broads By Bike network consists of 14 circular rides ranging in difficulty and terrain. 9 weave their way around the northern Broads from Wroxham along the River Bure to Barton Turf and Dilham on the River Ant. We would highly recommend heading over to Horsey to follow the sand dunes along the coastline. Be sure to stop and see the resident seal population! Crossing through the Bure Valley Path and Broadland Church Trail, the Broads Bike Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Norfolk Broads.

Mid-Norfolk

The main cycle route in mid Norfolk away from the Brecks and the Broads is route 13 from Fakenham to Thetford. The trail crosses through quiet lanes and off-road stretches, making it a perfect route for families with younger children. Cyclists can also enjoy the Peddars Way National Trail and the idyllic market towns of Watton and Dereham.

Thetford Forest

If you fancy some hard-hitting off-road cycling, then look no further than Thetford Forest in the heart of the Brecks. Miles of specially designed cycle tracks can be found in Thetford, the UK’s largest lowland pine forest. The High Lodge Forest Centre provides cycle hire and organised rides if you’d prefer a more sociable exploration of the Brecks. All routes are graded by colour to suit different abilities, ranging from the easy Green Trail to the challenging Black Trail. Popular tracks include the Round Brecks Explorer Route and Peddars Way which cuts through the Brecks to reach the rugged north Norfolk coast.

Sustrans National Cycle Network

More than a million bikers and walkers use the 14,000-mile long Sustrans National Cycle Network. Although this popular network was first founded in Bristol in 1977, it soon meandered east to Norfolk and the surrounding areas. Today, a variety of tracks for all experience levels can be found along the county’s forest paths, bridleways and quiet country roads. We’d recommend trying Marriott’s Way, a quiet track that is great for youngsters and beginners and the perfect length for a full day of fun in the outdoors.

With so many cycle routes covering the coast, forests and countryside, a bike is a brilliant way to explore Norfolk. And so much the better if you're camping - there are numerous campsites both along the coastline and inland, from Kings Lynn in the north to Harleston,Beccles and Lowestoft in the south.

(Be aware that country routes in Norfolk can be narrow or overgrown so you should always take care when turning through sharp corners.)