The best cycling routes in Norfolk

From the coast to the countryside

Cycle routes in Norfolk offer a fantastic array of landscapes to explore, despite the county’s lack of any major hills. Instead, the pastoral scenery peels out right to the horizon, with fields bursting with crops and marshes bursting with birds. 

The coastline has got to be one of the loveliest places for cycling in Norfolk, particularly in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’ll find a wide range of bike-friendly routes along this patch, with bridleways, little country lanes and cycle paths. The coastline is low, although a few modest hills do give you an opportunity to get a rare view of the landscape from height. Estuaries, salt marshes and beaches define Norfolk’s beloved shores. 

In the Broads National Park, pedal for miles along bike trails, watching the boats navigate channels and birds prospect for fish. Peaceful woodlands give way to open countryside and you’re never more than a stone’s throw from a watercourse. Bike rides in the Norfolk Broads even extend to sand dunes where you can rest your trusty steed down and go for a paddle. 

Historic Norfolk by bicycle

Cycling around Norfolk certainly puts you straight into nature and a slower pace of life but the region has seen its fair share of extraordinary history. As you pedal, you’re bound to come across a castle sooner or later, even if you don’t deliberately pass by one. 

Castle Acre, Baconsthorpe Castle and Castle Rising are just a few of the impressive historic ruins dating back hundreds of years. Burgh Castle on the outskirts of Great Yarmouth and the Broads was built by the Romans and makes for a wonderful objective for any ride in the area. 

Land, sea and sky - wildlife to watch

Thanks to its coast’s amazing wetland, dune and marsh landscape, bike rides in Norfolk are also fantastic opportunities to see the county’s resident wildlife. Pink-footed geese, snow buntings and widgeons overwinter in the county, making those chilly rides worth the red nose. 

Seals live along Norfolk’s coastline all year round and make for fantastic viewing. Grey seals have pups in winter, while common seals give birth in summer, buoying your chances of seeing pups whenever you ride past. Avocets, cranes, king fishers and kestrels all live here too.