Cycling around the Broads

Effortlessly beautiful, crisscrossed with bike paths and, importantly, almost entirely flat, the Norfolk Broads is a wonderful region to explore on two wheels. Whether you’re bringing your own bike or planning on renting one when you arrive, you’ll find a fantastic variety of routes as well as a great choice of bike friendly cottages, pubs and outdoor spaces.

If you don’t have a bike or are unable to bring yours from home you can still enjoy cycling the Norfolk Broads. There are a number of bike hire options available across both the Northern and Southern Broads. Hire from one of the Norfolk Broads cycle hire centres below or take advantage of the new Broads By Cycle scheme, offering self-service bike hire along the Three Rivers Way.

Cycle Hire Centres

Broads By Cycle

Bikes can be booked online at Broads By Cycle and you can pick up and return bikes at any of the following docking stations;

  • Hoveton TIC
  • Horning car park near the Swan Inn
  • Ludham Bridge

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your cycling holiday on the Broads.

 

Cottages

If you’re planning on bringing your own bike along on your Norfolk escape, it’s a good idea to look for a holiday cottage with outside bike storage. Having a secure and easily accessible place to keep your bike outside of your accommodation will mean you don’t have to bring it in every night and can relax safe in the knowledge that your wheels are safe. You’ll find outside storage for bikes at most of our cottages, making it easy for you to plan your biking holiday on the Broads

 

Routes

Thanks to the wide variety of cycle routes available on the Norfolk Broads, it’s easy to find a circuit that suits your stamina and your timetable perfectly. If you’re staying near Bungay, you could have a go at the 12-mile route that connects the town with Earsham, Ditchingham and Ellingham. Or if you want to push yourself a little further, try the 25-mile ride from Bungay to Geldeston, Beccles, Barsham and Ilketshall St Andrew.

For a route that takes you through the heart of the Broads, start in Horning and head to Salhouse, Ranworth and Wroxham. Covering a distance of around 24 miles, this picturesque route takes in a number of sites and attractions on the way. Alternatively, for an easier ride head to the village of Stokesby and cycle to Mautby, Thrigby and finally Runham. Just eight and a half miles long, this short route is perfect for those who want a relaxing day out. If your still looking for inspiration take a look at some of the Cycling Routes recommended by Herbert Woods, with the Norfolk Broads going on for miles you’re sure to find the best route to suit you and your party.

 

Tour de Broads

If you’re a keen cyclist, a visit to the Tour de Broads is a must. The region’s biggest non-profit cycling event, the tour is held in both spring and summer and gives participants the chance to explore the best cycling routes the Broads have to offer, choose from a range of distances to find the ride that’s right for you. Family rides and charity cyclists are also encouraged, allowing you to get even more out of the experience. Book your place now and start looking forward to a bike ride like no other.

If you can’t wait to pull on the lycra and get back in the saddle, a cycling holiday on the Broads is a great choice for your next escape. Take a look through the cottages on our site to find the perfect base for your two-wheeled adventure.

 

Did you find this article useful? Why not visit our Broads Escapes cottage holiday page or browse our pretty cottages for hire for more information on our services.