Cycling on the Norfolk Broads
Effortlessly beautiful, crisscrossed with bike paths 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 bicycle 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 in the region. 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
Broadland Cycle Hire, BeWILDerwood
The Canoe Man, Wroxham
Riverside Stores, Stokesby. Telephone 01493 750470
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 Tourist Information Centre
- Horning car park near the Swan Inn
- Ludham Bridge
- Clippesby Hall Cycle Hire
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.
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.
Another route, around 11 to 15 miles takes you through Thurne, Repps, Martham, Somerton, Rollesby and Clippesby. The route does follow some sections on slightly busier roads, so may be less suitable for younger children.
From Potter Heigham, cross the River Thurne at the bridge and head into the countryside to How Hill on the River Ant, where you can take a boat trip or visit the Toad Hole Marshman’s Cottage, with an optional detour to St Benet’s Abbey located alongside the River Bure.
From Hoveton, you can hire your bike from BeWILDerwood and cycle through the country lanes of Neatishead and Barton Turf. The Radar Museum at Neatishead is well worth – check opening times ahead as it’s only open on certain days. The route leads on to Hoveton Hall and Wroxham Barns, and links to the Bure Valley Path.
The Bure Valley Path follows part of the narrow gauge Bure Valley Railway, formerly part of the Great Eastern Railway, which runs from Hoveton and Wroxham railway station to Aylsham.
Tour De Broads
If you’re a keen cyclist, the Tour de Broads is the region’s biggest non-profit cycling event. Held in both spring and summer, participants have 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 get back in the saddle, a cycling holiday on the Broads is a great choice for your next escape. Take a look through Broads Escapes cottage holiday page or browse our pretty cottages for hire to find the perfect base for your two-wheeled adventure.