Cycling

National and Regional Cycle Routes

The region is criss-crossed by our network of
long distance routes - suitable for short breaks
and longer holidays.

The National Cycle Network consists of over
12,000 miles (19,321 kilometres) of well-signed
routes on traffic-free paths, quiet lanes and
traffic-calmed roads. Look out for the white numbers
on a red background which indicate the way-marking
of the network. One of the key routes is National
Route 1, which runs along the east coast. By using
Route 51 from Colchester to the ferry port of Harwich,
a 369 mile (594 kilometre) route can be followed
which connects with the port of Hull. This ride guides
you through the historic and traditional area of
eastern England, where you can enjoy some of the
country's finest cathedral cities, attractive towns,
picturesque villages and peaceful countryside.

The North Sea Cycle Route is 4,000 mile
(6,000 kilometre) long distance route, which
encircles the countries bordering the North Sea, and
uses many international ferry links. It can easily be
divided into shorter sections if required - and follows mainly other existing routes,
such as the National Cycle Network Routes 1 and 51 (Harwich to Hull).

There are three fully-signed regional routes. All use a mixture of mainly quiet roads
and well-surfaced tracks. The circular Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route
(88 miles/142 kilometres) runs through peaceful, undulating countryside, and
beside a unspoilt coastline of lonely shingle beaches and crumbling cliffs. The
linear Norfolk Coast Cycleway links King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth, covering
103 miles (166 kilometres). This route takes you just inland, with pretty villages,
magnificent sea views and teeming bird life. The Heart of Suffolk Cycle Route
(78 miles/125 kilometres) explores the gently rolling landscapes and market towns
of Mid Suffolk. All three routes link with the National Cycle Network (see above).

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Traffic Free Routes

Enjoy family-friendly rides along former railway lines,
around reservoirs, and through forests and
woodland. Many of these locations also offer cycle
hire (as indicated with a *).

The Marston Vale Millennium Country Park * (Marston Moretaine, nr. Bedford) has a ‘figure of eight' cycle path, with one loop circling the wetland reserve with its rare bird-life. Many of the country parks in Essex have trails open to cyclists, such as the wildlife-rich Great Notley and the Flitch Way (Braintree), along the former Bishop's Stortford to Braintree railway line. Grafham Water * (nr. St. Neots) is Britain's third largest man-made reservoir - follow the 10 mile (16 kilometre) circuit around its shores. More watery routes at the River Lee Country Park * (Broxbourne/Waltham Abbey area) with various tree-lined pathways and canal towpaths to explore.

Full steam ahead - go ‘Huff and Puff' and combine a ride through the mature woodland of the Kelling Heath Holiday Park * (nr. Sheringham) with a trip on the North Norfolk Railway. For more railway routes, follow the Marriott's Way from Norwich to Aylsham; or The Alban Way (St. Albans). The country piles of Blickling * (nr. Aylsham), Holkham (nr. Wells-next-the-Sea) and Ickworth (Horringer, nr. Bury St. Edmunds) offer trails through their fine landscapes. Loose yourself with a peaceful cycle ride under the trees at the High Lodge Forest Centre * (nr. Brandon) or Rendlesham Forest Centre * (nr. Woodbridge) - both offering excellent traffic-free routes.

Enjoy family-friendly rides along former railway lines, around reservoirs, and through forests and woodland.