Norfolk is a great place to cycle, especially for families – it’s one of the flattest counties we have, so there won’t be too many steep hills! So are there great family cycle routes in Norfolk?
Getting out and about on a bike is a really wonderful way to see everything there is to see – plus you can take it at your own pace and stop off for pub lunches here and there. What could be better!
7 Family Cycle Routes In Norfolk
Bure Valley Path
This is a gentle 9 mile trip, which follows the former route of the Great Eastern Railway through to Wroxham and Hoveton.
You can either enjoy this cycle route for its own merits – and there are many, with beautiful scenery and wildlife to spot – or combine it with train travel.
Doing it this way means you can make the route even shorter, making it ideal for little ones new to cycling.
Starting off small and gentle is the key to fostering a love of cycling, and as this is a relatively short and easy track, it will be ideal to develop your own star of the Tour De France!
Weavers’ Way
You can make this route into two separate routes, or combine them both to make a longer ride, depending on your family’s abilities.
Stalham to Bengate is the first route, taking you through picturesque villages and pretty countryside as you go.
Or you can choose North Walsham to Aylsham – the scenery is pretty similar on both of these routes, plus there is the opportunity to stop and have a picnic.
Both routes offer you the opportunity to turn around and go back the way you came, or you can combine any of these routes with other cycle routes in Norfolk.
Check around you for local wildlife as you go, to add a little more intrigue to your journey – and to stop the kids getting bored!
Marriott’s Way
A longer cycle route, this one is ideal for older children or those who are really getting into their bike riding.
Following two disused railway lines, Marriott’s Way is a glorious ride which is (like most of Norfolk!) mainly flat and gentle.
It’s a great ride to spot different wildlife – if you’re lucky you might even spot an otter or a kingfisher!
You can also look out for some local artwork along the way; a great way to introduce your kids to a bit of culture.
There are plenty of little villages for you to stop off in and grab a bite or a drink along the way, to give you enough energy to carry on.
Peddars Way
A much longer route, at 46 miles this one will be enjoyed by older teenagers – or if you have little ones you can always just do a section of this pretty cycle ride.
This is mainly dedicated cycle paths and quiet lanes, so you don’t need to worry about children and traffic, thankfully!
This ride follows a Roman road, so it is pretty straight and easy to ride, and the local history goes back even further as it was built on the line of an even older track.
You will start out in the Brecks, which features some unique scenery and countryside that changes as you go.
There will be many places to stop and take a break, catch the views, or munch on a picnic – and you are sure to find a local pub nearby for a bit of extra motivation!
Boudicca Way
This 36 mile trip goes between Norwich and Diss, and although it sounds a bit long, the terrain is gentle and mainly flat, so it is suitable for a family ride.
You will catch glimpses of the beautiful countryside of South Norfolk, and the route is mainly quiet country roads so you won’t have to worry about traffic too much.
Because it is so quiet, this is also a great route to look out for birds and beasties sheltering in the hedgerows.
If you’re interested in local history, you can learn about the old Roman town at Caistor St Edmund, and find out about a bit of Roman administration!
You will pass through several picturesque villages, where you can stop off and have a bite to eat or a refreshing cup of tea.
Three Rivers Way
A great route for little kids, or those who are new to bike riding, this one is short and gentle on the legs.
At only 2.5 miles, it won’t be too much of a trek for the small people, and will really help to encourage a love of cycling and increase their confidence.
The countryside is attractive and features ancient hedgerows, perfect for spotting all sorts of wildlife to add even more interest to your ride.
Whichever end of the route you start – Hoveton or Horning – you can find cafes, pubs, shops and bike hire places if you don’t have your own.
Broads By Bike
This is not actually one cycle path, but the name of a collection of 16 circular rides through the gentle countryside of Norfolk.
You can choose from short routes to longer ones, making this collection of rides ideal for the whole family – shorter ones for the little kids, with longer treks for older ones.
Choose from paths that lead to the coast, with the chance for seal spotting at Horsey, to tracks that wind through the countryside.
You will experience a lot of interesting local history, and there are a great many old churches to explore, along with traditional wind pumps.
All of these routes have places you can stop off for a sandwich or an ice cream, and even indulge in some locally produced food and drink.
Final Thoughts
If a trip to Norfolk is on your bucket list, why not do it on a bike, with the family? Get some lovely fresh air and exercise, and get a look at the fantastic scenery.
With many different cycle routes all catering for different abilities, Norfolk is a great place for a cycling holiday. For other options, please check these routes in the Lake District, or Scotland.
