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Where to Ride North Norfolk - MTB
North Norfolk may not appear to have much in the way of official rides for mountain bikers but a ride along the Weavers' Way from Aylsham to North Walsham (6 ¼ miles), combined with a spin around Bacton Woods, which has some great singletrack, provided a good variety of off-road riding and a fantastic day out.
The Weavers' Way
The Weavers' Way is a 61 mile footpath from Cromer (on the North Norfolk coast) to Great Yarmouth (on the East coast) and was named after the weaving industry, which once dominated the area. The sections of a disused railway line between the towns of Aylsham and North Walsham (and from Bengate to Stalham on the Broads) are permissible to cyclists and create a link to Bacton Woods which is an area of singletrack heaven.
Our ride started from Aylsham outside the Bure Valley Railway Station (see the leisure ride section for details on a separate ride to Wroxham). After a fine spot of lunch in the railway cafe we set off through this charming market town to connect with the Weavers' Way, which runs through the north of Aylsham.
After crossing the A140 the disused railway line, which was once owned by the Midland and Great Northern Company, then flows across uninterrupted countryside. The path, which was extremely dry, varies from being quite a rugged single track to using the entire width of the old railway line as it passes through rural Norfolk. At Felmingham the old station platform is still in good condition, providing a reminder of yesteryear.
As the path gets closer to North Walsham it becomes less rugged and more suited for leisure riders. The town itself has a direct association with Flanders, the heartland of cycling in Northern Europe. In the 13th and 14th centuries Flemish weavers settled in North Walsham leading to the town becoming the centre of the woollen and weaving industry. The town, which is on the railway line linking Norwich and Sheringham , still has an appealing rural charm about it and is an ideal spot for refreshments.
From North Walsham the plan was to ride on-road (less than 2 miles) to Bacton Woods, but due to a mechanical issue with my bike we were forced to catch a taxi back to Aylsham then drive to our final destination.
Bacton Woods
Bacton Woods, an area of over 280 acres, is owned by the Forestry Commission (FC) and is part managed by North Norfolk District Council. According to the FCs literature a wood has been there since Saxon times and it is the area's poor soil quality and steep slopes that have created a barrier to any agricultural activity.
There are 3 way-marked trails for leisure riding in the wood which range from 2 to 4 kilometres and, although undulating, are family orientated. Unlike Thetford everything about Bacton woods takes on a reserved feel, including the way-marking posts which are discreetly positioned.
For the serious mountain biker Bacton Woods has a mass of singletracks that dart off the main paths and the authorities encourage you to use them. Prior to riding here my thoughts were that the woods would not big enough to entertain a rider for more than half an hour. However, having experienced what is on offer, a good couple of hours could easily have been taken up exploring the trails, some of which are fairly technical due to the hilly nature of the woods.
My spin was like a journey back in time. The mechanical issue earlier in the day forced me to ride on my old rigid mountain bike (which my Dad had borrowed for the day). With no front suspension and extremely narrow bars the riding was a lot harsher on the body but great fun none-the-less. I even had an old gentleman thank me for helping to keep the paths open for him and his dog to walk on.
If everything had gone to plan we would have ridden back to North Walsham then followed our outbound route to Aylsham. But some days you just have to go with what the day brings and enjoy it.
Useful Information
Weavers' Way Map Aylsham to North Walsham
Weavers' Way Map Bengate to Stalham (including Bacton Woods)
