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North Norfolk Leisure Ride - Marriott's Way
Norwich, with its ancient city walls, Norman Castle, City Cathedral, exceptional shops (good for those with partners more into retail therapy than exercise), bustling market and modern Waterfront is an attractive place to visit and a really interesting place to start a leisure ride.
With the aforementioned attractions in mind, our North Norfolk leisure ride focuses on the Marriott's Way, a path for cyclists (and walkers) which runs from Norwich to Reepham (14 miles) and beyond following an old railway line.
As part of Sustrans' National Route 1 the Marriott's Way offers a variety of riding. It can be joined in Norwich city centre or from a country location and for those looking for a longer leisure ride it is also possible to loop back to Norwich via North Walsham or Wroxham - at the heart of the Norfolk Broads - with the help of the local rail system.
When it comes to trains, I find there is always something exciting about jumping aboard with my bike to go to a place I have never ridden from before. My journey started with a 50 minute train ride through rural Suffolk and onto Norwich, the county town of Norfolk, where life is a little different in the most attractive way. Matthew, my brother-in-law, who lives, works and commutes by bike in the city, was to be my ride guide.
From Norwich train station (see Norwich cycle route map) we took to Riverside Road which runs parallel to the very pretty River Wensum. We then crossed over the river to Bishopsgate and into the walled part of the city, which led to Norwich's stunning cathedral. Our route then took us through Tombland (derived from an old Scandinavian word to mean open space) which in days gone by was used as a market place but is now full of rather nice restaurants and pavement cafes. Then, we cut through the back streets to the start of the Marriott's Way, which is on the north-western tip of the inner ring road (A147), beside the River Wensum, where Barn Road meets St Crispin's Road.
Initially, the Marriott's Way cycle path is paved as it heads out through the north-west of Norwich. After 10 minutes' riding on the old railway line city life had been left behind and the Wensum's water meadows, which were in full flood following a period of extensive rain, reminded us that we were in one of the UK's most rural counties. The path, named after William Marriott who was chief engineer and manager of the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway, then takes on a gravelly / sandy mix up to Tavernham, which drains well even after periods of high rainfall. Conveniently, mile markers, decoratively made from old pieces of railway line, give a guide to distances covered and make for handy resting points.
At Tavernham the 'Way crosses the A1067 Fakenham to Norwich road where a cycle path on the pavement and lights at the crossing point assist cyclists (the route's only other crossing points are across quiet roads).
From this point onwards the path takes on a more natural feel; the surface is not managed and it's fair to say that after a prolonged period of rain it did get a little boggy, although Matthew assured me that during the summer his bike is normally covered in dust from the dryness of the path. The intention had been to ride to Reepham (pronounced 'Reefham' by the locals) for a brew in the old station, which is now home to a small museum, tea room and cycle hire facilities, but when the heavens opened we turned back for Norwich.
It is worth noting that on reaching Whitwell (when heading north-west on the path) you have two options for Reepham: continue riding along the path which follows the Themelthorpe Loop or alternatively you can take to the country lanes for a more direct route.
Extending the Ride
From Reepham it is possible to follow the old railway line (which from reading various accounts appears to be reasonably rugged) to Aylsham. From there you can either follow the Weavers' Way to North Walsham (see MTB ride guide) where you can catch a train back to Norwich. Alternatively, from Alysham you can ride beside the Bure Valley Railway to Wroxham and then catch a train back to Norwich.
The Bure Valley Railway
The Bure Valley Railway is a miniature railway that runs for nine miles between Aylsham and Wroxham, which is at the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Beside the railway line is a path for cyclists (and walkers), making it an ideal route for families with young children to ride on. The path is traffic-free and the miniature steam train is able to carry bikes, which creates options for groups of mixed cycling abilities. Stop-off points on the railway include the villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall. It is worth noting that the station cafe at Aylsham serves a great selection of refreshments and Wroxham, being a tourist hub in the summer months, has plenty of facilities for visitors.
Other locations for leisure rides in North Norfolk
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