Top Roads: Norfolk

After some inspiration of where to go for a blast? We’ve got you covered.

Norfolk might not be the most obvious choice if you’re after a good ride; but the rural idyll out East actually offers a surprisingly diverse selection of good stuff to get stuck into. From the gently undulating twisties along the coast to the wide open tree-lined Tarmac and trails in its centre, you’re spoilt for choice should you find yourself in this neck of the woods.

COASTAL CLASSIC

There’s good reason Norfolk’s coast is so popular. It’s lovely. And the roads are pretty special too; in a relaxed, ambling sort of way.  

Kick things off it Hunstanton and potter along the A149 all the way to the lovely town of Wells-next-to-the-Sea. This is where the road gets going; it’s not fast, and any swift progress will likely be curtailed by tourist traffic and a selection of quaint villages – but it twists and turns and climbs and falls, offering glimpses out to sea, as you work your way along the coast to Cromer.

There’s also loads of lanes which cut off the main road too; which take you down to secluded beaches, through nature reserves and even down to an off-the-beaten path pub. You could spend hours exploring all of them; though beware the tide, because some of these roads actually get cut off when it comes in.

DIPS AND DROPS

The Norfolk Broads are a lovely place to ride. Again, don’t come here expecting fast flowing wide-open twisties; this part of the world delivers an abundance of quiet country roads and nadgery little lanes, with cracking views across the flat landscape. There’s plenty of water, of course – and you’ll see your fair share of boats chugging along the canals and rivers, and plenty of wildlife too.

You could tag this onto the coastal stretch, cutting inland from Horsey Gap and setting your Sat Nav for Reedham. Equally, you’d be just as well playing the right left game and getting a bit lost, but it’s well worth making the trip down Ferry Road near Reedham to experience the tiny little two-car crossing.

FOREST FLYER

It’s a bit of a slog over from the Broads, but it’s well worth making a trip further West to the Thetford Forest.

It’s actually the UK’s largest manmade lowland forest, covering 50,000 acres of woodland and heathland; and it’s a lovely place to ride. Particularly if you’re on an adventure bike.

If you’re partial to a bit of ‘off-roading’, we’d suggest picking up the B1106 in Elveden and setting out for Brandon to be treated to an atmospheric blast along brilliant tree-lines roads. From there, swing a right and pick up the road for Santon Downham, continuing along the Santon Road and onto the three-mile unsurfaced Harling Drove. It’s a lovely trail, blending hard packed mud, shallow sand and a series of whoops. Top stuff.