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 a 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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Day Rides

The region has thousands of miles of quiet country
lanes and roads to explore. To help you, East of
England Tourism has developed a range of circular
Cycling Discovery Maps of between 13 and 30 miles
(21 and 48 kilometres). These wind through
agricultural land and along unspoilt coastline, visiting
historic market towns and picturesque villages.

All maps are free - and contain clear route directions,
short cuts, places to visit and refreshment stops.

Why not follow The Thatcher's Way through
enchanting picture book villages; or the Apples and
Ale route, with a pint or two at a Georgian brewery.
Go in search of broomsticks and black cats on The
Witchfinder's Way; whilst Literary Landscapes will
take you to the home of playwright George Bernard
Shaw. Visit the grand country estates of the rich and
famous with Lords of the Manor; or discover the
turning sails and water-wheels of The Miller's Trail.

Click here for our listing of Cycling Discovery Maps:
Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex
Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk

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Traffic Free Routes

Enjoy family-friendly rides along former railway lines, around reservoirs, and
through forests and woodland. * Indicates cycle hire available on-site.

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 in 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. The biggest area of inland water in Suffolk - Alton Water * (nr. Ipswich) 
also has a 10 mile (16 kilometre) route to enjoy. More watery routes at the River
Lee Country Park * (Broxbourne/Waltham Abbey area) with various tree-lined
pathways and canal towpaths to explore.

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