July 2017 | 99
The Norfolk coast is a peaceful , tranquil haven . Wild in parts , with its amazing saltmarshes sweeping on to an enormous intertidal zone , and bustling in others , with cheerful coastal towns like Wells , Sheringham and Cromer . Much of it is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty .
Take care crossing the B���� �reat Bircham to �litcham road on the way to �oughton . The �eddars Way National Trail and the tumuli �ancient burial mounds� should also be visible along this section of road .
The beauty makes it popular , but cyclists don�t have to compete with coast road traffic if they take the Norfolk Coast Cycleway � an alternative on-road route developed for safe enjoyment of the area by the Norfolk Coast Partnership .
Avoiding the busier roads , towns and villages , the Cycleway uses a network of quieter roads inland . One advantage of coming slightly in from the coast is that the topography rises and in many places it offers splendid panoramic views across rolling countryside , fresh and saltwater marsh and coastline .
Since its launch nearly two decades ago , the cycleway , which travels along Sustrans National red route 1 and Regional blue route 30 for nearly 100 miles
Follow the map and signs for Houghton Hall , which is open to the public during the summer and has important collections of land art , including works by the globally famous Richard Long . Long ’ s 1967 ‘ A line made by walking ’ came at the start of a career making , as he describes , “ a new art which was also a new way of walking� walking as art� . �e�ect on whether your cycle journey can also be part of this artistic experience ! Near the entrance of the church is St Martins . As you cycle alongside Houghton Hall park watch out for the striking white fallow deer .
At Great Bircham , the Kings Head and Bircham Windmill �seasonal opening� offer refreshments . Continuing on towards Snettisham you will cross the Peddars Way again before completing the loop near Snettisham Park Farm . between King ’ s Lynn and Great Yarmouth , has become increasingly popular .
A specially produced map guide from the Norfolk Coast Partnership shows the entire route on one side with a selection of explorer loops on the reverse , allowing users to view the wider route corridor and explore with confidence .
Information on the map includes road status , distances , gradients and safety warnings as well as a guide to shops , places to eat , drink and camp . Cycling business and town centre map inserts also feature .
Setting up your own cycle itinerary couldn ’ t be easier and the loops are a great way to see the stunning variety of landscapes off the coast . �ere are a couple � a wander off the beaten track in the little-known west of the Norfolk coast at Ingoldisthorpe and a meander in the area of the charming town of Holt , taking in heath , river valley and lots of history .
River valley , splashy ford to hilltop heaths
Easy riding with a couple of challenging hills , the Holt explorer is a ��-mile route of contrasts with glimpses of the ‘ madding crowd ’ near the coast ; the way then circles inland to reveal hidden Norfolk . There are fords along the river �laven and a working watermill . There�s so much to see , from round tower churches to the Shell Museum , and ancient sites such as the tumuli on Salthouse Heath or the ruins at Baconsthorpe Castle – all with the backdrop of a stunning , varied landscape .
Departing regional route 30 between Lower Bodham and Gresham , pass through West Beckham ( St Helen and All Saints Church , Wheatsheaf pub ) and Bodham ( Red Hart Inn ) before crossing the A148 . Exiting the lane onto Weybourne road by the garage , which can become busy with campsite traffic , pass �elling �eath �oliday �ark ,
Winding round the west and a new view of art
There are fine views to be en�oyed along the Ingoldisthorpe explorer , travelling along pretty winding lanes for much of its 18 miles . Starting at Ingoldisthorpe , you will pass through villages of Shernbone and Anmer before going along the boundary of Houghton Hall parkland with its white fallow deer herd . Continuing on to Great Bircham and past Bircham Windmill , you ’ ll return to the long-cycleway on the outskirts of Snettisham .
The Church of St Michael and All Angels at �ngoldisthorpe is said to have been built deliberately lopsided , as only God is perfect ! Next , is the small attractive village of Shernborne on the Sandringham estate ; as is Anmer , with its church dedicated to St Mary . which has nature and cycle trails , as well as a shop , pub and cycle hire open to non-residents .