Cycling in East Anglia : 21 hand-picked rides

A comprehensive cycling guide to Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire with 21 hand-picked routes for beginners and leisure cyclists.

East Anglia is a vast flatland of broads, fens and marshes, stretched out beneath a wide sky. Despite its proximity to London and the Midlands, it remains one of the quietest regions in the country. This ancient kingdom of the Angles boasts a rich heritage spanning from Paleolithic times through Viking and Roman invasions, with its wetlands shaped by canals and windmills, and dotted with hundreds of medieval churches. With level, traffic-free lanes and an excellent network of dedicated cycle routes, East Anglia is an ideal destination for exploring by bike.

Each of the 21 routes includes comprehensive directions alongside fascinating background features on local history, wildlife and culture. All routes are linked to OS Explorer maps and relevant National Cycle Network routes, complete with National Grid Reference coordinates. Every route has also been mapped on the komoot route planning app, where you'll find detailed insights including elevation profiles and surface information. Using komoot on iOS or Android, you can navigate each route directly from your smartphone.

Most rides are around 30 kilometres—perfect for a half-day outing. Nineteen of the 21 routes are loop circuits for hassle-free travel, and several routes are adjacent so can be linked together for a longer challenge. This guide covers beloved destinations including Sandringham, Wells, Holkham, Norwich, the Norfolk Broads, Bungay, Thetford Forest, Southwold, Walberswick, Orford, Sutton Hoo, Ely, Newmarket and Graffham Water, offering inspiration for cyclists of all ages and energy levels.