| The natural cycle |
| Most of us associate the Norfolk Broads with boats, but the area’s attractions also lend themselves to exploration by bike |
Everybody knows about the Norfolk Broads – and come summer, it can feel like everyone’s on them. If you get the chance, you must take a boat trip, but there’s also a lot to be said for getting on your bike and taking the back route to enjoy some of the rural treasures tucked away around almost every corner. This tour takes in a windmill, pubs, churches and the village home of one of Britain’s best-known cloths.
Where to hire a bicycle
Thanks to a scheme set up by
the Broads Authority, there is a
network of cycle hire outlets across the Broadland region. Daily charges are generally around £8. Our mountain bikes, which had comfy saddles, chain locks and pumps, cost £5 for half a day.
From our starting point – Sutton Staithe Boat Yard – you can also hire boats. Prices range from £11 for an hour up to £52 for eight hours (tel 01692 581653).
1. Tallest mill in Britain
With nine floors, Sutton Mill, in Stalham, is the tallest mill in Britain and affords fine views of the
surrounding countryside. It was active from 1789 until 1940 and is currently being restored to full operation. The site is also home to an extensive museum which traces the region’s social history.
2. Ingham interests
The pretty village of Ingham would hardly be worthy of a mention were it not for those two stalwarts of village life, the pub and the church. The Swan Inn does a nice lunch, while the church is of more esoteric interest. It was built with a priory in the 14th century and, for a village church, is impressive. You can still see the priory’s original arches, doors and windows, too.
3. All Saints' attractions
From the outside, the charming thatched church of All Saints at Lessingham doesn’t look especially awe-inspiring in comparison to the one at Ingham, but once inside, two features are particularly
striking: the 13th-century octagonal font and the 17th-century pulpit.
4. Historic heather
Crostwight Heath offers the chance to see how the landscape in this area would have looked during the Middle Ages, when regular
grazing kept scrub in check
allowing heather and, in turn, wildlife to flourish. There’s also a bluebell wood with flowering wild garlic, so it’s well worth taking some time for a stroll. Norfolk Wildlife Trust is currently restoring this area’s heathland.
5. Living history
On your approach to the church of St Peter and St Paul in Honing, you’ll be struck by the tall, slim tower. Although the interior is sparse, it has a pleasingly rural feel, and notable features include the octagonal 13th-century font and a 15th-century brass dedicated to a local worshipper.
6. Worstead
This is the very town from which the cloth worsted gets its name. Its past wealth is attested to by the historic buildings dotted around the pretty village square and, in particular, St Mary’s church, which dates back to 1379. The village was once a busy town populated by migrant Flemish weavers whose very particular craft gave rise to the town’s prosperity.
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Distance Cycling, 12 miles
Time Six to eight hours
Suitable for All the family
Refreshments
The Swan, Ingham
Tel 01692 581099
New Inn, Worstead
Tel 01682 536296
Attractions
Sutton Mill and
Broads Museum
Tel 01692 581195
Tourist information (Ludham)
Tel 01692 678763
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