The Journey
We were in no rush to get to Norfolk since our hire bikes were not being delivered until the following morning. We decided to detour to Colchester, to visit Beth Chatto Gardens. It's several years since were last there, and they were looking stunning. Then heading to Aldeburgh, we had a takeaway snack at Snape Maltings.
 |
| Snape Maltings lunch stop |
As we got into the car to drive the short distance to Aldeburgh, the heavens opened, but as we parked up... it stopped! Lovely to photograph the drama at the coast.
 |
| Aldeburgh |
 |
| Sunshine on the Fennel but it could rain any second |
We arrived at our hotel in Saham Toney, North Norfolk at 5.30. It was called Broom Hall Country Hotel. Sounded very grand.... but in reality first impressions were that it looked a little tired. We were told our room was in "The Coach House" (looked more like a bungalow), next to this old barn. BUT we had a nice room, recently decorated, and good food. It was only for one night, and we would leave our car here for the next 4 days. Chatting to one of the staff, he had lived for several years on Woosehill. 😊
 |
| Our room part of the building on the right. |
Day 1. Saham Toney to North Elmham via Castle Acre and Great Massingham - 38 miles
Our bikes arrived bang on time at 9.30 the following morning. Andy from "Cycle Breaks" was very patient while we changed to our own saddles, faffed with Garmin and Gopro attachments and loaded panniers with our daily essentials. Only when all that was done could he take our luggage which we would rendezvous with at our next hotel... 38 miles away.
We soon realised that Norfolk is not flat! Soon after leaving Saham Toney, we join pleasant quiet lanes, part of The Peddars Way. Or first photo stop was on a rise, where we had views to Wind Turbines.
 |
| Typical scenes of crop fields at their peak |
 |
We saw no poppy fields, but splashes of red were a regular feature
along the roadside. |
Our first tea stop would be in Swaffham, but it turned out to be quite busy with traffic in the town centre. We spotted a cafe with tables outside, so parked up.
 |
| Swaffham centre |
No sooner had we sat down when it started to rain. We were offered a seat under cover in "the garden", which turned out to be more like a carport! We chatted to an elderly couple who had done lots of travelling and knew Arran very well. Then we left the town via a much quieter route, heading to West Acre then to Castle Acre, where were looking out for the ruined Priory.
We had quite a steep climb up to Castle Acre, after this ford. The village was pretty, but the usual problem ... it was full of parked cars!
 |
| Passing through Castle Acre |
 |
| Castle Acre Priory |
 |
| Enroute to Great Massingham on more of the Peddars Way, Roman Road. |
About 3 miles from our planned lunch stop at Great Massingham, the sky got very black! The roads were also wet, so we must have just missed a local downpour. Phew
 |
| One of 3 ponds in Great Massingham |
We had a very nice lunch in the garden of The Dabbling Duck pub. A bit pricey but lovely food.
 |
| lunch at The Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham |
According to our guide, we are now at one of Norfolk's highest points. (So I wasn't imaging those climbs). Now to Weasenham and Tittleshall enjoying more quiet lanes.
 |
| That's a raindrop on the GoPro Lens at Titteshall.. but we'll just ignore it! |
 |
| And that's puddles as we pass through Stanfield, but it's still not raining. |
 |
We spot this tea stop just as we join the B1145 heading to Brisley
so screech to a halt. They had the most delicious Lemon Cake. |
As we arrive in Brisley, these very unusual Almshouses opposite the church.
 |
| Brisley Almshouses |
And finally we arrive, still dry, at our hotel The Kings Arms in North Elmham. All very nice, and plenty to choose from on the menu for the next 3 nights.
DAY 2. North Elmham to Holkham Hall and Wells next the sea. 46 miles
A choice of 11 routes were offered from our base in North Elmham, ranging from 20 - 46 miles. We fancied a day at the coast, which just so happened to be the longest route. 😕
We left our hotel, immediately climbing past the church at the top of the hill, then off the main road to the left and into quiet lanes. The first village we pass through is Great Ryburgh.
 |
| Arriving in Great Ryburgh, and turn left. |
 |
| Crossing the river Wensum in Fakenham as we join National Cycle Route 1. |
 |
| Wiggling our way through Fakenham on Route 1 |
 |
| passing between two crops fields on Route 1 just leaving Fakenham |
 |
| Some unexpected Woodland as we get closer to New Holkham. |
 |
The impressive driveway to Holkham Hall, but a bit noisy with two
jet fighters practicing overhead! |
 |
| Holkham Hall. Quite a few cyclist in the grounds, where they have hire bikes. |
A quick cuppa, and look around the grounds, then we are off again. We are now not far from Wells Beach, however we have to detour from our route a little or will completely miss it, since its hidden behind some rather high mounds of trees. We eventually find a way through, but our bikes are not suited to the very soft sandy path, so push them to the beach and down a few steps. The tide is miles out!
 |
| Wells next the Sea Beach |
 |
| The sea is out there somewhere. |
Just a quick visit, no paddling, then we ride into the town in search of lunch. We settle for the obvious choice of Fish n chips sitting on the sea wall. (since all the seats were taken) It was busy.
 |
| Wells Estuary, tide on its way back in. Beautiful sunny day now. |
As soon as we leave the town behind, we disappear into a track. Which is fine, until THIS came up behind me on a slight incline. I opted to dive into the nettles to let it pass!
 |
| Time for a cuppa passing through Wighton, so screech to a halt, and turn back. |
Now to Great Walsingham, and another ford to cross, but this time, cars cross too.
A bit of a climb up to Little Walsingham, and we just pass through here, meaning to return tomorrow since it's quite a famous place where people come on a pilgrimage to a Shrine. We do actually see a Nun. (we dont get back tomorrow, but never mind). We soon spot a very unusual church tower as we come into Little Snoring, and park our bikes to get our decent cameras out for a few minutes. Its hot!
 |
| St Andrews Church, Little Snoring. |
Not far to go, and a nice fast downhill section back to Little Ryburgh with just a couple of miles to retrace the start of journey back to the hotel. Should sleep well tonight.😊
DAY 3 - North Elmham to Blickling Estate - 35.5 miles
Leaving the hotel today climbing in the same direction as yesterday, we continued straight on soon gaining speed on a nice downhill section, before turning into Mill Lane (another one). There is a pretty Mill house called Bintree Watermill, crossing the River Wensum.
 |
| Bintree Watermill |
And now short sharp climb, and the views looking back at the top....
 |
| Now turning right in Foulsham |
 |
| blue sky again! Wooppee |
 |
Occasionally this happens. ......
But this is more the norm.... |
We arrive at the back entrance of Blickling Estate and find it quite hard work to cycle on the gravelly path uphill to join the main tarmac entrance. And its really hot now too.
 |
| Blickling Estate "tradesman's entrance". Hard work in the heat. |
 |
Very well maintained grounds. We didn't go inside, but did sit by the lake
on a deckchair for a few minutes. |
Our next section, joins a 4 miles stretch of The Marriot Way, an old railway route. So its flat, its straight, but I was expecting tarmac, and it was pretty rough at times. And also had no views, so a bit disappointing and we were relieved to get to the end of that bit when we arrived at Reepham. (there is a an old station here) .
 |
The Marriot Way, and one of the "Artworks" along the route.
Basically some metal work every mile |
 |
Now ready for a late lunch at Reepham, at The Crown Pub.
Huge plate of Nachos for me, and half the price of yesterday's
pub lunch at Massingham. |
As we leave, the weather is looking a bit uncertain, and by the time we reach Themelthorpe it's definitely raining. We finally stop so that John can try out his brand new rain jacket.😂
 |
The time has come for rain jackets. With 5 miles to go.
|
The roads literally turned to rivers in no time, and we had 3 miles on a main road to get back. It was horrible, with lot of flooding, but at least it was mostly flat or downhill. The sun came out again just in time for drinks in the pub garden at 7.30, which was most important, and time for another Rhubarb Gin with Ginger tonic. We just hoped that our shoes and jackets were going to be dry by morning. My jacket was puddling on to the bathroom floor it was so wet.
DAY 4 - Back to Saham Toney via Wymondham ( pronounced Wyn-dum)- 32 miles
Our last day, and we left our luggage behind to be collected later by the cycling company, who would liaise with us at our car at 2.30, in Saham Toney. No pressure! They suggest 4pm, but we were keen to get back a bit earlier to drive home.
The route initially took us towards Swanton Morley, passing over a tributary, the Black Water river as we left North Elmham, then followed the River Wensum on our left.
We had seen quite a few pig farms on our travels but they were always a long way off, so it nice to see these little piglets rushing over to say hello as we rode past.
 |
| An overcast day today infact it was spitting much of the journey, but the roads never got wet. |
BUT of course there has been loads of rain last night, and as we rode along a lane near Brandon Parva, two cars past us, then they breaked at the next bend. There was a massive flood and we just had to go through it. Managed to keep our feet dry, but it was pretty deep.
After 17 miles we arrived in Wymondham and time for a cuppa. And the most delicious strawberry tart I have ever eaten! John has a peach tart.
Our guide book suggested we would see a "superb view of the twin towered abbey" on our approach. Didn't notice it, but we were told that it was just around the corner from the tea shop, so had a good look around. Very nice.
 |
| Graphic landscape in our last few miles |
And finally.....
 |
| Rain jackets back on just before the end. We made it. Pub lunch to set us up for the way home. |
 |
| And here is our luggage. We arrived with 5 mins to spare at 2.25.😁 |
Fabulous trip. Apart from a few minutes of rain , the weather was ideal for cycling. We both felt a bit weary on day 3, but both felt better on day 4. Total of 152 miles in 4 days and 4000 feet of climbing. Where did those come from?!! A Garmin never lies!
