Escape from the heart of Norwich into the countryside on one of the longest disused railways in the country. Easily links to the Weavers Way giving you the option of a challenging 60 mile round trip (Norwich - North Walsham - Norwich). The route is signposted as the Wensum Valley Walk from the centre of Norwich and becomes the Marriotts Way near Drayton.
The Route: Norwich - Drayton - Themelthorpe - Reepham - Aylsham.
Distance: Up to 24 miles one way, 48 miles return.
Starting Points:
1. Aylsham (The Bure Valley Railway station).
2. Reepham - the Old Railway Station is 0.75 of a mile north of the centre of Reepham on the B1145 towards Aylsham (opposite the Crown pub).
3. Drayton (the trail crosses the A1067 between Drayton and Taverham).
4. Norwich (the roundabout by the River Wensum at the junction of Barn Road and St Crispins Road).Parking: If arriving by car it is better to start in Reepham or Aylsham rather than drive into the centre of Norwich.
Surface & Hills: Stone and gravel path, rough in places. No hills.
Roads & Road Crossings: You will need to use city streets from Norwich railway station/city centre to the start. Otherwise, several minor roads but only one busy road to cross (the A1067 near Drayton).
Links or other nearby trails: In Aylsham you can link to the Weavers Way, another dismantled railway that runs east to North Walsham. The Peddars Way lies 25 miles to the west and runs for 50 miles from near Thetford to the Norfolk Coast at Holme-next-the-Sea. The Marriotts Way forms part of Sustrans National Network Route 1 which runs 369 miles from Harwich to Hull.
Cycle Hire: At Reepham Station. Tel: .
Map & Leaflet: OS Landranger Maps 133 & 134. Leaflet available from Department of Planning and Transportation, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2SG, Tel: .
Nearest Railway: Norwich Station (1.5 miles southeast of the start of the route) or North Walsham, which is on the Weavers Way, enabling you to cycle one way from Norwich to North Walsham (30 miles) and catch the train back.
Refreshments: Lots of choice in Aylsham, Reepham and Norwich and just off the route in Drayton and Lenwade.
