Club Ride to Courtyard Café, Holkham 03/06/2026

Ride report by Mark M

With a strong south westerly wind and rain forecast from midday, the planned route through Holkham to Burnham Deepdale and back to Holkham was shortened by about 15 miles by stopping at Holkham for lunch.
Four Wheelers set off from PC for Hempstead, Holt, Letheringsett, Sharrington, Binham, Warham and Wells. We made a brief stop at the quay to admire the view and as it was fairly sheltered from the wind, it was busy with people. Chris, it was our only stop on the way out!
From there it was a short ride into Holkham Park and to the café, where we found Ian having already finished his lunch. The café was surprisingly quiet, maybe the post half term lull.
We were able to reach Holkham in the dry though the rain started as soon as we went outside after lunch.
It wasn’t too bad in the shelter of the courtyard but as we headed for the South Gates directly into the wind, it was obvious that it was proper rain, so the two Wheelers who hadn’t bothered with rain jackets had to stop to layer up before they were soaked.

Fortunately at the South Gates we turned East and the wind (and rain) was now mainly a cross wind and a lot easier as we headed for Wighton then back to Binham again. Ian was going at his own pace, so we didn’t see him again.
From Binham to Langham, Duncan and new member Richard disappeared up the road (did we mention the probationary period Richard?). At Wiveton Downs as we turned for Glandford, Richard continued to Wiveton and Cley.
It was also here that Ian must have had a navigation problem, as he took the easier Wiveton, Bridgefoot Lane route back to High Kelling instead of the challenging Hurdle Lane to Bayfield Brecks and the endless climb up Cley Road to Holt. You don’t know what you missed Ian!
In Holt we dropped Duncan off and admired his now fully built house, it looks much bigger without the scaffolding and builders portacabins.
That left Mark and Andy to continue to High Kelling and the final split at the Selbrigg junction. Andy who had successfully completed the Norwich 100mile sportive on Sunday was now feeling the after effects and he was going to have a headwind all the way home to Corpusty, hope you made it ok Andy.

PC to PC was 47 miles at an average 14.4 mph (15.3 Out, 13.8 Back)
Riders: Andy S, Duncan S, Richard W, Mark M, Ian A

In other news, Reepham Station Café has shut down and Pedal Revolution of Norwich has entered administration, though is currently still trading.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 6th June – Watsons, Bacton
Wednesday 10th June – Norton’s, Walsingham
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Sidings Cafe, Whitwell Station 30/05/2026

Ride report by Ian A

With other regular Saturday Wheelers either away motorbiking, doing the ‘Norwich 100’ or relaxing on Corfu, only Mark and Ian met at PC on yet another warm and sunny day. A more relaxed day out was in the offing with an early coffee stop at Stiffkey before ‘pushing on’ to Whitwell. The route pretty much retraced Ian’s steps (or pedal revolutions) back to High Kelling via West Beckham and Bodham, before heading across the A148 and the normal route across the railway bridge and down to Wiveton. We stopped part way down Bridgefoot Lane to admire and photograph the (distant but still impressive) poppy display by Blakeney Church – more to come later.
By Wiveton Church we picked up Andrew and Richard and the 4 of us then went up the hill to Langham, where en route we were afforded even better views of the poppies at Blakeney so we stopped for photos. Clearly it’s a bumper year!

Poppy field by Blakeney Church, club ride 30-May-2026. Photo Mark M

After Langham we passed the Langham Dome and continued on to Cockthorpe before the descent to Stiffkey Stores.
It was very busy when we arrived and we considered not waiting (well Ian did anyway) but the queue moved quickly and we found seats in the shade for our excellent coffees – and cakes for most of us. We set off south up the Wighton Road hill before descending to the Warham Road, turning left for Binham, Field Dalling, then crossing the A148 again to pretty Briningham, Melton Constable and a fast section (it’s all relative) to Hindolveston and Foulsham, before the final few miles to Whitwell Station.
The Sidings Cafe has been a regular stop in the past but has not been visited for at least 4 years. After a bit of debate and table swapping with a very kind (but probably ultimately exasperated!) couple who we politely asked to move as we wanted their shade and there was other shade for them but not enough for the 5 of us (Graham A had met us there too – so all his fault really ha ha) we settled on a table in the garden at the back and went back to tell the couple out front they could have their original table back! Anyway, we all ordered paninis with salad and those posh vegetable crisp thingy’s and they hit the spot. As did Mark and Ian’s pints of Wherry which at £4 a pint was excellent value. Mark did a bit of average flower identification in the garden with his ‘App’. Probably only does Chinese flowers…

Mark attempting to identify flower species at The Sidings Café garden, club ride 30-May-2026. Photo Ian A.
Engines and rolling stock at Whitwell Station, club ride 30-May-2026. Photo Ian A.

After lunch we rode to Reepham with Graham before bidding him farewell and heading north towards Salle, skirted Wood Dalling and Thurning and on to Briston. Out of Briston, Andrew showed us all a clean pair of heels (and sandals) on the climb up to Edgefield which he won by a fair distance with Ian in second place probably a furlong behind – or several chains at least. As a pretext for getting our breath back there was much discussion about the merits of furlongs/cubits/ leagues and their juxtaposition with miles, and even kilometres might have got a mention. I kid you not. So about two and a half hours later we set off down Rectory Road to the Pottery (I bought an egg separator there once, broke it when I got home so went back for another one and it sits in the cupboard still unused). Anyway, from there Ian somehow managed to put a bit of distance between himself and the other 3 (no idea how or even why) only for Mark to come shooting past him before the Hempstead/Selbrigg crossroads. We then stopped (again!) at Selbrigg Pond to admire the plastic bag/duck (we’ll never know) and look at a few fish plus damselflies and dragonflies. At the next junction Ian, Andrew and Richard turned left for High Kelling and Blakeney, leaving Mark to ride solo back to PC and Sheringham.
An excellent ride, taking advantage of ‘Twitchy Chris’ not being there with 2 cafe stops, 2 photo stops, 2 ‘comfort stops’ and the Selbrigg Pond nature stop!

In other news: Ian used Black Bikes during the week to fit new bearings and diagnose/fix a creaky squeak from his drivetrain and was very happy with the service provided by Zach, the new owner since about a year ago.

PC to PC was 55.5 miles at an average of 14.9 mph (15.5 Out, 13.9 Back)
Riders: Andrew B, Graham A, Ian A, Mark M, Richard W.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 3rd June – Nest Café, Burnham Deepdale
Saturday 6th June – Watsons, Bacton
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Staithe and Willow, Horning 27/05/2026

Ride report by Andrew B

Six riders met at PC for a ride to Horning. Although it was sunny there was a strong easterly wind which made it a little chilly (in marked contrast to the recent heat wave).

The planned route took us through Barningham, Lower Street, Wickmere, Calthorpe, Ingworth, Banningham, Westwick and Ashmanhaugh. Steady progress was made despite the strong head wind with no incidents to report. A beautiful field of Poppies was observed near Ingworth and was also spotted by Ian, who provided the photo below.

Poppies at Ingworth, club ride 27-May-2026. Photo Ian A.

On arrival at the Cafe, we met up with Ian and Malcolm who had both made their own way there. We managed to find two tables close to each other and ordered food and drinks which came quickly and was good quality. Most opted for sandwiches and wraps, due to the warn weather. Duncan then very kindly treated us all to cakes as it was his birthday the next day (see photo below, again taken by Ian).

Enjoying Duncan’s birthday cakes at Staithe & Willow, Horning 27-May-2026. L-R: Ian’s finger, Richard W, Andy S, Andrew B, Mark M, Chris S, Duncan S. Photo Ian A

Fully refreshed, the main group then set off back to PC, with again Ian and Malcolm making their own way home. The route took us past the relocated Trimingham ‘golfball’ radar at Neatishead, a detour to Irstead (to admire the view of the river Ant), Neatishead, Ashmanhaugh, Tunstead, Market Street, Scottow, Swanton Abbott, Skeyton, Tuttington, Aylsham, Erpingham, Calthorpe, Matlaske, Baconsthorpe, and West Beckham. Along the route, Andy S left us at the entrance to Wolterton Hall: and Duncan and Richard near Baconsthorpe, to make their own way back home. Again, no incidents or punctures to report (despite a long stretch of new surfaced road). There was also a diversion to the route to Erpingham along Lodge Lane which is liable to flooding, but wasn’t!

A great ride in fine sunny weather.

Ian provided the following report from his ride: I had a “friendly” bumble bee in my helmet on the outward leg i.e., it didn’t sting me, just along for the ride. Also a large limb of a tree blocking most of the road at Church Road towards Lower Bodham this morning. Still there on the way back so I called 101 and surprisingly(?) it hadn’t been reported, so Highways Agency should be onto it. If still there overnight someone will drive into it!

PC to PC 56.6 miles at an average 15.1 mph (15.3 Out, 15.0 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Duncan S, Andy S, Mark M, Ian A, Richard W, Malcolm S and Andrew B.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday30th May – Stiffkey Stores & Whitwell Station
Wednesday 27th May – TBA
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Café Verde, Mattishall 23/05/2026

Ride report by Andy S

Wow ! What a day , with wall to wall sunshine from start to finish and temperatures in the mid twenties.

Five members met at P.C. (Mark, Andrew, Doug, Chris and Andy). We set off heading south with a gentle wind from the north aiding our journey. At Red Barn junction we met Ian and guest rider Richard. After introductions and the usual banter we headed down to the School House junction, Matlaske, Itteringham, Oulton, Cawston, Swannington and the compulsory stop at the river bridge at Attlebridge (that upset Chris). Onwards to Weston Longville and through to North Tuddenham where we had to take a short detour to get to the A47 overpass. From there we went to Clipping Green and Mattishall to the Cafe Verde for our lunch stop.

By the Wensum at Attlebridge, club ride 23-May-2026. L-R: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Andy S, Richard (guest), Doug H. Photo Ian A.

At lunch we sat outside making the most of the sunny day. Lunch consisted of more cold drinks than usual and mainly all sandwiches apart from Ian who went for a full English (looked good). Once we had all finished Chris was up and gone to get back at his own pace (faster than the rest of us) for duties at home.

The remaining six set off homeward retracing our tracks to North Tuddenham where on the outskirts we stopped for puds at Dann’s Ice-creams . Many thanks to Ian and Doug for treating us to ice creams which went down very well.

The journey carried onto Elsing, across the Fakenham Road, through to Sparham over Whitwell Common to “Nowhere Lane” and round the outskirts of Reepham . We came up towards Kerdiston going under then over the Marriott’s way. Doug ‘s bike thought it should be off roading and proceeded to get a puncture. With Silca sealant spraying everywhere he decided he needed to stop and plug his tyre (Continental tubeless tyres, when will Doug learn).

Doug H experiencing the joys of tubeless tyres (again). Kerdiston 23rd May 2026
It was so hot Doug H’s tyre started boiling! In fact it was a tubeless puncture, requiring a plug. 23rd May 2026

Once we had peddled through Doug’s sealant we proceeded up to Wood Dalling , Thurning and Corpusty. Andy dropped off for home with the remaining 5 carrying onto Edgefield, where Richard headed for Blakeney, Ian later turned off for Hempstead and the rest continued to Baconsthorpe and Red Barn Lane and P.C. to complete the route on this sun soaked day!

PC to PC was 59.1 miles at an average 15.4 mph (16.4 Out, 14.5 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Andy S, Ian A and guest Richard.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 27th May – Staithe & Willow, Horning
Saturday 30th May – Whitwell Station
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Binham Parlour 20/05/2026

Ride report by Chris S

With below average temperatures for May and a high probability or rain around midday Mark, Chris and Andy met up at PC. In addition, John W who had recently moved from London to South Repps joined the group for the first time. John was a former member of Willesden Cycling Club and had recently completed in several audaxes so was no newcomer to cycling.

The four riders set off into the cool predominately westerly wind to High Kelling where Ian was patiently waiting for the peloton to arrive.

The 19 mile outward route to Binham took the wheelers onto Cley with a fast downhill run into the village. At the first crossroads after Cley the group stopped to wait for Andrew to join them who had ridden from Blakeney rather than PC due to car problems. However, Andrew failed to materialise so the ride continued only to find Andrew waiting at the crossroads after the ford in Glandford. From there it was a climb up Dragway to Saxlingham, Field Dalling and Sale before reaching Binham.

With no comfort stops (this must be a record!) the group arrived in good time for the excellent breakfast menu at Binham Parlour. The full English breakfast and crushed avocado with eggs washed down with tea and coffee was the order of the day.

The return ride continued west to Warham before turning south to Copys Green, and then east to Gunthorpe, Sharrington and Stody. The first impromptu sprint occurred just before Edgefield with Ian taking the crown, Andrew in second place with Chris close on his tail having chased him down from the back of the field – not to mention the good effort by Andy who claimed fourth place. Andy left the ride at this point to return home before heading to the Swan Inn at Ingham for a night of fine dining.

The remaining five riders continued onto Plumstead and New Road with Chris taking the title for the second sprint of the day with Andrew second and Ian third. At the end of New Road Ian and Andrew turned off towards High Kelling leaving Chris, Mark and John to complete the ride back to PC.

PC to PC was 45.6 miles at an average 15.1 mph (15.8 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B, Andy S, Ian A and guest John W

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 23rd May – Café Verde, Mattishall
Wednesday 27th May – Staithe and Willow, Horning
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Mardlers’ Rest, Gressenhall 16/05/2026

Ride report by Neil M

Four wheelers met at PC on a cool May Saturday morning. The week had been showery, windy and cold, but Saturday was forecast as dry and slightly warmer. This turned out to be accurate and the brief spells of sunshine were actually quite pleasant once the initial chill had faded.

The outbound route was straight down the Matlaske road to Saxthorpe then along the Little London road to Town Close where Andy joined the group at the bottom of Heath Road. From there the route continued to Wood Dalling, Guestwick, Foulsham and across the Fakenham road to Bintree.

From Bintree we took the back lane to Billingford and then a brief section on the Kings Lynn road before turning off to Worthing (with the obligatory bridge stop) to follow the old railway line to Hoe and Beetley. Rather than orbit the cafe through Gressenhall village we made directly for the Mardler’s Rest, our scheduled lunch stop. We were expecting to meet Graham A at the cafe, but there was no sign of him at first. He arrived as we had mostly finished, so there was only time for a brief chat.

The cafe was fairly quiet, so we speedily ordered food (including the obligatory and excellent Quiche, chips and beans for some of us) and settled down for lunch. The main topic of conversation was dodgy builders that various Wheelers had employed and how the ensuing disasters had been put right. Talking of disasters, Doug managed to fling the contents of his serving tray all over himself as we got up to leave. Fortunately the food had been eaten and there were no breakages!

On leaving the cafe the route briefly detoured south through Sparrow Green before striking north through Whissonsett, Colkirk and then turning east across the Fakenham road to Great Ryburgh. Mark’s usual wave at the bridge traffic lights was effective at changing them to green and the climb up to the Norwich road was taken at a steady pace.

From the Norwich road the route continued on through Stibbard, Wood Norton and past the old Foulsham airfield where an attack of the killer flints stopped progress by hitting Mark with a puncture. It proved tricky to get the little arrowhead out of the tyre, a brand new GP5000, but once it was prised out the rest of the repair was as slick as usual and we were soon ready to depart. At this point we were surprised to see Ian cycling towards us, so we remained for a chat. He had just got back the preceding day from a holiday in Norway and was a bit too tired for a full club ride, but was keen to get out for some air.

Flint 1, New Conti GP5000AS 0. L-R Doug H, Andy S, Mark M, Neil M, Andrew B. Foulsham airfield 16th May 2026

Leaving Ian to continue his ride we carried on to Craymere Beck, Briston and up the hill to Edgefield where Neil and Andy left on the downhill run to Edgefield Street, Corpusty and home. The remaining trio carried on to Hempstead, Baconsthorpe and Red Barn Lane where Doug headed to Gresham, Cromer and home. Mark and Andrew continued to PC to complete the ride.

River Wensum at Great Ryburgh, club ride broom wagon 16-May-2026. Photo Ian A

PC to PC was 59.3 miles at an average 15.3 mph (15.4 Out, 15.1 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Andrew B, Doug H, Andy S, Neil M and Graham A at lunch.

Graham A sends a report on his recent cycle trip to Holland via the Harwich ferry.
My trip to the Netherlands was enjoyable, more so than last time as I had less learning to do. I had four full days over there using public transport: tram, metro and bus on two windy days to go to Rotterdam. On one of those days I went on a long water bus trip to Kinderdijk to see all its windmills, a tourist hotspot. I cycled two days, the first day with heavy baggage in the Westland area, the second time on the fourth day on mostly the dunes route, to Schevenigen, a Brighton like resort for Den Haag (The Hague). The weather was perfect, apart from the wind, and I was able to eat al fresco at cafes/ restaurants. No supermarket food this time for me.
There is still much to do and see over there and I suspect I may return. My b&b was the same as last time down to the same room and bed. Expensive but excellent with breakfast included.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 20th May – Binham Parlour
Saturday 23rd May – Café Verde, Mattishall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Natural Surroundings, Bayfield Hall 13/05/2026

Ride report by Andy S

With the forecast of cold wind and rain everybody decided to stay on holiday for a little while longer. Mark and Andy met at P.C. we thought Andrew B may be joining us but not to be. So the duo set off through Gresham and Plumstead into a keen cold westerly wind. When we reached Edgefield the heavens opened to give us a bit of a drenching all the way down to Briston. Turning right towards Stody the rain stopped and the sun came out. Still into the wind we went through Sharrington, across the Holt Rd to Field Dalling, Saxlingham and onto Natural Surroundings at Bayfield Hall.

At Natural Surroundings we were greeted to a warm wood burner. The food was up to its usual standards with soup and cheese and toast finished off with cake. Through lunch we were bird spotting (the feathered variety!) with plenty of discussion about my rubbish internet connection at home in Corpusty.

After lunch we were off again into the cold but for most of the afternoon the wind would be behind us. Down to Glandford heading towards Langham, turning right and down to Blakeney. We called in at Andrew B’s house to find he had a better offer sailing somewhere on the broads.

Next onto Blakeney Quay for a quick stop then onwards to Wiveton, Weybourne then to High Kelling, another stop at Selbrigg lake to do a bit of fish watching. ( Chris would have loved the afternoon section with all our stop starts ! )

At the other side of Hempstead Andy S carried onto Corpusty, Mark M made his way back through Baconsthorpe, East Beckham and back to P.C.
All in all we were very lucky with the weather, apparently it had hailed in Blakeney and Sheringham, so a good day out.

PC to PC was 44.5 miles at an average 14.1 mph (15.0 Out, 13.3 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Andy B

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 16th May – Mardlers’ Rest, Gressenhall
Wednesday 20th May – Binham Parlour
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to The Old Store, Fring 09/05/2026

Ride report by Doug H

Andy, Neil, Doug, and Mark all met at PC on a beautifully sunny morning. With a lovely tailwind, we were off towards West Beckham, on to High Kelling, Wiveton, through Langham, Binham, Wighton, past New Holkham, North Creake, Stanhoe, and Docking, collecting Clive and Andrew along the way, with Andrew sporting some very fine SPD sandals due to a toe issue. We also said goodbye to Neil, who had to get home early due to dog duty. Then finally on to Fring for a new lunch stop at The Old Store Bakery.

Following a very confusing discussion with a person who we thought was a patron about how to order food, and then discovering he was actually the head waiter, we ordered lunch. The lunch, cake, and drinks took a little while, but it was very busy, and the food was very sophisticated. As ever, the time was spent discussing all the current affairs, and some not so current, and after finishing lunch we were off again. The sun was still with us, but now with the wind in our faces.

Avoiding Trolls at Great Walsingham. L-R, Clive A, Andy S, Andrew B, Doug H, Photo Mark M. May 9th 2026

Off we went on a slightly different route to the planned one due to some welcome road resurfacing. The route took us to Great Bircham, Syderstone, past South Creake, to Egmere, Little Walsingham, and on to Gunthorpe, with Andrew and Clive heading home from Hindringham. The remaining peloton continued on to Stody, Hunworth, and then the Hunworth hill race began, with Mark absolutely destroying Andy and Doug.

Andrew B models this years’ must have footwear. Great Walsingham May 9th 2026

With that done, Andy headed home and the peloton was off via Baconsthorpe, with Doug heading back to Cromer and Mark heading back to PC.

A lovely day, and great to have the sun with us the whole way.

PC to PC was 66.1 miles at an average 14.3 mph (16.5 Out, 12.5 Back)
Riders: Neil M, Andy S, Mark M, Doug H, Clive A, Andrew B.

P.S. Giro Highlights on TV – a 60 min programme can be found on the DMAX Freeview Channel at 7pm (Mon is a rest day)

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 13th May – Natural Surroundings, Bayfield
Saturday 16th May – Mardlers’ Gressenhall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride Reports from Spain 10/05/2026

By Chris S

San Jamie to Calpe To Moraira
Thursday 7 May
Managed a short ride late afternoon – San Jamie to Calpe along the coast road then returning to Moraira with a circuit around the town. Returning back to San Jamie decided to do a slight detour and check on the day’s building progress on the new house. This was a big mistake. Two minutes after stopping it started to rain. Five minutes later the rain was torrential, and the roads had turned into raging torrents. Sheltering under the porch there was a short break in rain, thunder and lightning allowing Chris to make the 100 metre climb home cycling against what felt like a waterfall cascading down the road. The ride concluded with very wet feet! The torrential rain continued well into the evening without any let up.

The Rain in Spain… San Jamie May 7th 2026. Photo Chris S

Total Distance 17.10 miles
Average Speed 16.39 mph
Total Ascent 397 metres

San Jamie to Denia
Sunday 10 May
With much better weather, blue skies and a temperature exceeding 24 degrees C a circular ride was the order of the day.

Setting out at 9:30 am the ride took in the 275 metre climb to Benissa. The route passed through Senija, Xalo and Alcalali. Turning right at Alcaldali the road continued to climb until a fast run down to Pedreguer. Managed to keep up with two Citroen 2CV’s for about three miles on this section until they turned off.

After a few satnav errors the ride continued into La Xara and down to the coast at Denia. The ride through the town was slow due to a police car crawling along at 10 mph with no passing opportunities.

It was then the 230 metre climb over the mountain and a fast ride down into Javier. More climbing then up to Benitchell (130 metres) and another fast section down to Moraira. This was followed by the final 100 metre climb up to San Jamie.

Due to the fine weather lots of cycling groups were out with lots of opportunities to overtake other cyclists and be overtaken!

Total Distance 46.38 miles
Average Speed 14.26 mph
Total Ascent 1092 metres

Club Ride to Billingford Lakes 06/05/2026

Ride report by Mark M

With regular Wheelers away every ride this month, we thought it a good time to check out some different venues or change the routes up a bit.
So, today Andy and Mark set off in the cold and damp for some fishing lakes at Billingford that had a café.

With a strong north wind behind us, we made rapid progress through Baconsthorpe, Plumstead, Hunworth, Briston, Foulsham, Bintree to Billingford.
Just a short distance down the main road we turned into the lake complex and along a short track to the car park and café area. On a warm and sunny day it would be ideal as there is plenty of outside seating, a big tepee with tables and a cabin with tables which we took shelter in.
The café is a semi-permanent catering van with a good choice of food and cakes, all at very reasonable prices. We both had the breakfast bap (sausage, bacon, egg) and a good sized tea for £10 each. We didn’t have room for cake afterwards either. If the menu doesn’t tempt you, then you can pop into the angling shop next door and stock up on maggots instead.
The complex has 11 lakes, we sometimes take the Holl/Slad Lane route from Billingford which offers a great view point down to the Wensum and lakes below.

After lunch we continued to Worthing and followed the Wensum back, crossing the bridges at Mill Street and found that both of us in the distant past had canoed there with the Dereham Canoe club. Then it was Bylaugh and up to Sparham, Blackwater and Furze Lane to takes us to Booton.
By now the roads were wet from rain, though it had stopped raining and the wind had eased off a lot, which was great as our route was now mainly north.
We continued to Cawston then Itteringham and stopped at the Mannington junction for Andy to turn for home, there was some steady drizzle by now and it was still cold. Mark continued to PC and home.

In other news – Ian A, cruising Norway’s Arctic Circle Coastline, was reminded of Happisburgh Lighthouse when he spotted this. I think Happisburgh is a little flatter.

The Norwegian twin of Happisburgh Lighthouse.
Somewhere in the Arctic Circle 5th May 2026. Photo Ian A.

PC to PC was 47.1 miles at an average 14.8 mph (15.9 Out, 13.9 back)
Riders: Andy S, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 9th May – Old Store, Fring
Wednesday 13th May – Natural Surroundings, Bayfield
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/