Four riders met at PC on a damp late autumn day for a ride to a new venue, the Coast Cafe, Trimingham.
The planned route took us through East Beckham, Gresham, Barningham, Matlaske, Wickmere, Erpingham, Banningham, Bradfield, Trunch and Mundesley golf course and Mundesley. However, there was a lengthy stop at Gresham as we spotted Brian P and Phil S sitting on a bench pouring over a map and stopped for a chat. Good to report that they both looked well and were planning an off-road ride. The rest of the ride passed with no major incidents although we had to make a number of stops for farm traffic and horses. The farmers were very busy bringing in the sugar beet and potatoes, we also saw a small mountain of apples.
Cider Country! Club Ride 15-Oct-2025. Photo Ian A.
On arrival at the cafe which is on a caravan site, we found Ian and Graham who had made their own way there.
The Coast Café & pool, Trimingham, Club Ride 15-Oct-2025. Photo Ian A.
Were all enjoyed a good lunch with choices ranging from Paninis to a full English for Mark. There was a potential issue for paying as there was minimum £10 card spend and the prices were very reasonable. However, this was easily solved by ordering more drink and Magnum ice creams (in the absence of cakes).
Graham and Ian decided to make their own way home (although we kept catching/being overtaken by Ian!). The remainder took the planned route back through Gimingham, Lower Street, Antingham, Suffield, Alby with Thwaite, Alby, Erpingham, Calthorpe, Wolterton, Little Barningham, Edgefield and Hempstead. Andy S left us at Edgefield for home.
Making way for the harvest, Colby St. Giles, Club Ride 15-Oct-2025. Photo Ian A.
Unfortunately, the rain came a bit earlier than forecast and we had fairly heavy showers for 45 minutes, although this was punctuated by periods of bright sunshine!
Overall, a good ride despite the late showers and a very interesting route with plenty of open views.
PC to PC 54 miles Average speed 14.9 mph Total Elevation 2170 ft Riders: Mark M, Ian A, Graham A, Andy S, Chris S, and Andrew B.
Two Wheelers met at PC and set off on a still, cool October morning. Ian was collected at Gresham church and then the group proceeded via Bessingham and Matlaske to Mannington Hall where Neil joined. Progress was then made down the hill to Itteringham and up to Oulton Street, across the Holt road and through the back lane to Cawston.
From Cawston the route briefly joined the Booton road, with the usual tip of the cap to the house where Stephen Fry lived as a boy, then turning off to skirt Brandiston through Great Witchingham and down to Lenwade where the obligatory Wensum bridge stop was made.
Porters Lane bridge over the Wensum at Lenwade, Club Ride 11-Oct-2025. L-R: Andy S, Neil M, Mark M. Ian A camera.
We crossed over the A1067 and headed up Weston Hall road past the dinosaur park. Fortunately this busy rat-run was quiet and we soon turned off on the Lyng road. We had stopped for a moment before climbing up onto the plateau via Hase’s lane when Phil, a long-term visitor joined us. He was late for the meet up at PC and had been chasing the group ever since, finally catching us at 21 miles in. A determined effort!
Progress continued via Collens Green, Primrose Green and Elsing to Swanton Morley, Hoe and to the Gressenhall Workhouse where our lunch stop was at the Mardlers’ Rest Cafe. This cafe closes at the end of October through to Easter, so it was our last chance of the season to enjoy the legendary Quiche, Chips and Beans. No-one was feeling contrary, so all 5 Wheelers enjoyed the QCB. The helpings are always generous, so we were all well fuelled for the return ride (especially Mark and Andy that had gone for the huge chocolate cake option!).
Quiche Chips & Beans all round, The Mardlers’ Rest Cafe, Gressenhall 11-Oct-2025. L-R: Phil B, Mark M, Neil M, Andy S. Ian A camera.
The season made itself felt leaving the cafe as we all felt a little cold setting off again. First time since the warm spring weather started…
The return route started off by looping round toward Mileham, before returning to cross the Fakenham road at East Bilney and winding through the lanes to Brisley. It was noticeable that a new 40mph speed limit had appeared between the village and the Brisley Bell pub, this was always a dangerous bit of road.
From Brisley the route continued on via the Gately road to join the B1110 at Broom Green. Rather than turn off and take the usual Bintree Mill route, we continued on to Guist on the B1110 and then over the A1067 to continue on the Holt road for a short while before turning off through the lanes to Wood Norton, Guestwick and Wood Dalling.
From Wood Dalling we took the usual route past Norton Corner to Corpusty where Andy and Neil split off for home. The remaining Wheelers continued on through Saxthorpe up the Matlaske road past the three Barninghams to the Mill Road junction where Ian headed to High Kelling and Mark and Phil continued back to PC.
A nice Autumn day’s cycling, rather cool and overcast, but dry and no wind.
PC to PC was 61.8 miles at an average 15.2 mph Riders: Mark M, Ian A, Andy S, Neil M and Phil B
Only one Wheeler got the weather forecast right today and that was Duncan. So he decided not to ride in heavy drizzle on his skittish carbon wheels and flaky rim brakes. (Rumour has it he spent the day shopping for a ‘proper winter bike’ but we’ll see.) Meanwhile, since everyone else thought the forecast was pretty good with just a slim chance of light drizzle but not amounting to much, 3 riders out of 4 met at PC in shorts. It wasn’t warm either… Rain jackets on, they set off on the route to the new destination at Stalham, with probable mutterings in the wet peloton of “this had better be worth it!” Mark, Andrew, Andy and Clive went via Gresham church on to Sustead, Metton (negotiating a temporary road closure) and Northrepps where they collected Graham and continued apace to Southrepps, Bradfield, skirted North Walsham, then via Crostwright and East Ruston. Shortly before turning right onto the main road to Stalham, we passed a field of donkeys (most of us saw them) but immediately after the donkeys, Ian spotted a couple of rheas in an enclosure. (Apparently in 2023 several of them escaped but were located and caught in surrounding villages and returned to the farm.)
Rheas on a farm near Stalham, club ride 08-Oct-2025. Photo Ian A.
On arrival at Stalham and a little bit of detective work we found the Richardson’s Marina Café.
Richardson’s Marina Café, Stalham 08-Oct-2025. L-R: Andrew B, Graham A, Clive A, Andy S. Mark M AwoL. Ian A camera.
It was quiet but with only one member of staff they did a sterling job prepping our cheese/tuna/ham paninis & toasties/hot drinks and cakes for the usual suspects. Even better, they offer 20% off if you arrive by bike! Ian had made his way independently at a slightly slower pace (Zone 2 training – far too technical) and had unknowingly earlier ridden straight past Graham while he was waiting for the main group (he said hello to a jogger but didn’t spot Graham!) Sitting on seats decked in various pastel colours the food was hearty and the cakes fine, albeit only a limited choice. In other news, Ian had been stung by a wasp en route. Must have been a whopper as Andrew’s antihistamine tablet had no affect. But thanks anyway.
After lunch we remounted and Graham made his own way back to Cromer. Again, Ian followed the main route, but chose to go at a slightly slower pace. The route took us all back through Stalham then via Honing, Briggate, and up to White Horse Common to weave through North Walsham, then crossing the main line at Antingham (where Ian caught & passed the bunch during their ‘nature’ stop). The route then went via Suffield and Colby (where Ian was repassed as he stopped for a photo).
Sugar beet ready for collection, Colby 08-Oct-2025. Photo Ian A.
Shortly after Calthorpe at Wolterton Hall, Andy turned off to head back to Corpusty via Mannington, leaving the other three riders to follow the route back to PC via Plumstead, Baconsthorpe, Hempstead, Selbrigg Pond and West Beckham. Clive turned for Holt at Hempstead to head back to Blakeney.
Footnote: Mark & Andrew met Harvey at Lower Bodham and stopped for a chat. He’s clocked up 18,000 miles in the last 2 years. Chapeau indeed.
PC to PC was 59 miles at an average speed of 14.6mph. Riders: Andrew B, Andy S, Clive A, Graham A, Ian A, Mark M
Five riders met at Pretty Corner on a sunny but fresh morning with light southerly winds. The peloton set off south to Gresham and Bessingham then turned west to Plumstead, crossing the B1149 at Edgefield. Then it was Hunworth, Stody, Brinton, crossing the A148 to Bale. We continued westwards to Hindringham, Great Snoring, crossing the ford at Houghton St Giles by the dry route – no heroes willing to brave the water this time!
River Stiffkey at Houghton St. Giles, club ride 1-Oct-2025. Photo Ian A.
By this time the weather had turned cloudy. We headed for North Barsham and Waterden before turning north for North Creake and the Abbey Cafe. There we found Ian, who had secured a nice large table for us, having ridden the full route but a slower pace (reserving his strength for Thursday’s golf and the Saturday ride).
Lunchtime at the Barn Café, North Creake, 1-Oct-2025. L-R: Andrew B, Andy S, Ian A, Duncan S, Mark M, Chris S.
A good natter was had over a tasty lunch with Andrew opting for cake as well! We set off in a light sporadic drizzle, Duncan being the only Wheeler to don a rain jacket (only because he at last remembered to bring it!). We headed east for Wighton and Binham. After Binham, Ian elected to proceed at a slower pace. When the rest of the peloton regrouped at Field Dalling, Chris decided to “get a few faster miles in” and sped off, soon after which Ian shot past the paused peloton. The remaining 4 riders set off, thinking we would soon catch Ian up. We never saw him again, although apparently he waited for 10 mins at A148/Bridge Road junction (so much for Ian’s slower pace!).
On the Bridgefoot Lane climb, the obligatory King of the Mountains competition opened, with Duncan setting off at quite a pace. However he was beaten by a bike length by Andrew at the Cley Road summit (perhaps overheating in his rain jacket, the drizzle having stopped some time back!). As the two “champions” waited for the others, Mark sped past and then, while Duncan and Andrew waited for Andy, he also sped past. On regrouping before the Bridge Road fork, Mark maintained that the summit was further on than the Cley Road fork and claimed first place, while Andy claimed second place. We’ll leave other Wheelers to decide who really won!
At the Kelling Road/Bridge Road junction, Duncan peeled off for Holt. Andy left for Corpusty via Selbrigg, leaving the remaining 2 riders to press on to PC.
PC to PC was 55.4 miles at an average of 15.1 mph Riders: Mark M, Andrew B, Chris S, Andy S, Duncan S and Ian A (part)
Five riders met at PC on a relatively calm and surprisingly mild morning for a ride to Cafe Verde, Mattishall.
The planned route took us through East Beckham, Little Barningham, Itteringham, Oulton Street and Cawston, where Neil left for home due to domestic commitments. The remainder carried on through Haveringland, Felthorpe, Attlebridge and Weston Longville. At this point we encountered an unpublished road closure blocking our way over the A47 so we had to reroute via Peaseland Green, North Tuddenham and then through Clippings Green to Mattishall.
On arrival at Cafe Verde we all enjoyed a good lunch with choices ranging from the Full English breakfast (available all day) to Paninis, which were all excellent, with generous portions. As a bonus for Ian I ended up paying for his extra beans due to a bit of a mix up when paying!
As we had done extra mileage in the morning it was decided to miss out the planned loop around Mattishall and head straight back to PC retracing our track back to North Tuddenham were we stopped for the obligatory ice cream at Dann’s Farm Shop. Ian decided not to stop as he didn’t want to spoil his appetite for a planned evening meal (or to watch the Ryder Cup!). The remaining three riders then carried on through Woodgate, Swanton Morley, Billingford, Bintree, Foulsham, Hindolveston, Melton Constable, Stody, Hunworth and Baconsthorpe.
St Peters Church, Melton Constable 27th Sept 2025. Photo Ian A
There was the usual race up to Hunworth which I took from Chris. Spurred on by this I attempted to take a long lead out on the climb up to Hill Farm only to take a wrong turn and wasted energy trying to catch up after turning around. It was then all on for the final sprint up to the finish along Red Barn Lane. Chris shrewdly slip streamed me up the hill and then shot past to take the King of the Mountain prize for the day. Well boys will be boys!
Overall a good days ride with an excellent route, the wind behind us on the way home, no rain and a nice temperature.
PC to PC 63.6 miles Average speed 15.2 mph (Ian 69.6 miles at 15.3mph) Total Elevation 2238 ft
Riders: Mark M, Ian A, Neil Mc, Chris S, Andrew B.
With the first month of autumn nearly over, four wheelers, Mark, Duncan, Andy and Chris turned up at PC for the start of a 52 mile ride. The weather although feeling autumnal was bright and dry with sunny intervals forecast and a maximum temperature of 15 degrees C plus a moderately strong north easterly to easterly wind.
The intrepid four set off with a predominately tail wind passing through Bessingham and Aldborough. At Edgefield Andy decided to call it a day and head home still suffering from the after effects of his recent challenging coast to coast walk.
Apart from a few very fast tractors coming from the opposite direction and occupying the entire road the ride continued uneventfully via Briston, Hindolveston and Guestwick. About a mile or so before Heydon the trio encountered a road closure. Mark already being aware of this led the group down an alternative very narrow road which turned out to be somewhat challenging due to overhanging branches at bike height, large pot holes and some very slippery mud not to mention two cars and a lorry coming the other way. Having reached the end of the road workmen were found to be removing the road closure signs – the road was open after all!
The lunch destination was the Earle Arms. However, on arrival it was found to be closed. Luckily the busy Heydon Village Tea Rooms managed to accommodate the three riders at an outside table at the rear of the café.
Refreshed after a light lunch of sandwiches and soup the three set off into the moderately strong north easterly wind on the return journey to PC passing by Saxthorpe, Oulton, Blickling, Ingworth, Plumstead and Baconsthorpe where Duncan diverted off to Holt. This left Mark and Chris to return to PC with the obligatory race to the top of New Road (which Chris won, but only just).
Total Distance: 52 miles Average Speed: 15.2mph Riders: Mark M, Duncan S, Andy S, Chris S
P.S. Heading back into Sheringham, on Woodland Rise, Mark M met Geoff P, out walking the dog in the afternoon sun. We had a good chat and Geoff is looking well, he sends his regards to fellow Wheelers.
On a gusty, overcast Saturday morning, the returning Chris and Andrew were joined by Ian and Andy at PC. No Mark today—he had a shed roof to finish, and with the onset of wind and rain, that was probably the right choice.
Off they set through Gresham, and at Sustead they picked up Doug—or rather, Chris whooshed past with the cry of “Come on, no time to waste!” Clearly, Chris had been away too long and was in need of a good run out. This was confirmed later as he headed off into the distance, and we all nodded and let him go.
The route then took us south through Hanworth, skirting Aldborough, to Erpingham, through Ingworth, and on to the Blickling Road junction—where we had the first mishap of the day. Halfway across, Andrew threw his chain, which forced a sudden stop that left Andy on the floor and his mudguard shoved up into his wheel. Chain realigned and Andy brushed off with what he described as “a mere scratch,” we were off again. Andrew concluded that his manual gears were not quite as slick as the electronic version, and likely the cause of the incident.
We carried on north of Cawston, then to Wood Dalling, and south again until we arrived at our lunch stop—where we caught up with Chris. It’s worth noting that this first half of the ride was into the wind, so we were all looking forward to a nice tailwind home. Lunch at the Chrysalis Café was as good as ever.
Refuelled, we set off towards Lenwade, then to Elsing, and finally turned north out of the headwind to Bawdeswell. At this point Andy decided he’d had enough and headed home, while the rest carried on towards Foxley, then Guestwick, Edgefield, and Hempstead. Along this stretch, a number of impromptu races broke out, with Ian, Chris, and Doug sharing sprint wins. Some were left more broken than others and would pay for it the next day!
Ian then headed for High Kelling, Doug went off to Cromer, and Andrew and Chris returned to PC.
PC to PC was 63 miles at 15 mph. Riders: Ian A, Andrew B, Andy S, Chris S, Doug H
Ride report by Ian A With uncertain weather, Doug, Ian & Mark met at PC for the 66 mile ride to Litcham Deli. Arm warmers, gilets and emergency jackets (for some – more later…) was the order of the day. The route took us on the much-used southerly route to skirt Plumstead and down to Corpusty where we picked up Andy. Chaos ensued at the small junction with Horseshoe Lane with the 4 of us having the usual brief meet & greet chat, a car coming down the lane and one wanting to go up it, plus Andy’s wife Jane on her beautiful chestnut horse also coincidentally at the junction talking to us. Once Jane had got her mount out of reverse gear she trotted off, the two cars sorted themselves out and we headed on. Probably make next month’s ‘Corpusty Chronicle’ I expect. We then went via Wood Dalling, Guestwick, Foulsham, Bintree, Billingford and stopped at the 1903 bridge across the Black Water to admire and identify the fish: Trout, or Rudd, or Roach and possibly a Perch. Probably.
Fish Identification in the Black Water at Worthing 13-Sept-2025. L-R: Doug H, Andy S, Mark M. Ian A camera.
We then crossed and went parallel with the old railway line and down to Hoe where we turned for Beetley, Gressenhall and a fast run (despite the head/crosswind) to Litcham. Mark was clearly ‘on one’ as we’d averaged 16mph against the wind to Litcham. The previous evening’s dinner of quinoa, tuna and tinned tomatoes had served him (and us!) well. The usual cheery welcome by the friendly staff at the Litcham Deli made us good coffees and great lunches: pasty, breakfast (omelette) bap, avocado & poached eggs on toast and goats cheese (I think!) and tomatoes/salad on sourdough.
Enjoying good food at Litcham Deli, 13- Sept-2025. L-R: Andy S, Doug H, Mark M. Ian A camera.
Mark had brought along one of his nuts for us to examine. More precisely a gallnut. Gallnuts, also known as oak galls or nutgalls, are fascinating plant growths that have been valued for centuries due to their unique properties and diverse applications. These abnormal outgrowths form on various plants, primarily oaks, as a result of insect activity, typically from gall wasps. The interaction between the plant and the insect causes the plant to produce a hard, round, and often woody structure that serves as a home and food source for the developing larva inside.
Anyway, after lunch we popped into Litcham Church which is right next door and was open as part of the Norfolk Churches Trust open day fundraiser where you can bike, walk or drive to as many churches as you like. Having signed the book and with every good intention of making a donation, the card machine was out of action so unfortunately we couldn’t donate. Name scrubbed out of the book and out we went. We’d stayed dry all morning and were in good spirits as we left Litcham to start the return leg with a predominant tailwind all the way back. We passed through Wellingham, The Raynhams, Helhoughton, Shereford and Sculthorpe Mill where two of us donned rain jackets as it was just starting to rain. Maybe because we hadn’t managed to donate at Litcham Church but clearly someone wasn’t very happy with us as we then started to experience Biblical Rain and very quickly, flooded roads. And it turned much colder. But we are The Wheelers and we continued on through rain and flood to the Barshams. And then Andy punctured. Tubeless strikes again! But it was OK as Doug has a ‘plug gadget’ and an electric pump. But unfortunately the plug got spat out. So it wasn’t OK. By which point Ian announced that although he really didn’t want to leave the scene, he really needed to carry on due to the cold. And the lack of his rain jacket – only a possible light shower was forecast, honest! Mark didn’t take much persuading either so the two of them continued on to Great Snoring, but diverted away from the planned route via Hindringham and instead went through Thursford and up to the A148/Gunthorpe Park junction. Ian decided to head directly back to High Kelling along the A148. Mark went back to PC via Gunthorpe, Brinton, Stody, Briston, Edgefield and Baconsthorpe.
Sunshine and Rainbows at Baconsthorpe, 13th Sept 2025. Photo Mark M
Once they got going again, Andy and Doug set off to Great Snoring where Doug continued on the route while Andy took the most direct route back to Corpusty i.e.Kettlestone, Fulmodeston, Nethergate, Thurning/Sandy Lane. Kudos to Doug for sticking mainly to the route (running the gauntlet of Hunworth Road after all that rain) and only missing out the Hempstead leg to go more directly back to Cromer via Baconsthorpe (pretty sure he won the sprint up New Road to the mast) and then Gresham and Metton. Doug double punctured on the Metton Road (‘fixed in a jiffy’ – well he’d had plenty of practice earlier) oh, and then ANOTHER puncture on entering Cromer. (I’m afraid they all count Doug!) A definite game of two halves Saint. Cracking morning/lunch and a very eventful afternoon including a very poor performance from the tubeless boys.
PC to PC (Mark only) was 64.1 miles at an average speed of 15.6mph Riders: Andy S, Doug H, Ian A, Mark M
Ride report by Andy S With members on different duties this week , including holidays and sailing on the high tide at Blakeney , only two members(Mark M and Andy S) and guest rider Barry met at P.C. A sunny morning but the threat of rain coming in at lunchtime. There was a brisk southerly wind which kept us on our toes for the first half of the ride as we rode south (ish).
Spring tide at Blakeney, 10th Sept 2025. Photo Clive A
The route took us through Gresham, Hanworth , crossing the A140, down White Post Road to Suffield, Felmingham, Swanton Abbott and Tunstead. Just before Coltishall the route took us right and we finally headed in a Northwest direction. With the help of the wind we wiggled through the quiet lanes to Lamas and down to the Skeyton Goat for our lunch stop.
Already at the Goat was Ian with his coffee and food already ordered. He had decided to start a little earlier than the main group to set a slower pace trying to keep his heart rate below 140bpm. (I am just pleased I have a heart beat!) Well done Ian for a little organised training.
The Goat Inn, Skeyton. Club ride 10-Sept-2025The Goat Inn, Skeyton. Club ride 10-Sept-2025. Photo Ian A
We had a good selection of paninis and wraps with flavoursome fillings and chips. The lunch talk varied from fitting mudguards (a complicated subject) to putting sealant into spare wheels in our cars.
The afternoon ride set off, still in sunny and dry weather, heading towards Tuttington and through Aylsham. Just before Ingworth we made a left turn round the back of Blickling Park. The road conditions were gravelly and bumpy so care was needed.
After Itteringham we made a left turn and headed past Mannington Hall. At the Matlaske junction Andy S turned left and back home to Corpusty. This left Mark and Barry to make their way back through Edgefield, Hempstead, Bodham and back to P.C. Ian completed the same route as us but at a slower pace. Actually in the afternoon I don’t think he was very much behind us.
The rain finally came in at 5.00 O’clock (Corpusty). So we had another great ride in sunshine on some lovely quiet Norfolk country roads.
PC to PC was 51.6 miles at an average of 15.1mph Riders: Mark M, Ian A, Andy S, Barry
Ride report by Mark M With a forecast for a dry sunny day, it was initially grey and chilly for the five Wheelers meeting at PC. Undeterred and hoping for the best, they headed more or less straight into the south westerly wind to Barningham Winter and Matlaske Gap. Here, Ian took the lead for the run down to Corpusty to meet up with Andy, out for the first time since his epic 190+ mile Coast to Coast walk. Apparently the family walk went very well, with stunning scenery and surprisingly good weather for the most part, but it was hard work and very tiring (who would have thought!).
A couple of miles further along, as we turned into the aptly named Sandy Lane, we came up behind a pony and trap with three kids onboard, trotting along. They were happy and friendly and after a bit were able to pull off the road to let us pass. It was probably the same pony and trap we met near Nethergate in July, there can’t be many in use today.
Making our way to Hindolveston and Swanton Novers and close to the second highest point in Norfolk, Pigg’s Grave at 101m, we crossed the B1354 to Gunthorpe. Crossing the A148 to Hindringham then the downhill run to Great Walsingham, along Scarborough Road to Little Walsingham and Norton’s.
Sitting at a big table outside, we enjoyed a good lunch of Beef and Horseradish sandwiches (very good), jacket potato, huge sausage roll, cake and drinks. The food is always good and arrives quickly, ideal for hungry cyclists and the sun came out as well.
Heading west from Walsingham we cut across to Edgar lane then the climb up to Bunker Hill at Egmeer and then turning east and the long downhill run to Wighton. We now realised that the wind had shifted to south easterly, so would be mainly a cross or cross headwind for the rest of the leg home. Next was Warham, Binham, up to Cockthorpe, across a breezy airfield to Langham and down to Wiveton, for the last big climb of the day, Bridgefoot Lane. With the wind adding to the gradient, it was a tough climb and as we were nearing the top, close to the Bridge Road junction, Ian emerged from the wheels to sprint to victory. After that excitement and a brief recovery at the top, we made our way to High Kelling, where Ian turned for home, no doubt to bore his wife with tales of his cycling prowess! Andy, still feeling good after his day out, turned for home at Selbrigg, Doug left us at Red Barn Lane to continue into the wind to Cromer, leaving two to finish at PC.
PC to PC was 51 miles at an average of 15.0 mph Riders: Doug H, Ian A, Mark M, Andy S, Clive A, Barry
North Norfolk Wheelers 