Martham – Thurne, Rollesby and West Somerton

Potter Heigham, and the countryside that surrounds it, is incredibly popular with visitors exploring the Norfolk Broads. Packed full of pretty villages, beautiful protected areas and lots of things to do, it makes a fantastic base from which to discover the area.

This circular bike ride takes you on a loop through the countryside just to the south of Potter Heigham. Beginning in the village of Thurne, the route takes in a number of welcoming country pubs, historic sites and expansive waterways. Spend a day in the saddle exploring this route and see some of the best countryside Norfolk has to offer.

Route
The pretty riverside village of Thurne makes the perfect starting point for your bike ride. Leave your vehicle in the village car park and then head north along The Street and right down Repps Road. Turn left at the T-junction and then right onto Church Road by the village chapel.

Continue straight on towards the village of Martham. Here, you can take a quick detour to the River Thurne to explore the waterway and see a little more of the local landscape. In the centre of Martham, turn left onto Black Street and then right onto Staithe Road.

Continue straight until you reach Weston Somerton and then turn right down Collis Lane and cycle towards Hemsby. At the T-junction, turn right onto Hemsby Road and cycle back through Martham. If you didn’t stop the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to refuel at the welcoming village pub.

Keep left as you cycle through the village and you’ll end up on Rollesby Road. This will lead you down towards Fleggburgh. Just before you reach the village, turn right and follow Thurne Road back to your starting point.

Difficulty
This route measures 15 miles and should take around three hours to complete. You’ll have to cross both A roads and B roads on your way, so make sure everyone in your group is confident in traffic.

Facilities
You’ll find pubs in West Somerton, Thurne and Martham. A café and campsite can be found in nearby Clippesby, while a picturesque picnic area is located on Rollesby Broad. Potter Heigham, just a few miles off the route, is home to an even wider choice of amenities.

Points of interest
The village of Thurne offers a number of points of interest. Take a short stroll across the dyke to see the restored mill and enjoy beautiful river views. Just outside the village is the historic Church of St Edmund, King and Martyr. Dating back to the 13th century, it’s a great place to learn a little more about the history of the region.

Explore more of the local landscape by visiting the picturesque Rollesby Broad. One of the Trinity Broads, it’s not connected to the main river system and so acts as a haven for local wildlife.

If you’re currently out exploring the Norfolk Broads by bike, you’ll find lots more information about the area and local bike routes on our site. Take a look around today to find out more.