It was beautiful sunny autumn day as we set off from our campsite. We had opted to do the route on mountain bikes, this meant we could start off with a small piece of single track on the actual campsite. An excellent start as I managed to grab a “Queen on the Mountain” award on Strava.
We joined the planned the circular route at Repps, and then headed towards Martham on country lanes. Our coastal section for the day started from West Somerton towards Horsey. The road isn’t technically along the coast but it is the closest road to the coast, separated in some places by sand dunes.
We made a stop at the National Trust Horsey Windpump for a coffee and a quick look. They are currently undertaking restorations and therefore only the ground floor was open.
We were then back on the road again heading towards Horsey itself. After Horsey we made a divert down a dusty dirt track to Horsey Gap for a spot on seal watching. The bikes secured, we walked over the sand dunes to take a look. Unfortunately the seals were more interested in playing in the sea than sunning themselves, but we did spot a few in the waves.
We continued along the coast road till Sea Palling before tuning inland and heading towards Hickling and Hickling Green. We made a stop for a lovely pub lunch at the Greyhound Inn in Hickling Green.
Suitably fed and watered, we put another divert in towards the Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve. We made the decision not to go in. However it is worth noting that the coffee shop is shut from the end of September.
We then headed back to the campsite via Potter Heigham and back towards Repps.
Overall ride: 29.31 miles
Coastal distance: 7 miles
Points of Interest: Horsey Windpump, Horsey Gap, Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve
Food stops: Horsey Windpump tea rooms, Greyhound Inn Hickling Green
Campsite/parking location: Clippesby Hall
Based on Route 5 from The Broads by Bike