Marriott's Way

Marriott's Way is a 26 mile traffic-free route along two former railway lines between Norwich and Aylsham in Norfolk, running through the Wensum Valley, Lenwade, Whitwell and Reepham. Norfolk County Council invites cyclists, walkers and horse riders to use it all year. The surface runs from asphalt and hard, well maintained path near Norwich to firm compacted gravel and a short muddy loop at Themelthorpe, so it suits gravel bikes, hybrids and mountain bikes, and the gradients are gentle throughout.

The Route

Marriott's Way follows the track beds of the Midland and Great Northern line from Norwich and the Great Eastern line from Aylsham, which were joined in 1960 by the Themelthorpe Curve. The railway closed in the 1980s and the old lines are now a county wildlife site, with mile markers, benches made from rail, sculptures and sound boxes along the way. Norfolk County Council describes it as a footpath, bridleway and cycle route and splits it into four sections:

• Norwich to Drayton, about 5 miles: well surfaced, out of the city and over the high A-frame bridge above the River Wensum
• Drayton to Whitwell, about 9.5 miles: through Attlebridge and Lenwade, past old stations and the Wensum valley, to Whitwell Station
• The Themelthorpe Loop, a 5.5 mile loop with a 1.5 mile link path to Reepham: the wildest and muddiest part, where the Themelthorpe Curve joins the two old lines
• Reepham to Aylsham, about 6 miles: open arable country through Cawston to the Aylsham end, opposite the Bure Valley Railway station

There is no waymarked loop, so most riders ride it out and back, use a bus or train for one leg, or link it with other tracks into a circuit.

Gravel Riding

The way is open to cyclists along its whole length. Norwich to Whitwell is part of National Cycle Route 1 and is mostly a hard, well maintained surface. On that part of the route, about 14 percent is asphalt, about 63 percent is firm unsealed surface and about 23 percent is loose unsealed surface. The Themelthorpe Loop is muddier and softer, and the council suggests mountain bikes there. Reepham to Aylsham is mostly firm. The council warns that the surface varies, and that damage and holes can appear at any time, so a gravel bike with tyres wider than road width, or a hybrid or mountain bike, is a sensible choice.

You can lengthen the ride by linking it with the Bure Valley Path from Aylsham to Wroxham, which runs for nine miles along the same old branch line, and then returning to Norwich on the Bittern Line train. The council describes that circuit as 35 miles; check Greater Anglia's current cycle policy before you rely on the train. Weavers' Way, open to cycles and horses, also leaves from Aylsham heading east. Riders have also linked Marriott's Way with bridleways and other rail trails into gravel and bikepacking loops of about 100 miles.

It is flat, so it is a relaxed distance ride rather than technical riding. Expect to share it with walkers, dog walkers, runners, mobility vehicles and horse riders.

Access and Etiquette

Marriott's Way is not a public right of way. Norfolk County Council invites the public to use it as a footpath, bridleway and cycle path and with mobility vehicles. Motor vehicles, motorcycles, shooting and camping are not allowed.

• Give way to pedestrians, mobility vehicles and horse riders, and leave them plenty of room
• Slow down or stop when needed, and do not expect to ride at high speed
• Carry a bell and use it, but not when approaching horses. Say hello when coming up behind a horse so it is not startled
• Take care at the minor road crossings, and at junctions, bends and entrances
• Dogs are welcome, under control

Horse riders are asked to avoid the cycleway sections and soft sandy areas, to keep groups small and to pass others at walking pace.

Getting Here

The Norwich end is at the roundabout where Barn Road meets Barker Street on the inner ring road. The Aylsham end is on Norwich Road, opposite the Bure Valley Railway station. There are many other access points at villages and road junctions. Car parks, according to the council's guide, are at:

• Freeland Corner, Attlebridge and Lenwade, on the Drayton to Whitwell section
• Whitwell Station and Reepham Station, which also have cafes and toilets during their opening hours

There is also street parking in Norwich, Drayton, Thorpe Marriott, Attlebridge, Lenwade, Reepham, Cawston and Aylsham. Horse boxes can park, by arrangement, at Brick Kiln Farm in Reepham and Blackwater Farm in Great Witchingham. Local buses serve the towns and villages along the way, and the Bittern Line runs from Wroxham to Norwich, so check Traveline East Anglia for current services.

Food and Facilities

Toilets and refreshments are not spread evenly along the route, so plan your stops. Whitwell Station and Reepham Station have cafes and toilets while they are open, and the villages and towns of Drayton, Lenwade, Cawston, Reepham and Aylsham have pubs and food.

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• Photo: Dan is Outside