Cycling Discovery Maps
The best way to explore England's Cycling Country is with our extensive range of Cycling Discovery Maps. Each
map highlights a circular day ride of between 13 and 30 miles (21 and 48 kilometres), with clear route directions, places to visit and refreshment stops.
All Cycling Discovery Maps are free of charge - and can be downloaded below.
Click here to see a map of the region showing the locations of the Cycling Discovery Maps.
Please note: the downloadable maps are in pdf format, and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print.
No part of these information sheets may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.
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Route 1: The Great Ouse
Starting point: Bedford, Bedfordshire.
Distance: 25 miles/40 kilometres (or with short cut, 20 miles/32 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads, cycle paths and tracks.
This cycle ride starts from the peaceful setting of the Priory Country Park. From here the route follows the banks of the River Great Ouse into the market town of Bedford, where The Embankment is one of England's finest river settings. Then it's northwards into the Ouse Valley, past ancient limestone villages, over medieval river bridges and through stretches of wide open countryside. Along this route you can discover a working watermill, wander within a dragonfly nature reserve and see the 14th C. cross where John Bunyan (1628-1688) once preached.
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Route 2: The Thatcher's Way
Starting point: Bedford, Bedfordshire.
Distance: 24 miles/37 kilometres (or with short cut, 19 miles/30 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads, cycle paths and tracks.
This cycle ride starts from the peaceful setting of the Priory Country Park. From here the route heads south into an area of rich, rolling countryside. Alongside the wooded slopes of The Greensand Ridge, the ancient art of thatching is kept alive in enchanting picture book villages, such as Swiss-style Old Warden and Ickwell with its maypole. Along this route you can discover a magnificent collection of flying machines, stroll amongst the landscape parkland of Humphry Repton and enjoy a pint or two in our very own Ireland.
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Route 3: Apples and Ale
Starting point: Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.
Distance: 13 miles/21 kilometres (or with short cut, 11 miles/18 kilometres).
Type of route: easy, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from the busy market town of Wisbech, the capital of the surrounding Fens. From here the route heads west into rich farmland, past waterways, ancient sea banks and tiny Fenland villages, which are surrounded by hundreds of acres of orchards. In springtime these are enriched with the colour and scent of blossom, and in autumn, by delicious fruit. Along this route you can wander amongst the 100 year old apple trees in an old orchard, discover the treasures of ancient churches and taste the real ales at a Georgian brewery.
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Route 4: Katherine's Wheels
Starting point: Grafham Water (nr. St. Neots), Cambridgeshire.
Distance: 15 miles/24 kilometres (or with short cut, 12 miles/19 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads and tracks.
This cycle ride starts from the peaceful setting of Grafham Water, the third largest man-made reservoir in Britain. From here the route follows in the footsteps of royalty, through rich farming land and interesting villages which border the final two residences of Queen Katherine of Aragon. Henry VIII confined her at Buckden Towers from 1533-1534, prior to the annulment of their marriage. She was then moved to nearby Kimbolton Castle, where Katherine died in 1536. Along this route you can explore the flora and fauna of Grafham, discover historic World War II airfields and admire a rare Tiffany window.
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Route 5: Cutlers' Way
Starting point: Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex/Hertfordshire borders.
Distance: 29 miles/47 kilometres (or with short cut, 22 miles/35 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from the historic village of Stansted Mountfichet. From here the route heads east, into an attractive landscape of gently rolling countryside - on the borders of Essex and Hertfordshire. Explore quiet narrow lanes leading to pretty hamlets and villages, with thatched and tiled houses set around greens and ponds. Stop off at the town of Thaxted - noted for its 15th C. Guildhall. Look out for the ancient art of pargetting (raised decorative plasterwork). Along this route you can travel back in time to a reconstructed motte and bailey castle, discover a medieval timber-framed barn and visit John Webb's 19th C. windmill.
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Route 6: Two Rivers' Way
Starting point: Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex.
Distance: 25 miles/40 kilometres (or with short cut, 12 miles/19 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from one of England's leading yachting centres, Burnham-on-Crouch. From here the route heads north to explore the Dengie Peninsula, situated between the Rivers Blackwater and Crouch. Here, under a backcloth of sky, saltmarsh and water, are weather-boarded villages and tiny sailing hamlets. Much of the countryside was reclaimed by man from the sea and today is internationally renowned for its wildlife value. Along this route you can take a ride on a real steam train, visit the Saxon church of St. Peter's and try the local oysters at Burnham.
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Route 7: The Witchfinder's Way
Starting point: Harwich, Essex.
Distance: 26 miles/41 kilometres (or with short cut, 21 miles/34 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads and cycle paths.
This cycle ride starts from the town of Harwich, famous for its seafaring history and heritage. From here the route heads through rolling countryside and picturesque villages, to the little port of Mistley, haunt of Matthew Hopkins - 'The Witchfinder General'. From 1645-46, he was employed to hunt out the area's witches. The route returns to Harwich via the River Stour with its views and riverside hamlets. Along this route you can see Robert Adam's 18th C. towers, discover the bird life in a riverside coppiced wood and stroll atop the historic Ha'penny Pier.
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Route 8: Flint and Forge
Starting point: Stansted Mountfitchet, Hertfordshire/Essex borders.
Distance: 30 miles/48 kilometres (or with short cut, 14 miles/22 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from the historic village of Stansted Mountfichet. From here the route heads west, into an attractive landscape of low hills, rich farmland, woods and river valleys - set on the borders of Hertfordshire and Essex. Explore leafy lanes leading to picturesque villages of plaster, timber, flint and thatch, such as Manuden, Braughing and Much Hadham - the former country seat of the Bishops of London. Look out for the ancient art of pargetting (raised decorative plasterwork). Along this route you can travel back in time to a reconstructed motte and bailey castle, discover a working blacksmith's forge and visit the former home of sculptor Henry Moore.
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Route 9: Literary Landscapes (part of the Great North Way)
Starting point: Welwyn, Hertfordshire.
Distance: 25 miles/40 kilometres (or with short cut, 20 miles/32 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride (part of the Great North Way) starts from the historic town of Welwyn. From here the route heads west along the valley of the River Mimram, into the foothills of the Chilterns, an area of unspoilt countryside retaining its rural atmosphere. Linked along narrow lanes are pretty villages, farmsteads and bluebell rich woodlands. This probably gave literary inspiration to playwright George Bernard Shaw whose hidden retreat can be visited. Along this route you can discover a 3rd C. Roman bathing suite, wander in the gardens of the late Queen Mother's childhood home and explore Sir Lionel's Palladian church.
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Route 10: Roisia's Path
Starting point: Therfield (nr. Royston), Hertfordshire.
Distance: 28 miles/45 kilometres (or with short cut, 22 miles/35 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from the village of Therfield, situated at one of the highest points in Hertfordshire. Close by, the prehistoric Icknield Way leads to the town of Royston, which grew up around a wayside cross erected by Lady Roisia soon after 1066. From Therfield, the route heads south into rolling, well-wooded countryside, offering pretty timber-framed villages and panoramic views. Along this route you can discover the milestones of Barkway, visit the tomb of the dragon slayer and view the poignant memorials to the US personnel based at Nuthampstead.
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Route 11: Romans and Royalty (part of the Great North Way)
Starting point: Hatfield (old town), Hertfordshire.
Distance: 16 miles/26 kilometres.
Type of route: easy, circular; on roads, cycle paths and tracks.
This cycle ride (part of the Great North Way) starts from the old town of Hatfield. From here the route heads south, then west, through woodlands and wildlife habitats, set adjacent to the busy M25 motorway. Dedicated cycle paths and grassy tracks eventually lead to St. Albans, an historic city noted for its Roman heritage. Then its back to Hatfield, along the line of the former Great Northern Railway. Along this route you can visit the birthplace of the 'Mosquito', explore the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I and see the spot where Britain's first hot air balloon flight briefly touched down.
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Route 12: Malt and Forge
Starting point: Ware, Hertfordshire.
Distance: 16 miles/26 kilometres.
Type of route: easy, circular; on roads and cycle paths.
This cycle ride starts from the attractive town of Ware, once a major centre for the malting industry. From here the route heads east into a landscape of gently rolling countryside - home to rich farmland and pretty villages, such as Hunsdon and Stansted Abbotts. Stop off at Much Hadham - the former country seat of the Bishops of London. Look out for the ancient art of pargetting (raised decorative plasterwork). Then it's back to Ware, beside the River Lea Navigation, with its colourful narrow boats. Along this route you can go in search of the elusive Bittern amongst the reedbeds, explore an unusual
shell-decorated grotto and visit a working blacksmith's forge.
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Route 13: The Bishop's Chapel
Starting point: Dereham, Norfolk.
Distance: 23 miles/37 kilometres (or with short cut, 17 miles/27 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from the market town of Dereham. From here the route heads north into the mid-Wensum Valley, along quiet country lanes which criss-cross the old railway line. Here you will find the attractive villages of Elsing, Swanton Morley and North Elmham, where on the site of an earlier Saxon cathedral, stand the romantic ruins of a 11th C. Norman chapel. Along this route you can see the healing well of St. Withburga, discover the ancestral home of US President Abraham Lincoln and explore a restored Victorian railway station.
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Route 14: The Brecks
Starting point: Swaffham, Norfolk.
Distance: 20 miles/32 kilometres (or with short cut, 10 miles/16 kilometres).
Type of route: easy, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from the charming market town of Swaffham, haunt of the wealthy in Gerogian times. From here the route heads west along quiet country lanes into The Brecks or Breckland, a unique landscape of heath, pine forests and large open fields. It is pitted with settlements such as Cockley Cley and Beachamwell, which date back to the earliest times. Along this route you can climb up a wind turbine tower for magnificent views, explore a "quintessential moated manor house" and go back in time to a reconstructed Iron Age village.
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Route 15: Lords of the Manor
Starting point: Aylsham, Norfolk.
Distance: 29 miles/47 kilometres (or with short cut, 16 miles/26 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from the historic market town of Aylsham. From here the route heads north along quiet country lanes, through gently rolling landscapes and picturesque villages, such as Itteringham, Baconsthorpe and Hanworth. Here you can explore the grand country estates of the rich and famous - from the Jacobean Blickling Hall, with its fine tapestries and furniture, to the rambling roses of medieval Mannington, and 17th C. Felbrigg Hall with its walled garden. Along this route you can discover some of Norfolk's round-towered churches, visit the 15th C. remains of Baconsthorpe Castle and take a ride on a real narrow gauge steam railway.
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Route 16: The Lost Villages of Breckland
Starting point: Gressenhall (nr. Dereham), Norfolk.
Distance: 23 miles/37 kilometres (or with short cut, 19 miles/31 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from the village of Gressenhall, where a former 18th C. workhouse depicts rural life through the ages. From here the route heads north through attractive countryside and villages to the untouched valley of the River Nar, representing old Norfolk at its best. In between lie the abandoned medieval hamlets of Little Bittering and Godwick, where the church ruins stand as a timely reminder. Along this route you can stroll amongst the earthworks of a lost village, explore a Saxon church's round tower and discover a memorial to a champion boxer.
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Route 17: Nelson's Norfolk
Starting point: Fakenham, Norfolk.
Distance: 29 miles/47 kilometres (or with short cut, 21 miles/34 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads and tracks.
This cycle ride starts from the market town of Fakenham. From here the route heads north into an area of rich rolling countryside, with pretty flint villages and spectacular views of the coast. Here, one of England's greatest heroes, Lord Horatio Nelson was born. Make a pilgrimage to his father's church, and to the famous shrine of 'Our Lady' in the religious centre of Little Walsingham. Along this route you can discover the 14th C. Slipper Chapel, take a ride on a narrow gauge railway and explore Holkham Hall, one of Britain's most majestic stately homes.
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Route 18: Churches, Copses and Country Lanes
Starting point: Carlton Colville (nr. Lowestoft), Suffolk.
Distance: 24 miles/39 kilometres (or with short cut, 13 miles/21 kilometres).
Type of route: easy, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from the village of Carlton Colville. From here the route heads south into a gently rolling landscape of attractive villages, old country estates and ancient woodlands (copses). Take time to visit a plethora of historic churches, some of flint, some of thatch. Then it's east to the unspoilt coastline, with its crumbling cliffs and rare plant/bird life. Along this route you can discover 'a church within a church'. take a ride aboard a 1930's tram, and stroll along a seaside pier.
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Route 19: The Jockey's Trail (From Lodes to Gallops)
Starting point: Newmarket, Suffolk.
Distance: 28 miles/45 kilometres (two shorter loops of 6 miles/10 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads and cycle paths.
This cycle ride starts from the horseracing capital of the world, Newmarket. From here the route heads north west to the 'Fen edge' villages of Burwell, Reach and Swaffham Prior. These former inland ports date back to Roman times with their ancient waterways or 'lodes'. In complete contrast, the return journey takes you into a rolling patchwork of chalk grasslands, paddocks and woodland, home to lavish stud farms. Here you can explore villages with thatched and colour-washed cottages. Along this route you can discover the 'tragic tale of the flaming heart', visit a 15th C. packhorse bridge and take a stroll along the Roman road - The Devil's Dyke.
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Route 20: The Miller's Trail
Starting point: Ixworth (nr. Bury St Edmunds), Suffolk.
Distance: 23 miles/37 kilometres (or with short cut, 12 miles/19 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from the ancient village of Ixworth. From here the route heads into an area with a rich agricultural heritage, where the turning sails and water-wheels of historic mills have been part of Suffolk life for over 800 years. Climb their towers for views over traditional rural landscapes, and take home some freshly milled flour. In between are picturesque villages, nature reserves and fine churches to explore. Along this route you can discover the maiden's garland, visit a terracotta pottery workshop and wander in the vineyards of an Elizabethan manor house.
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Route 21: The View Finder Trail
Starting point: Colchester, Essex.
Distance: 17½ miles/28 kilometres.
Type of route: moderate, circular (with linear stretch to Wivenhoe); on roads and cycle paths.
This cycle ride starts from Britain's oldest recorded town - Colchester. From here the route heads east following the River Colne to Wivenhoe, before returning to the town to take in various viewpoints and vistas. At ten of these locations, a sign has been placed depicting the view. These have the appearance of a typical road sign, but are in fact meticulously handmade paintings by artist Michael Goodey. These feature Colchester's skyline, such as the Victorian tower of the Town Hall and the Jumbo water tower. Along this route you can wander in an ancient sweet chestnut wood, explore a Norman castle keep and view the contemporary visual art of firstsite.
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