National Cycle Route 13
Coalhouse Fort, Thames Estuary
Ride Overview
The strangest of Ways, the most magnificent of Ways. A coast to coast -er, not the usual East-West routes so tried and well tested. No, this Thames to the Wash, connecting England’s two great Hanseatic Ports, London and King’s Lynn. It is a route less travelled and all the richer for that.
Leaving London, Route 13 takes cycle touring taken to another level. Eschewing comfort and ease for something far more memorable. It’s a gritty ride - both visually as well as physically. It deviates from the norm of gently rolling hills and villages full of ease and tourists. The route takes you on the lesser paths, away from people in this most densely populated part of the kingdom, on ancient paths which have been trodden and wheeled over for more than 4,000 years. It takes you to the tomb of England’s (former) national saint. There’s a thousand years’ worth of castles and a couple of abbeys built by invaders to assuage their guilt at the brutality of their supression. You’ll ride through the silent forests, across heathlands and pass many fields of pigs and grain. Hawks patrol the sky, quiet villages. It’s a perfect long-weekender, or extend into an easy week by returning to London on Route 11. Much to see, much to enjoy, a deviant cycle-touring trip away from the over-rated norms.
As with all the National Cycle Network Routes on the website, click on each stage below for a full route description including recommendations for places to stay and eat.
Ride Practicalities
START/FINISH: The Tower of London/King’s LynnDISTANCE: 377km TOTAL ASCENT: 2278m TERRAIN AND SURFACES: asphalted bike paths, un-metalled paths, bridlepaths through forests, and quiet traffic-light lanes. On the first stage there are four short flights of steps over which your bike must be carried. RECOMMENDED CAFÈS/PUBS; CAMPING: ACCOMMODATION: Maldon: The Hythe, Bury St. Edmunds; The Old Cannon Brewery, Dereham; The George Hotel, King’s Lynn: The Bank House Hotel NEARBY MAINLINE TRAIN SERVICES: Grays, Tilbury, Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester, Bury St.Edmunds, King’s Lynn King’s Lynn: The Bank House Hotel LINKS TO OTHER RIDES: NCN 1, The Tower to Rainham Marshes, Ingrebourne Way (Route 136), NCN 11, Norfolk Coast, Cycleway
*WMWG only list places for food, drink and beds which have met our strict quality standards. Typically, pubs, restaurants and cafés will promote local growers, are independent who set high standards, but who are not necessarily the cheapest place in town.
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All the details given on this route are given in good faith. However, situations on the ground can change, so if you know of any access issues, closures, or have any thoughts and feedback on the route, please include them in the comments section below.
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Stage 1 - 118km