NCN 13 - Extension to King’s Lynn
Castle Rising
Ride Overview
The official end of Route 13 is at a junction of lanes where it meets up with Route 1, which has come up from Norwich and continues to King’s Lynn, via Wells-next-the-sea, Sandringham and Castle Rising. The mapped route, as given here, is shorter and takes a more inland as well as more direct route, to King’s Lynn. This easy cycle-touring day uses single track Norfolk lanes, along with some stretches of rideable bridleway. Highlights include: two castles, an abbey, some very pretty Norfolk villages, sandy heaths and fields, a short section on the very ancient Peddar’s Way, and to end the journey, the route finishes in King’s Lynn, a key Hanseatic Port.
Ride Practicalities
START/FINISH: Dereham/King’s Lynn DISTANCE: 58km TOTAL ASCENT: 268m TERRAIN AND SURFACES: mixed surfaces, bridlepaths (some quite sandy) and quiet lanes. All do-able on a touring bike with 28mm tyres or more RECOMMENDED CAFÈS/PUBS; CAMPING: ACCOMMODATION*: King’s Lynn: The Bank House Hotel NEARBY MAINLINE TRAIN SERVICES: King’s Lynn LINKS TO OTHER RIDES: NCN 1, NCN 11, Norfolk Coast Cycleway
*WMWG only list places for food, drink and beds which have met our strict quality standards. They will promote local growers, are independent who set high standards, but who are not necessarily the cheapest place in town.Distance: 260km
Ride Notes
Leaving Dereham, the route continues to follow NCN 13 to Gressenhall, before turning off on a signed lane to Beeston, and onwards to Castle Acre, passing many flint-stoned cottages and fields. The village of Castle Acre is arguably, the prettiest on the whole route up from London. There’s a linear village green, a small community shop, a nice pub, a second hand bookshop and a café. The bigger pull are the two ruins on the outskirts of the village - the Norman Castle and the remains of the Cluniac Abbey. Both were founded by William de Warrenne, who’d been charged by King William 1 to subdue the Saxons in East Anglia. The castle was his base from which he ventured to impose his might. In case he’d gone a little far in suppressing the natives and thus displeasing his god, he ordered that an Abbey be founded so that prayers may be said on his behalf. Both are splendid remains.
Just off route, and well signed, is Houghton Hall, a stately pile built by Lord Walpole, Britain’s first Prime Minister. He needed a country house worthy of his position (imagine Sir Keir Starmer raiding England’s coffers and commissioning a massive pile for his personal pleasure). Walpole was an extravagant host and his hunting parties often lasted weeks. Royalty were regular visitors and he held Cabinet meetings here each spring. As a piece of architecture, it’s one of the finest examples of Neo-Palladian style. Inside are over 400 Old Master paintings, including those of Van Dyck, Poussin and Rembrandt.
The Peddar’s Way
From Castle Acre, the route now joins the Rebellion Way which makes good use of one of Europe’s oldest roads, the Peddar’s Way, much of which remains a tarmac-free road. It’s a bouncy and sometimes sandy ride, but perfectly do-able. Further off-road sections alternate with miniature lanes until finally, you arrive in King’s Lynn.
King’s Lynn
The town is beyond the tourist radar. Which is odd, for it is one of the prettiest and least-altered of all of England’s historic towns. Cobbled streets remain, an expansive market square, coaching inns, quays and grand merchant houses. It was in its medieval heyday a member of the all-powerful Hanseatic League, the EU of its day. The port was England’s most important medieval port, trading all manner of goods across the North Sea. The route as mapped, meanders around the town and you half expect to see be-wigged merchants going about their business. If time is short, or the hourly train to London is soon to depart, head straight to the station.
Otherwise, head onto Route 11, a direct and easy route across the Fens to Ely, and onwards to London via Cambridge. You can access the route and full description here.
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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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