Historic Norfolk
Norfolk Stage 04 – Downham Market to Hunstanton 52 Km (Sat 7 May 2022)
Weather: 11⁰C min – 22⁰C cloudy
“Four wheels move your body, two wheels move your soul.” ~ Nicola Miller
Last night’s stay at Dial House B&B Downham Market was amazing, one of the best I ever had while solo bike touring. Yosita and Rafael (and Lucy the cat) were super hosts and their 400 year old house has to be seen to be believed. Breakfast was superb, exceeded only be last night’s dinner. I highly recommend this place if you ever go to Downham Market.
It was hard to say goodbye, but I managed to drag myself away about 9 am. It had been raining overnight but had cleared by the time I set off. With a top temperature of 20 deg C predicted, I was looking forward to my ride to Hunstanton on the NW coast of Norfolk.
At first the sun struggled to emerge from behind the clouds and the wind was quite stiff from the north, making it much cooler than I was expecting. However, by the time I reached Hunstanton it had developed into a perfect sunny day.
Cycling today was like a dream. For most of the 52 km I followed NCN1 which, unlike some other National Cycle Network routes I have experienced, consisted of excellent, paved, paths and roads. It took me through lovely parklands, forests and countryside, and even along a levy bank near King’s Lynn.
While cruising along merrily I could feel the history all around me. Just 15 miles east of Downham Market is a town called Swaffham, known as Market Shipborough in the popular TV series “Kingdom” (starring Stephen Fry).
After 20 km I came to the very attractive and historic town of King’s Lynn, where I had my first cappuccino for the day at a terrace cafe at St George’s Guildhall, where the bard William Shakespeare is said to have performed in 1593. King’s Lynn also has the oldest-recorded instance of a Saturday Market Place (dates back to 1104).
Then at the 35 km mark I came to Sandringham Castle, the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen, and which has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. Unfortunately I couldn’t get close enough to the castle to take any photographs, but at least I got to see St Mary Magdalene Church, where members of the British Royal Family attend services when in residence at Sandringham, which normally includes Christmas. Also, I enjoyed cycling through the beautiful parklands surrounding the estate.
So today had it all … good cycling conditions, plenty of history, and picturesque countryside. Another 10 out of 10 ride in Norfolk!
Norfolk is beautiful Kevin hope your having a great time
Thanks Lilah. I am loving it, although the town of Hunstanton where I am staying tonight is a bit ordinary and bitterly cold because of the icy wind from the north. Tomorrow I have a 67 km ride along the north coast to Sheringham, so I hope the wind does down. At least it hasn’t rained on me yet.
Lovely-looking accommodation – and Lucy the cat looks like she wants to join you on your adventure!
I think you are right Sophie – Lucy was always hanging around near my bike.