Norwich to Cromer 2026: Ride Report

Ride leader: Claire

Ten bold, brave riders set off, a little before midnight, from Norwich station. Guinea pigs on a mission to explore the Norfolk countryside on a humid August Friday night.

We escaped the city’s revellers, heading west over Lady Julian Bridge, past Blackadder Thingy and the Theatre. Several roundabouts later, we were onto wider roads lined with 1920s houses, over the bypass’s glowing lights and suddenly out into the dark countryside. Half an hour’s pedalling from city to hedgerow.

Turning onto an old section of road, with the Lotus test track hidden in the night, we briefly paused for photos with one eye on the security hut. Presumably not expecting random assembled cyclists at 1am, we moved on before attracting attention. Tackling a road closure next, along with a detour onto smooth pristine tarmac. And again because we couldn’t get through that way. Best road of the night!

Re-route successfully navigated, Wymondham beckoned. That’s “Win-dam”. 

Beautiful buildings including the Market Cross. Comfort stop completed, winding roads opened up with undulations, mill pond and muntjacs for company. 

A badger lolloped ahead in a lane, diving into the verge away from the strange monsters. 

Suddenly a figure was illuminated in a hedgerow gap. Blinking in the lights, a dishevelled cyclist peered at the group. It was 2am. He looked baffled as we did. Us because he had no lights on his bike. Him, well, presumably about to have a restorative kip on the verge before being disturbed. We went our separate ways, speculating upon his fate.

Our kettle wrangler took his secret shortcut to the village hall, whilst the rest of us continued to Dereham, the industrial outskirts contrasting with the previous rurality. A welcome 3am comfort and sandwich stop at the BP garage. The night’s heat a shock after the air conditioned M&S. On the road again, as our midway stop was now only 10km away.

Into Elsing, the village hall ready for us with filter coffee and cake at the ready, thanks to Nick’s Hall Opening Upper turn. Lyng Stores came up trumps with their substantial lemon drizzle and ginger loaves. Everyone got a party bag to take home! After a rest, washing up and tidying sorted, we headed outside to find the predicted rain had conveniently passed through whilst we were indoors.

Uphill to get the legs going, turning north-east to the coast. Down Nowhere Lane, Norfolk’s rolling fields punctuated by villages, ancient churches and a stately home. Who doesn’t love a bike-in-front-of-a-fancy-house photo opportunity? Aylsham found us investigating the facilities, napping on a bench and sipping strong coffee ahead of the gradual inclination to Cromer. Thatched churches and hares spotted, with cyclists hulloing us out on their early morning rides.

An unfamiliar noise triggered “car back, car behind”, as we neared our destination. 

Hours without cars, we’d enjoyed exploring quiet empty roads.

Flying down towards the coast road, crossing streets lined by tall Victorian terraces and the sea is revealed. Tight bend, descend to the Promenade with Cromer Pier dominating the skyline.

Bikes locked against railings, the sea wind providing a crisp bite and cooling temperature. The cafe’s warmth welcomed us to breakfast as we watched lively waves, contemplating our nocturnal excursion. Restored, goodbyes exchanged, a small group set off for Norwich, one for King’s Lynn, others for trains home.

A massive thank you to everyone for travelling to take part in this inaugural night ride and helping to make it a success.