Walking and Cycling
Harleston is an ideal base to explore the beautiful surroundings of Norfolk and Suffolk. There are many wonderful walks and a national cycle route. Located in the River Waveney Valley and open countryside it provides ample opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and enjoy the natural environment. The Norfolk Broads and East Anglian coastline are a short drive away. Harleston really is the central location to explore the surrounding area.
Walking
Harleston has recently defined itself as a Nature Recovery Area. Wishing to be at the forefront of xx towns taking up the challenge to address a worldwide crisis.
Harleston has open countryside on its doorstep with many walks of varying length and difficulty nearby. This website will look to list all walks in one place and provide the ideal reference for the outdoor enthusiast.
Angles Way was devised by the Ramblers. It runs over ninety miles, following the River Waveney for many miles. The route goes from Great Yarmouth by Breydon Water, along and near the River Waveney, passing around Oulton Broad, Beccles and Bungay, and Harleston and Diss, to its source, and then by the Little Ouse from its source very close by through heathland and marsh to Knettishall Heath in the Suffolk Brecks. Less than a mile onwards west across the heath the coincident start of the Peddars Way and finish of the Icknield Way Path are reached.
At Bungay, there is a link into the waymarked Bigod Way (10 miles) which is a circular route around the town, the site of Bigod’s Castle. Click here for an overview map of the entire route.
Cycling
There are hundreds upon hundreds of miles of great cycling down country lanes that cover the main Breckland towns of Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford and Watton. Little villages and their surrounds have great tracks that can give even the experienced rider a handful.
From Cranworth to Gressenhall and Weasenham to Mattishall you will find some lovely countryside and some great rides. Whenever your out cycling always be aware of the Country Code and be safe.
There is a National Cycle Network route which passes through the area on its way from London to Fakenham. A twenty mile Discovery Route for cyclists, which starts at Swaffham, goes through Cockley Cley, Gooderstone, Oxburgh, Eastmoor, Beachamwell and Drymere, goes through miles of open countryside and takes the rider along some quiet country lanes, whereas the cycle tracks in Thetford Forest are a brilliant place to experience off-road cycling. There is something suitable for all, from the young family, out for a gentle bike ride, to the mountain biker, out for thrills and spills. Parking is at High Lodge, Thetford Forest, Brandon, just off the B1107. Please use postcode IP27 0AF. Details about Route 13, can be found here: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-13
https://www.komoot.com/guide/881439/cycling-around-redenhall-with-harlesto