Worstead and Hickling loop from Sea Palling

The route is predominantly flat and ideal for touring cycling. You'll find about 42.0 km of asphalt and 14.4 km of other paved surfaces, with very little unpaved sections. This makes for a smooth ride through the Broads National Park.

The Worstead and Hickling loop is approximately 57.1 km (35.5 miles) long. On average, it takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete, though this can vary depending on your pace and stops.

You'll experience the classic Norfolk Broads landscape with wide open skies, extensive reedbeds, and unspoilt woodland. The route offers far-reaching views across the northern Broads, including picturesque vistas over the marshes and the open water of Hickling Broad. Starting from Sea Palling, you'll also see a unique coastline with offshore reefs.

Key highlights include the largest of the Broads, Hickling Broad Visitor Centre, which is excellent for wildlife spotting. You'll also pass by the unique coastline of Sea Palling Beach and the beautiful East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens.

The Broads National Park is rich in wildlife. Around Hickling Broad, look out for marsh harriers, great crested grebes, and various winter wildfowl. The coastal section near Sea Palling offers opportunities to spot seals and terns.

While Komoot classifies it as a 'moderate bike ride' requiring 'good fitness' due to its length, the generally flat landscape makes it suitable for all skill levels, including families, if you're comfortable with the distance. The paved surfaces also contribute to an easier ride.

The Broads National Park is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the best weather for cycling and wildlife viewing. Autumn provides stunning colours, while winter can be great for spotting migratory birds, though it can be colder and windier.

You can typically find parking in Sea Palling, which serves as an excellent starting point for this loop. Check local signage for specific parking regulations and fees.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for cycling on public rights of way within the Broads National Park. However, some private attractions or nature reserves along the route, like the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Hickling Broad and Marshes nature reserve, may have their own entry fees or specific regulations for access.

While the route itself is generally accessible, specific sections, especially within nature reserves like the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Hickling Broad and Marshes, may have restrictions or require dogs to be on a lead to protect sensitive wildlife, particularly ground-nesting birds. Always check local signage.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Regional Cycle Route 30 and the Two Rivers Cycle Route, offering opportunities to extend your ride or explore other areas of the Broads National Park.