Cycling Discovery Maps
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The region has thousands of miles of quiet country lanes and roads to explore. To help you, East of England Tourism has developed a range of circular Cycling Discovery Maps of between 13 and
30 miles (21 and 48 kilometres). These wind through agricultural land and along unspoilt coastline, visiting historic market towns and picturesque villages.
Click here to see a map of the region showing the locations of the Cycling Discovery Maps.
All maps are free - and contain route directions, short cuts, places to visit and refreshment stops.
Please note: these maps are in pdf format, and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print.
No part of these maps may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.
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Route 1: The Great Ouse
Starting point: Bedford, Bedfordshire.
Distance: 25 miles/40 kilometres (or with short cut, 20 miles/32 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads, cycle paths and tracks.
This cycle ride starts from the peaceful setting of the Priory Country Park. From here the route follows the banks of the River Great Ouse into the market town of Bedford, where The Embankment is one of England's finest river settings. Then it's northwards into the Ouse Valley, past ancient limestone villages, over medieval river bridges and through stretches of wide open countryside.
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Route 2: The Thatcher's Way
Starting point: Bedford, Bedfordshire.
Distance: 24 miles/37 kilometres (or with short cut, 19 miles/30 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads, cycle paths and tracks.
This cycle ride starts from the peaceful setting of the Priory Country Park. From here the route heads south into an area of rich, rolling countryside. Alongside the wooded slopes of The Greensand Ridge, the ancient art of thatching is kept alive in enchanting picture book villages, such as
Swiss-style Old Warden and Ickwell with its maypole.
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Route 3: Apples and Ale
Starting point: Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.
Distance: 13 miles/21 kilometres (or with short cut, 11 miles/18 kilometres).
Type of route: easy, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from the busy market town of Wisbech, the capital of the surrounding Fens. From here the route heads west into rich farmland, past waterways, ancient sea banks and tiny Fenland villages, which are surrounded by hundreds of acres of orchards. In springtime these are enriched with the colour and scent of blossom, and in autumn, by delicious fruit.
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Route 4: Katherine's Wheels
Starting point: Grafham Water (nr. St. Neots), Cambridgeshire.
Distance: 15 miles/24 kilometres (or with short cut, 12 miles/19 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads and tracks.
This cycle ride starts from the peaceful setting of Grafham Water, the third largest man-made reservoir in Britain. From here the route follows in the footsteps of royalty, through rich farming land and interesting villages which border the final two residences of Queen Katherine of Aragon. Henry VIII confined her at Buckden Towers from 1533-1534, prior to the annulment of their marriage.
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Route 5: Cutlers' Way
Starting point: Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex/Hertfordshire borders.
Distance: 29 miles/47 kilometres (or with short cut, 22 miles/35 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from the historic village of Stansted Mountfichet. From here the route heads east, into an attractive landscape of gently rolling countryside. Explore quiet narrow lanes leading to pretty hamlets and villages, with thatched and tiled houses set around greens and ponds. Stop off at the town of Thaxted - noted for its 15th C. Guildhall.
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Route 6: Two Rivers' Way
Starting point: Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex.
Distance: 25 miles/40 kilometres (or with short cut, 12 miles/19 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads.
This cycle ride starts from one of England's leading yachting centres, Burnham-on-Crouch. From here the route heads north to explore the Dengie Peninsula, situated between the Rivers Blackwater and Crouch. Here, under a backcloth of sky, saltmarsh and water, are weather-boarded villages and tiny sailing hamlets. Much of the countryside was reclaimed by man from the sea.
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Route 7: The Witchfinder's Way
Starting point: Harwich, Essex.
Distance: 26 miles/41 kilometres (or with short cut, 21 miles/34 kilometres).
Type of route: moderate, circular; on roads and cycle paths.
This cycle ride starts from the town of Harwich, famous for its seafaring history and heritage. From here the route heads through rolling countryside and picturesque villages, to the little port of Mistley, haunt of Matthew Hopkins - 'The Witchfinder General'. From 1645-46, he was employed to hunt out the area's witches. The route returns to Harwich via the River Stour with its views.
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Route 21: The View Finder Trail
Starting point: Colchester, Essex.
Distance: 17½ miles/28 kilometres.
Type of route: moderate, circular (with linear stretch to Wivenhoe); on roads and cycle paths.
This cycle ride starts from Britain's oldest recorded town - Colchester. From here the route heads east following the River Colne to Wivenhoe, before returning to the town to take in various viewpoints and vistas. At ten of these locations, a sign has been placed depicting the view. These have the appearance of a typical road sign, but are in fact handmade paintings by artist Michael Goodey.
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