Even more Unsurfaced Swaffham

[mjr]

The recent copy of Cycle promoted an "Unsurfaced Swaffham" ride https://www.cyclinguk.org/route/weekender-Swaffham

I think only a third of that is off-road (according to uploading it to cycle.travel and forcing it to match). Even a gravel-hater like me can see how to replace bits of unnecessary tarmac with some gravel and stone roads with stunning views and great cafe and pub stop opportunities, especially along the north side of the loop, so I propose to you "Even More Unsurfaced Swaffham" at https://cycle.travel/map/journey/298711 where two-thirds is off-road.

Main changes:
• Use the direct bridleways out of Swaffham instead of a few miles of tarmac;
• Less direct but more off-road entry to King's Lynn through woodlands and past a ruined church;
• Replace the Sandringham-Anmer-Peddars Way long dull tarmac section with scenic sand tracks linking to Bircham Windmill;
• Leave Peddars Way before a usually-flooded bit and a few miles of fast-car-infested tarmac and take quiet gravel farm roads (byways/bridleways) linking Great Massingham and West Lexham instead.

The sections through Reffley Woods and Wootton Carr are legally footpaths, although most of it is forest roads used by cyclists and I've never seen any complaint but please don't be reckless because dog walkers are around. I've not ridden part of the exit from South Acre yet but I'm pretty sure it's OK: if in doubt, the Cycling UK direct tarmac shortcut isn't awful, but it seems a shame not to ride the drove roads.

Share and enjoy!