Walking and Cycling

It is recommended by medical professionals that adults get 150 minutes of exercise per week (just 30 minutes per day over five days). Walking and cycling are excellent ways to achieve this, sometimes without even realising it!

Walking from The Oaks

There is an abundance of green space to explore in the local area, as well as local amenities on your doorstep. Your local Lidl supermarket is only a 5-minute walk away, selling all your essentials. If you are after a day out, you can find Thorpe Marshes within a 40-minute walk from your new home. Thorpe Marshes is a 25-hectare nature reserve east of Norwich. It is managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. This site has a lake called St Andrew’s Broad, which hosts water birds such as great crested grebes, cormorants, tufted ducks, gadwalls and grey herons. Find out more here.

Leisure Day Trips

The Broads National Park is one of the most popular destinations for leisure day trips and holidays. With great food, exciting attractions and stunning sceneries, it’s no surprise that people come back year after year. Other than hiring day boats for your Norfolk boat trips, there are also walking trails around the Broads National Park, perfect for a picnic, dog walking or a waterside walk. Find out more here.

There are so many benefits to walking;

• Can help improve your mood and wellbeing;
• Lowers the risk of high blood pressure and chronic diseases;
• Your concentration and creativity could improve; and
• Helps maintain body weight and strengthen joints.

Some useful websites and apps for walking:

• Discover Norfolk – The Discover Norfolk website has suggested walking routes across the county. There is also an app for iOS and Android devices.
• treekly.org – Turn your footsteps into forests with this app. Walk 5,000 steps per day over 5 days each week and Treekly will plant a tree! Available as a free iOS and Android app.
• Brundall Parkrun – Why not join Brundall Parkrun at 9am on Saturday mornings? A free 5km walk, run or jog around Brundall Countryside Park. Or find more Parkruns around Norwich here.

Cycling in the area

Cycling is a great option for commuting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as well as visiting the local sites and amenities within your area. Did you know that in just a 25-minute cycle from The Oaks, you will find yourself in Norwich city centre? But don’t stop there, Norwich is surrounded by green spaces; perfect for a ride out. Marriott’s Way for example, is part of the National Cycling Route 1, running from Dover to the Highlands of Scotland, and passing through Norfolk. Visit norwich.gov.uk or download Norwich’s cycling map here. Take a look at the local area map within your travel pack for more information.

Cycle to work schemes

Does your employer have a cycle to work scheme? There are many different schemes available, but all allow for a tax deduction and can be paid through your salary. By using one of the schemes you can receive a bicycle (including E-bikes) and cycling equipment to a range of values, and could save up to 39%. Speak to your employer soon and don’t miss out on these great savings!

Some useful websites and apps:

• Cycle Streets – CycleStreets is a really useful tool to plan out your cycle journey, offering fast and quiet routes, as well as showing CO2 avoided and calories burnt.
• We are Cycling UK – We Are Cycling UK is the biggest UK cycling charity. Learn more about courses, groups and upcoming cycling events in your local area.
• Sustrans – Sustrans are a UK based charity who aim to encourage walking and cycling. On their website you can find information, tips, and advice.

Have you tried an E-bike yet? Electric bikes are becoming more popular, especially for those that have a little further to commute or need slightly more assistance when cycling. The beauty of an E-bike is the motor that will help you propel along, easing the exhaustion when arriving to your destination. Prices of electric bikes and the range of their batteries can vary. If you would like to try an electric bike, why not consider renting one from Halfords or Beryl?