Rebellion Way

Rebellion Way is a 373km/232-mile cycling adventure around Norfolk. Meandering along a mix of quiet, mostly flat back roads, byways, cycle paths and bridleways under huge panoramic skies, it’s a fantastic introduction to multi-day, on- and off-road adventuring for anyone.

What’s in a name?

While Norfolk is now known for its relaxed, timeless, pastoral charm, the cycle route’s name reflects the county’s fascinatingly turbulent history from the Iron Age onwards, commemorating two iconic rebellions led by warrior queen Boudicca and Norfolk landowner Robert Kett.

Boudicca has been a famous cultural symbol since she led a revolt against Roman rule almost 2,000 years ago. Heading out of Norwich, Rebellion Way passes by Venta Icenorum, the capital of Boudicca’s Iceni tribe, where you can see remains of the settlement to this day. The route also takes in sections of Boudicca Way, where it is accessible by cycle.

On the return leg, the route passes Kett’s Heights, a key location in Kett’s Rebellion. This was a revolt in Norfolk in response to land enclosure. Beginning in Wymondham in July 1549, rebels began to destroy fences placed by wealthy landowners.

The group targeted Robert Kett who, instead of fighting the rebels, joined their cause and offered to lead them. The rebellion grew to number 10,000 people who marched on Norwich, later storming and taking the city.