Eastlife Spring 2021

A Breath of Fresh Air
East Anglia’s best outdoor exercises
Written by Phoebe Taylor | www.phoebegracetaylor.journoportfolio.com
East Anglia is packed with exciting activities to do year-round! From UFO trails and gentle
rambles to adrenaline-pumping kitesurfing and competitive rowing, here’s your guide to the
region’s best outdoor exercises.
Bedfordshire
Canoe along the Great Ouse
During summer, there are several
options to rent a canoe or kayak in
Bedford city centre. While these tend
to close for the winter season, paddling
through this historic market town into
woodland and countryside is just as
charming in cooler months too. If you
have a vessel of your own, it’s worth
making the trip.
If you don’t have your own boat, you
can still get on the water. Head to Priory
Sailing Club, a calm lake where you can
hire gear and take lessons.
Norfolk
Embrace pedal power
Norfolk is threaded with breezy bike
rides. If you’re looking for adventure,
head to Thetford Forest (mountain bike
recommended) to explore trails through
sprawling pine forest and heathland.
Bonus: you’ll often see more wildlife on
a bike than on foot, such as the forest’s
shaggy wild ponies.
Blow any cobwebs away by taking a
ride along the Norfolk Coast Cycleway.
Break up your journey with a boat ride
to see seal pups at Blakeney Point, and
(when COVID allows) a pub stop along
the route for a steaming hot bowl of
fresh local mussels.
Cambridgeshire
Row your boat
Rowing isn’t just for Cambridge Blues;
oar-mad Cambridge city is one of the
best places to try this exhilarating sport.
Clubs along the River Cam cater to
all abilities, from semi-pro scullers to
complete beginners.
If rowing in a team isn’t your cup of tea,
the Cam offers plenty of opportunity
for solo recreation. Punt through town,
a surprisingly effective arm workout,
or kayak along the much quieter
Grantchester Meadows stretch, where
you can even take a dip if you’re feeling
brave.
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