The Norfolk Mardle 100

102 km cycling event starting from Norwich. Control at Harleston, plus 4 information controls

The start is in the centre of historic Norwich, opposite Elm Hill, at The Glasshouse (Wetherspoons). From here you will navigate south out of the city and will soon be in rolling countryside heading towards Loddon. Turning south on quiet roads through Bungay towards Harleston, the midway point of the ride. The route back to HQ takes you west through Attleborough then north back to Norwich.

Mardle is a traditional Norfolk dialect word meaning a friendly, informal chat or gossip, usually between neighbours or acquaintances. It comes from Old English and is closely tied to rural village life, where people would “have a mardle” while meeting at the gate, the shop, or on a walk. The word suggests a conversation that is unhurried, sociable, and local, rather than serious or business-like.

A Women in Audax Event A major initiative for Audax UK’s 50th anniversary year in 2026 is a programme of “50:50@50” events. They are promoting these designated events within their normal calendar to try to get at least 50% women entrants, but they are open to everyone regardless of gender. Most of these are shorter distance Brevet Populaires (50-150km) as a good introduction for newcomers and a stepping stone to future longer events. This event is a 50:50@50 event, please enter and encourage a female friend, clubmate, relative or partner to enter too.

Origin of Event This event was originally devised by Sue Gatehouse and Keith Harrison. Under the banner ‘Norfolk n Good Audax’, Sue and Keith ran audax events out of Norwich for 18 years. They originally started because they wanted to revive the Seething 600 event, which was popular in the 80’s and 90’s, and went on to host events throughout Norfolk – never running the same route twice!

Along the route

Key: Cafe Convenience Store Restaurant Service Station Supermarket

Loddon is a small market town located in the South Norfolk district of Norfolk. The town lies along the River Chet, providing picturesque riverside views and contributing to its tranquil atmosphere. Although Loddon is a relatively small town, it serves as a key local hub for nearby villages and the surrounding countryside.
Co-op  Rosy Lee’s  The Angel Inn

Bungay is a charming market town in Norfolk, close to the border with Suffolk. Bungay has medieval roots and was once an important local centre. Its most famous landmark is Bungay Castle, a Norman fortress built in the 12th century by the powerful Bigod family. Though now a ruin, it remains a striking reminder of the town’s past. The town is also known for the legend of the Black Dog of Bungay, said to have appeared during a violent storm in 1577 — a story still told locally today.
Bigods Kitchen  Bungay Shopper  Buttercross Garden Cafe  Co-op  Earsham Street Cafe

Harleston is a small, attractive market town in south Norfolk, close to the Suffolk border and about 15 miles south of Norwich. It’s known for its elegant Georgian buildings, independent shops, and relaxed rural atmosphere.
Budgens  Co-op  Corner Café  Soul Café  The Broken Egg Café

Attleborough is a small market town located in the county of Norfolk, in the East of England. The town is home to several historic buildings and landmarks, including old farmhouses, listed buildings, and rural estates. Nearby attractions include the Norfolk Broads to the east, Thetford Forest to the southwest.
Café Grey  Coffeesmiths  Costcutter  Sainsbury’s  The Hideout  Woody’s

Deopham Green is a small rural settlement in the civil parish of Deopham, in South Norfolk. Deopham Green is not a large village with a distinct centre, but part of the larger Deopham settlement, which is linear in form and made up of distinct hamlets/areas such as Deopham Green itself, Low Common and Coldham Green.

Wymondham is an idyllic market town in South Norfolk with a picturesque marketplace, intriguing shops, medieval lanes, ancient meadows, museum, steam train station and the magnificent Wymondham Abbey, all within a few minutes’ walk between each spot. It also has a Waitrose!
Co-op  One Stop  The Hideout  The Lemon Tree Café  Waitrose

Norwich has a very long history, dating back over 1,000 years. In the Middle Ages it was one of England’s largest and wealthiest cities, driven by trade, particularly in wool. This legacy is still visible today with Norwich Cathedral (founded in 1096) dominating the skyline with its spire and cloisters, the original Norman castle keep and more medieval churches than any other city in England outside London.
No33 in the Park  The Fat Cat  The Glass House

Key Information

Facilities

	GPS files available from organiser		Mudguards required
	Parking at start		Free or reasonably priced refreshments at start and/or finish
	Toilets at start		E-Brevet is available

E-Brevet

Enter this event on the Audax UK website, then sometime before the start download the E-Brevet for this ride, set the Brevet Code on your E-Brevet App to 26-1012 and then click Download Brevet.

Comprehensive details on how to use E-Brevet can be found on the Audax UK E-Brevet homepage.

Route Detail