Enjoy two outdoor activities in one event on this sociable, guided bike ride, incorporating one or two short swims in the river, following an interactive safety briefing. It’s an opportunity to immerse fully in and experience the river, to take in its sights and sounds, and to enjoy a leisurely cycle ride (at the pace of the slowest). Half of the cycle ride will be off-road, and there is some practical information about this below.
Our event leader will share some of the history of the river and river recreation with stories collected in our Tales from the River project, at a couple of stops. The swim cycle will take longer than half a day, so bring lunch and snacks and there will be time to eat along the way.
When: Tuesday 19th August
Where: Brandon Staunch, Brandon
WhatThreeWords///overheard.threaten.skips
Google Maps
Time: 10am - 2.30pm (approximate finish time)
Distance: 12.5 miles/ 20 km
Cost: Fully funded with thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund
Booking: Booking required.
Further Information:
Cycling: Please bring your own bicycle and helmet. Half of the ride is on the road. Half is off-road, on firm tracks which can be done on a road bike but is much easier on wider tyres such as a hybrid bike.
Cycling conditions: The terrain is mixed, with some good roads and some tracks that will be generally firm but potentially gravelly in places. There might be very short stretches that are sandy, in which case some people might need to walk. We will regroup at intervals to keep everyone together. The entry points to swim locations have gradual slopes into the water. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact: bfer.admin@suffolk.gov.uk
Swimming:
Participants taking part in the outdoor swimming during the walk will do so at their own risk. There will be no bathing water quality testing, lifeguarding or supervision, and people will be responsible for their own safety, and that of any vulnerable or dependent people in their care. It is open to adults and those aged 13 and above who can swim and have some experience of swimming outdoors. Information on safety and risks will be provided in advance and in an interactive briefing on the day. For those who would like to take part but have no experience of outdoor swimming, Introduction to Outdoor Swimming sessions will be held on Sunday 3 August. Find out more on the Brecks Outdoor Festival programme: https://brecks.org/brecks-outdoor-festival/
Facilities: Café and toilet facilities are available at Brandon Leisure Centre, a 5 minute walk away.
Transport: The closest bus stop is located adjacent the Brandon Tesco, approximately 10 minutes walk away, with bus routes from Bury, and Thetford. For information on bus times, visit bustimes.org
Brandon train station is located 20 minutes walk away, with trains from Thetford, Norwich, and Cambridge.
Free parking is available on the approach to Brandon Staunch. Overflow parking is also available at Brandon Leisure Centre (Church Rd, Brandon, IP27 0JB)
