Plans for a network of cycle ways and footpaths linking up large parts of the Broads have been unveiled.

Eastern Daily Press: Wroxham bridge.Picture: James BassWroxham bridge.Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2014)

Under the scheme, routes for cyclists and walkers will be built to connect Wroxham with Potter Heigham – a distance of around ten miles.

The network is intended to open up the waterways – one of the region's major tourist attractions - to more visitors, ensuring they can be enjoyed more fully by those without boats.

The first leg will be from Wroxham and Hoveton to Horning. A £1m project linking the two areas is expected to be completed by next summer.

The Broads are already enjoyed by many on boats but the Three Rivers Way route will allow more people – both local and tourists – to jump on their bikes or take a stroll and enjoy the scenic waterways.

The routes will bring improved travel to work, schools and shops for those living in the area and the local economy will benefit through increased spending by tourists and the linking of businesses.

Cyclists already navigate routes along the national park with the Broads holding the third Tour De Broads event in August – which is expecting more than 2,000 riders to take part.

Peter Howe of Three Rivers Way Association said: 'This is truly fantastic news for the Three Rivers Way Association and for the area.

'We have been working on this project for around 10 years, so it is hard to believe that we have been successful at last.

'It's a much-needed improvement that will allow people to get out into the countryside.'

And The Three Rivers Way project has been given a boost after it was awarded £715,000 from the Government's Cycling Ambition in National Parks initiative – which has been given to four other national parks to help develop new cycling facilities.

This has been supported with further funding totalling £257,000 from Norfolk County Council and the Broads Authority.

Mr Howe added: 'It will bring more focus on completion of the whole Three Rivers Way, but it also recognises that investment in cycling is needed in rural areas, as well as cities.'

Do you have a story about the Broads? Email reporter rosa.mcmahon@archant.co.uk