8th June 2025 - Ride out to Bircham Windmill - Dave Cusdin

Summer is officially here so nine riders were greeted by cold, cloudy and blustery conditions for a short sojourn to Bircham Windmill. Taking the direct route would have us at our destination in less than 30 minutes so we added on a few miles to ensure that we arrived after the mill had opened. So, splitting into 2 groups, we journeyed via Castle Acre, Litcham, Tittleshall, Fakenham, the Creakes, past the CITB into the Birchams and onto the mill, close to 50 miles. The roads were clear of traffic and apart from the recent rain-washed detritus were mostly dry and a pleasure to navigate.

We arrived around 1020 and as the mill was relatively quiet, we were served quickly, I was delighted to be informed that the coffee could be refilled for free, the lads were delighted at the size of the pastries.

Bircham windmill was built in 1846 and worked until the 1920s when the sails were removed and the tower abandoned. It was bought by the current owner in a very dilapidated state. Initially the two adjoining cottages were renovated. Then, because the mill was dangerous, with timber falling from the top, it was decided to put a new cap on and restoration began. The cap went up in 1979, followed by the sails in 1981. The interior of the mill was also restored, with three floors being completely replaced and all the machinery and stones gathered from farm sales and other derelict mills. The mill is now fully restored and in working order. Visitors can climb to the very top and go out on the fan deck. They have a well-stocked bakery and the café sells a variety of cakes and pastries. Steve, the owner is a keen biker who currently owns a BMW GS1300 but we won’t hold that against him. Post victuals the usual bomb burst home took place from a local destination, beating the forecasted drizzle and allowing sufficient time to clean the bikes, well for some of us anyway. Until the next time Cheers Dave C