Thanks to its delicately-curved topography, Suffolk attracts cyclists at all levels and from all over the world. The stunning coastline, charming villages and expansive countryside, are perfectly explored by bike. An added bonus is that we have one of the lowest rainfalls in the country!
Cycling in the north of Suffolk
The region is cris-crossed by a network of long distance routes – ideal to dip in to on short breaks or to really explore on longer holidays. The National Cycle Network National Route 51 (from Colchester to Hull) guides cyclists through some of the finest parts of the region, including attractive towns, picturesque villages and peaceful countryside.
Cyclists stop off for a drop of fuel at The Oyster Inn
For shorter jaunts, look to circular routes, The Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route is a signposted circular 88 mile route, while the Heart of Suffolk Cycle Route (a 78 mile signposted circular route) reveals some beautiful countryside.
Throughout the summer, foot and cycle ferries carry passengers along the coast at Orford, Bawdsey and Felixstowe (continuing on to Harwich and Shotley). And further north, a foot ferry crosses the Blyth between Walberswick and Southwold.
For those with young cyclists in the family, inland heaths and forests can be explored by bike along a network of cycle routes. Suffolk has an unparalleled network of quiet country lanes, bridleways and RUPPs (roads used as public path) cris-crossing the forests, heaths and fields.
East of England Tourism has developed a range of circular Cycling Discovery Maps of between 13 and 30 miles (21 and 48 kilometres). These wind through agricultural land and along unspoilt coastline, visiting historic market towns and picturesque villages.
The map packs are available from Tourist Information Centres, libraries and similar outlets across the Suffolk Coast.
Peaceful countryside dotted with picturesque villages & bustling market towns. Sea views & beaches; rivers & estuaries; bird & nature reserves; forests & heathlands; castles & museums; historic abbeys & churches; waterfront teashops & country pubs. Visit a local vineyard & a brewery. Check out events from farmer’s markets to medieval pageants. This packs contains all the information you will need, together with top quality mapping from four separate OS ‘Landranger’ and ‘Explorer’ maps. So much to see and so many ways to enjoy this route.
You can ride the main circular route featured in this guide in 2-4 days staying overnight along the way, or you may prefer a centre-based holiday, using the shortcuts and detours to make day rides, including parts of the main route.
If you are looking for off-road tracks or traffic-free routes to ride with the family then you can use the separate forest maps included, following the highlighted routes: For example you could camp in the centre of Rendlesham Forest and from there make day rides as far as Snape Maltings or Sutton Hoo, almost entirely off road. You could even have the whole trip arranged for you by one of the cycle hire from one of the companies listed in this guide.
For those who appreciate a little assistance there is now an innovative cycle hire operation offering electrically-assisted bikes, which covers most areas on the route. By arrangement these bikes can be collected and dropped off at various places and there are also charging points available at convenient locations.
Happy cycling!