The Suffolk Coast is a cyclist's dream, offering a mix of rugged beauty, serene landscapes, and charming villages. While the smooth tarmac roads are a delight, it's the off-road trails that truly immerse you in the area's natural splendour.
Things to doPlaces to eatWhere to stayWhether you're a seasoned gravel grinder or just looking to venture off the beaten path, Suffolk's coastal region has something special for every off-road enthusiast. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots to enjoy off-road cycling on the Suffolk Coast.
Rendlesham Forest
Rendlesham Forest is a must-visit for any off-road cyclist exploring the Suffolk Coast. This expansive woodland offers a network of trails, ranging from gentle family-friendly routes to more challenging paths for experienced riders.
The forest's varied terrain includes sandy tracks, gravel paths, and wooded trails, making it an ideal spot for honing your off-road skills. For those interested in a bit of mystery, the forest is also famous for the Rendlesham UFO incident, and you can follow the UFO trail as part of your ride.
Click here for more information on Rendlesham Forest.
Tunstall Forest
Just a short ride from Rendlesham, Tunstall Forest offers a wilder and more rugged off-road experience. This forest is particularly popular with mountain bikers, thanks to its mix of singletrack trails, sandy sections, and undulating terrain. The trails here are less groomed than in Rendlesham, offering a more adventurous ride.
Fancy a challenge? The Viking Trail is a 10 mile, single track mountain bike trail beginning from Tunstall's Sandgalls car park in the north of the forest.
The Viking Trail's roots trace back to the motorcycle enduro events that were once held in the forest. Since then, the trail has been expanded and improved by the Tunstall and Rendlesham Off-road Group (TROG). Ongoing maintenance efforts include installing hidden drainage systems and constructing technical features for more experienced riders, all while preserving the ‘essence of Tunstall.’ The focus remains on maintaining the trail's natural feel, with minimal use of imported materials.
Click here for more information about The Viking Trail.
Tunstall Forest is also part of the Sandlings Walk, a long-distance footpath that you can incorporate into a longer off-road cycling route.
Click here for more information on Tunstall Forest.
The Sandlings Walk
For those looking for a longer adventure, the Sandlings Walk offers a fantastic off-road experience. This 60-mile (97 km) trail runs from Ipswich to Southwold, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes on the Suffolk Coast.
While parts of the walk are on footpaths, much of it follows bridleways and byways that are ideal for cycling. The route takes you through heathlands, forests, and coastal marshes, providing a truly immersive experience in Suffolk’s natural beauty.
Click here for the GPS route of the Sandlings Walk.
Blyth Estuary
The Blyth Estuary, located near
Southwold, offers a scenic and relatively flat off-road cycling experience. The trails here are a mix of gravel paths and grassy tracks, winding along the estuary and through surrounding marshlands. The views across the water are stunning, particularly at sunrise or sunset, and the area is rich in birdlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
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