Cycling on The Suffolk Coast

Cycling Explorer Guides

These handy cycling explorer guides feature maps and information about what you might see on your journey - print the PDF and take it with you.

We've picked a couple of our favourites, and have included some well-known drinking and eating spots to stop at along the way...

Dunwich and Minsmere

The route commences at Dunwich, and if you're planning an early start, breakfast at The Ship is sure to set you on your way. Serving traditional breakfast including local Blythburgh pork sausages, eggs, kippers and freshly made omelettes.  Upon arrival at Westleton, pop into The Westleton Crown for a pot of tea or lunch, before heading on to RSPB Minsmere to spot some of the UK's rarest wildlife.  Carrying on to Greyfriars Priory, sit amongst the ruins for a perfect picnic spot, or continue back to Dunwich where an ice cream at the cafe on the beach awaits you.

Snape and Orford

Starting at Snape Maltings, you're spoilt for choice for places to 'fill your boots'; Cafe 1885 serves an all-day brunch whilst the Granary Tea Shop serves teas, coffees and cakes. If a picnic is what you fancy, stop by the Fresh Food Pantry or Food Hall to pick up award-winning local produce that you can nibble along the way.

After a quick snack stop and wander around St Botolph's Church, continue on to Orford. After exploring the castle, make your way to the quay for a picnic or visit the Crown and Castle where lunch dishes include Home-potted brown shrimps and Pump Street granary toast and Orford-landed skate, sautéed grapes & almonds, spinach and new potatoes.

Download the maps from the links below:

• Rendlesham Forest and Shingle Street Explorer
• Dunwich and Minsmere Cycle Explorer
• Snape and Orford Cycle Explorer
• Woodbridge and Waldringfield Cycle Explorer
• Alton Water and Pin Mill Cycle Explorer

(Some of the guides are available to purchase from Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB - find out more here: https://www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/visiting/visitor-guides/cycle-guides/)

When exploring The Suffolk Coast by bike, you will more than likely come across a river or stream. Thanks to the Foot Ferries in Walberswick, Butley, Bawdsey and Harwich though, your cycle ride needn't come to an end!

Every year, the ferries enable hundreds of walkers and cyclists to explore the region, and it's estimated that by taking the four ferries, you save over 75 miles of travel on the roads.

For more information, check out our guide to the Four Foot Ferries of The Suffolk Coast, or click here to download the timetable:

You can download Suffolk town cycle maps at the SuffolkonBoard website: https://www.suffolkonboard.com/cycle

For leisure and themed routes including churches, copses and country lanes, a painter's trail and a brewery tour, plus many more, click here: https://www.discoversuffolk.org.uk

These routes are generally off-road or along quiet roads. The network is managed by Sustrans, the national sustainable transport charity.

Suffolk is home to two National Cycle Network routes:

• Cycle Route 1 is the main north/south route through Suffolk, travelling all the way from Stratford St Mary to Beccles, before entering Norfolk 
• Cycle Route 51 goes west/east, travelling from Cambridge to Felixstowe. 

Why not try a supported, gentle cycling holiday along the Suffolk Coast?  Cycle Breaks are specialists in self-guided cycling holidays and bike tours.  They will arrange your accommodation, luggage transportation, quality bike hire (or bring your own), along with delightful routes along quiet country lanes and mechanical assistance on call to give you peace of mind. Or if you'd like to hire bikes during your visit then make sure you get in touch with Southwold Cycle Hire, they'll cater for the whole family! 

Please note that due to COVID-19, these cycle events may not be taking place in 2020. Please see individual websites for further details.

10th June 2020 - OVO Energy Women's Tour of Britain

4th & 5th July 2020 - Dunwich Dynamo 

8th August 2020 - Crafted Classique

6th - 13th September 2020 (route to be announced) - OVO Energy Tour of Britain

18th October 2020 - Suffolk Ride 100