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:
(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, please note that this is last year's guide for contact information only, services may well have changed due to Covid-19 restrictions, please check with the individual operator before planning your trip to avoid disappointment: