Cycling on The Suffolk Coast

These handy cycling explorer guides feature maps and information about what you might see on your journey - download 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 a dip in the sea and an ice cream at the cafe on the beach is the perfect way to end the day's activity.

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/)

Foot ferries on the Suffolk coast

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, 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 download the timetable below, please check with the individual operator before planning your trip to avoid disappointment:

You can download Suffolk town cycle maps at the The Way to Go website: https://thewaytogosuffolk.org.uk/cycling/

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. 

Southwold Cycle Hire you has a wide range of mountain bikes and all cycles available for hire, with helmet, lock and a pump also provided as standard. Bicycles with carriers, child seats and tag-alongs are also available on request so even toddlers and young children can still see the county in the best possible way.

There is no deposit necessary, and Southwold Cycle Hire’s flexible hire scheme means that you can rent a bike for any length of time from a day, right up to two weeks. Even better, their price scheme is designed so the longer you take your bike for, the more money you save!

Book online at https://www.southwoldcyclehire.co.uk/

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. 

The world’s top cyclists will return to Suffolk in 2021 as the county hosts the final stage of the Women’s Tour between Haverhill and Felixstowe on Saturday 9 October.

It will be the first time that Suffolk, which aims to be England’s most active county, has hosted the final stage of the race since 2014.

The stage, which was set to be a part of last year’s Women’s Tour prior to its postponement due to COVID-19, was initially unveiled at the Port of Felixstowe in January 2020. Haverhill is new to the Women’s Tour while Felixstowe – which appeared in the inaugural edition of the race seven years ago – will host its first stage finish.

https://www.womenstour.co.uk/

Please see individual websites for full information and further details.

9 October 2021 - Women's Tour of Britain

15 May 2022 - RIDE Suffolk Sunrise

June 2022 - date to be confirmed  - Suffolk 100

16 July 2022 - Dunwich Dynamo