BICYCLE TOURS & MOUNTAIN BIKING

Castles, Cliffs and Constable

Suffolk is also blessed with 50 miles of seashore, much of it protected by the National Trust, most of it entirely unspoiled. This coastline and the salt marshes and heathland that lie behind it are haunting and beautiful, a haven for a wide variety of birdlife. For the cyclist, there is an unsurpassed network of almost traffic-free country lanes that criss-cross the rolling countryside. The scenery is full of interest but presents no more than a moderate challenge to even an occasional cyclist. Add to this probably the driest climate in the UK and you can see why Suffolk is absolutely ideal cycling country.

Tour Details

Day 1:
Arrive at Needham Market, explore the area and spend your first night in this small market town.

Day 2:
An excellent day's ride through Debenham, a pretty village with its overhanging houses and antique shops, Saxtead Green's beautifully restored 18th century post mill and into Framlingham. Here you stay the night with time to visit the massive castle in this lovely old market town. (Rec 26: Min 25: Max 41 miles.)

Day 3:
Visit vineyards where you can taste Suffolk wine and cycle on to reach the coast. At Covehithe you reach the unspoiled heritage coast. You travel down the coast to Southwold for the night. (Rec 23: Min 22: Max 32 miles.)

Day 4:
A relaxing day in Southwold, a delightful seaside resort built on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea. With narrow streets and spacious greens surrounded by cottages in flint, brick and color wash, Southwold is full of contrasts over looked by the lighthouse which stands gleaming white in the center of the town.

Day 5:
From Southwold, you journey down the coast to the lost city of Dunwich, across heather clad Dunwich Heath, through the RSPB reserve at Minsmere and on to the elegant seaside town of Aldeburgh for the night. (Rec 21: Min 21: Max 28 miles.)

Day 6:
Going inland to find river crossings, visit the Maltings at Snape, home of the Aldeburgh Festival, climb to the top of dramatic Orford Castle, reach the tip of Orford Ness at quiet and beautiful Shingle Street, visit Sutton Hoo the site of the Anglo-Saxon treasure ship burial and cycle down into the market town of Woodbridge for the night. (Rec 37: Min 16: Max 43 miles.)

Day 7:
Winding through Suffolk lanes you'll pass through the villages of Little Bealings, Tuddenham, Claydon to name a few - each with its own character, church and village inn. You'll explore Kersey with its quaint houses and water-splash before reaching your night's stop in Hadleigh an attractive market town with fine old buildings and quiet riverside walks. (Rec 24: Min 24: Max 34 miles.)

Day 8:
From Hadleigh you head into the heart of 'Constable Country'. Explore East Bergholt his birthplace, Flatford Mill where a guided tour visits seven scenes painted by Constable including `The Haywain' and Stoke by Nayland whose church tower, visible from miles around, featured in many of his paintings. You may wish to visit the antique shops at Long Melford before finishing the day in Lavenham. (Rec 28: Min 11: Max 33 miles.)

Day 9:
Spend the morning exploring Lavenham, before a gentle ride back to Needham Market, again through pretty villages, with options to visit Gifford's Hall Vineyard and the Museum of East Anglian Life at Stowmarket. (Rec 23: Min 16: Max 40 miles.)