Heritage Coast Encounter

Option 1 – Leave Needham Market to head out via the leaning legacies of Debenham and countless historic hamlets to friendly Framlingham, the second market town on the clock with its bustling square and 12th century castle. From here it’s a short pedal past outstretched vineyards, through rolling rural landscapes to timeless Peasenhall and Sibton – little villages with lots of character. Walpole is the next cluster of time-honoured cottages, home also to a unique historic chapel. Finally market town number three comes in to view. Halesworth, where you will spend your overnight, has recently proved itself to be an up-and-coming Suffolk ‘arty’ favourite.

Mileage: Rec 35 Min 35 Max 37

Option 2 – Nip into Norfolk for a short while today to explore the historic market town of Diss with its impressive mere, a museum housed in the former control tower of a WWII American airbase and the charming little independent shops, antique and artisan hideaways of Harleston. Back in Suffolk, with the River Waveney for company, discover the little village of Mendham on the marshes, birthplace of famous horse and hounds artist Sir Alfred Munnings which has a WWII pillbox surprisingly close to its medieval church tower. The wide valley is full of tales of priories as you pedal through the area known as ‘The Saints’ to St Peter’s South Elmham and a fascinating place which looks like a moated monastery and turns out to be nothing of the sort, although it is home to a famous brewery, offering tours, a shop and tearooms. Finally enjoy some gentle terrain through wide arable landscapes to arrive in the upcoming, arty, yet time-honoured market town of Halesworth.

Mileage: Rec 35 Min 35 Max 37

Today, it’s time to answer the call of the coast by heading east, past the post mill at Holton on the outskirts of Halesworth and on to the refined greens, white lighthouse, tasteful pier and brewery delights of Southwold. Lean up your bike against a canon on Gun Hill perhaps, look out to sea and share more sobering thoughts about the Battle of Sole Bay. Across the creek and on through the fishing village of Walberswick, there’s a shady forest ride and glorious heathland close to the clifftops at Dunwich. If you’re up for it, why not go off-road to the RSPB’s famous bird reserve at Minsmere? The choice is yours, but either way, your route will lead you to the delightful village of Westleton where you’ll be nestling down for the night.

Mileage: Rec 24 Min 23 Max 29

The return route meanders almost as much as the famous redbrick crinkle-crankle wall in the thatched estate village of Easton. Two Bells, a Crown and three White Horses mark the way back, signs that sleepy Suffolk villages are still very much alive and welcoming. Stop for a pint perhaps or delight in a banquet of local herbaceous border colour at Helmingham Hall, before returning to Needham Market.

Please note: Framlingham with its fine castle can be included on day four with little impact on the mileages.

Mileage: Rec 34 Min 34 Max 38