The South Suffolk Cycle Route is one of England’s most peaceful circular rides — a 70-mile (112 km) journey through open farmland, historic villages, and quiet lanes between Sudbury, Lavenham, Kersey, and Hadleigh. Perfect for self-guided cycling holidays and outdoor adventures, it captures everything timeless about Suffolk: church spires, patchwork fields, and slow moments in local cafés and country pubs.
This is gentle cycling at its best — where time feels unhurried, landscapes unfold naturally, and the route connects some of the most beautiful parts of the county, including sections near the Dedham Vale National Landscape.
Type: Regional Circular Route
Distance: 70 miles / 112 km
Start/End: Sudbury (loop via Lavenham, Kersey, Hadleigh, Bildeston, and Long Melford)
Time Required: 2–3 days
Terrain: Quiet B-roads, country lanes, and small climbs
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate — mostly gentle with short hills
Accessibility: Easy rail access at Sudbury and nearby Bury St Edmunds — ideal for car-free cycling
Sudbury to Lavenham
Begin in the historic market town of Sudbury, following peaceful lanes north towards Lavenham. The route passes through Cavendish and Long Melford — both ideal stops for lunch or overnight stays.
Lavenham to Hadleigh
Cycle through some of Suffolk’s most picturesque countryside via Kersey and Bildeston. Expect wide views, quiet lanes, and classic East Anglian scenery — soft hills and big skies.
Hadleigh to Sudbury
The return leg passes through smaller villages, tranquil farmland, and sections close to the River Brett and Stour Valley, rounding off a perfect loop through Suffolk’s pastoral heart.
Towns & Villages: Sudbury, Lavenham, Kersey, Hadleigh, Long Melford
Accommodation: Country inns, boutique stays, and cycling-friendly B&Bs — such as The Swan in Lavenham and The Crown at Bildeston
Food & Drink: Local pubs, tea rooms, and farm cafés offering homemade Suffolk produce
Culture & Heritage: Timbered medieval towns, parish churches, local museums, and craft galleries
