The Suffolk Coastal Cycle Route is a long-distance circular route following quiet roads and waymarked sections of Regional Cycle Route 41 and the National Cycle Network along the Suffolk coast. It links Felixstowe, the Deben Peninsula, Orford, Snape, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness, Dunwich and the Heritage Coast, looping inland via market towns such as Woodbridge and Framlingham.
Much of the ride passes through the Suffolk Coast & Heaths National Landscape, with estuaries, reedbeds, heathland, and wildlife reserves on almost every stage. Riders follow a mix of coastal lanes, riverside approaches, and inland loops, with optional crossings on small passenger ferries that carry bikes across the estuaries.
It’s a varied, scenic route that works beautifully as a multi-day self-guided cycling holiday, especially when paired with local operators who provide clear mapping, luggage transfers, and carefully chosen places to stay.
Type: Long-distance regional coastal cycling route (largely following RCR 41 + NCN links)
Distance:
Start / End:
Common start points include Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Orford, Snape, Aldeburgh, and Dunwich. The route is circular and can be joined at any town along the coast.
Time Required:
Terrain:
A mix of quiet B-roads and peaceful country lanes, with some gently rolling hills and a few more exposed stretches near the sea.
Difficulty:
Easy to Moderate — manageable for regular leisure cyclists, especially with e-bikes or a supported holiday.
Rail & Access:
Rail access at Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Saxmundham (for Aldeburgh/Thorpeness), and nearby Ipswich, plus bus links along the coast — good options for car-free trips.
Start in Felixstowe, riding along the seafront before heading towards Felixstowe Ferry and the mouth of the River Deben. From here, a small seasonal ferry carries bikes across to Bawdsey, where quiet lanes and big skies introduce the feel of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths. Inland, the route connects towards Woodbridge and the rolling countryside of the Deben Valley.
Further north, the route passes the heathlands and villages around Hollesley and Boyton before reaching Orford with its castle, quay, and views over Orford Ness. This stretch blends coast, forest and farmland, and often includes optional use of the tiny Butley Ferry (seasonal and famously small) to shorten inland detours.
Around Snape Maltings, cyclists ride through reedbeds and estuary scenery, with options to loop inland or continue coastwards. From here, quiet roads and lanes lead to Aldeburgh and Thorpeness — shingle beaches, fishing boats pulled up on the shore, arts and music heritage, and seaside cafés perfect for long stops.
Further along the Heritage Coast, the route connects towards Dunwich, Minsmere, and Southwold / Walberswick via National Cycle Network links and coastal lanes. Nature reserves, marshes and heathland dominate this stretch, with birdlife and big skies the constant backdrop.
The full circular route typically turns inland through Woodbridge, Framlingham and surrounding villages, using quiet roads to reconnect the coast back to Felixstowe. This section adds castles, market squares and gentle inland countryside to the overall ride, rounding out the coastal experience.
Felixstowe • Felixstowe Ferry • Bawdsey • Hollesley • Orford • Snape • Iken • Aldeburgh • Thorpeness • Dunwich • Southwold / Walberswick (via links) • Woodbridge • Framlingham and smaller inland villages
Seafront hotels, boutique B&Bs, country inns, and cycle-friendly guesthouses in coastal towns and inland market towns.
Listings for local independent stays are coming soon.
Fish-and-chip cafés on the seafront, pubs overlooking the estuaries, bakery stops in market towns, and restaurants at places like Snape Maltings and Aldeburgh.
Nature reserves, estuaries, castles (Orford, Framlingham), historic churches, old harbours, shingle beaches, and the wide open marshes of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths.
