(Our very best accommodation in some beautiful hotels)
Average daily distance = 20 miles (1 Day of 24 Miles).
Very gentle undulating terrain with some beautiful off-road sections
Ideal for those wanting a relaxed holiday and a taste of luxury !
ARRIVAL DAY/NIGHT : The starting point is a luxury country house hotel near our home town of Diss on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. Diss has a wealth of historic buildings and the famous Bressingham Garden and Steam Museum is only 2 miles to the West.
Day 1: Heading South you follow leafy country lanes and byways to the historic village of Debenham with it’s ancient buildings and quaint Café’s. Turning East you head past Saxtead Windmill to the fascinating town of Framlingham with it’s amazing 15th Century Castle and nearby Vineyard. Stay overnight in the centre of Framlingham in a highly acclaimed former Coaching Inn. (21 miles).
Day 2 : A beautiful ride this morning through ancient meadowland and passing several historic villages. (You can take a tour of Shawsgate Vineyard or buy a bottle or two of their fine English wine. About lunchtime you reach Snape Maltings with it’s wealth of art galleries, outdoor sculptures and quirky Café’s. The afternoon is a short off-road ride through stunning woodland to the famous and elegant seaside town of Aldeburgh. (18 miles). Stay in a 4 star hotel overlooking the beach.
Day 3 : Check out the fresh fish Stalls on Aldeburgh beach and the famous Sea Shell sculpture before heading North to the ‘fantasy’ village of Thorpeness and the famoust RSPB Reserve at Minsmere. (BBC Springwatch). The afternoon takes you on forest tracks to the lovely beach at Walberswick and then on to Southwold with it’s wealth of interesting things to do. (Pier, Brewery Tour, Museums, Fashion shops). 19 miles. Stay overnight in one of 3 excellent Hotels close to the centre of Southwold.
Day 4 : Turning West on Regional Cycle Route 31 you now have the chance to visit the wonderful Norfolk Broads at Beccles, (Perhaps hire an Electric Boat and have a riverside pic-nic). The route then follows the lovely River Waveney and passes through the quirky market town of Bungay and the nearby Flixton Aviation Museum before arriving in Harleston for your 5th night. (24 miles).
Day 5 : A short hop on some beautiful country lanes and byways to the historic market town of Diss before arriving back at your starting hotel. (16 miles). You can add an extra 6th night at any of the overnight destinations or celebrate the journey with a final night at the starting hotel.
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