(5 night option also available - just call)
Average daily distance = 23 miles (1 Day of 33 Miles).
Generally flat with some rolling countryside.
Ideal for more experienced cyclists
VERY LIMITED BREAKDOWN SUPPORT ON DAYS 3 & 4
Day 1 : Check in at a country hotel near Diss, a medieval market town built around a 6 acre lake. Also nearby are the famous Bressingham Steam Gardens, Dads Army Museum and Lopham Fen Nature Reserve. Option to give the bikes a spin by visiting the nearby Thornham Estate with it's lovely woodland walks.
Day 2 : Time to start your Viking River Ride by heading South to the lovely old town of Debenham. A former court of East Anglian Kings, and once a thriving wool centre, the streets are lined with 17th century timber-framed merchants' houses. 'Blood Field' is the site a great battle which took place against the Danes in 869. After lunch you can opt to explore the wonderful gardens at Helmingham Hall before arriving in beautiful Woodbridge, resting at the head of the River Deben. Nearby is famous Sutton Hoo, site of the 7th Century ship burial and home to thousands of Anglo Saxon & Viking artefacts.
Day 3 : Explore the charms of Woodbridge before following the River Deben to Felixstowe. You pass several riverside Pubs before arriving in Felixstowe with it's 18th Century Coastal Forts and Martello Towers. Take some time to explore the famous Languard Fort on the River Orwell before cycling through the Golf Course to cross the River Deben on the historic Ferry. (Operating here since 1043 !). Once across you continue towards Rendlesham Forest and then on to Orford, a charming coastal village with Bird Sanctuary, Shingle Spit and one of the best preserved Castle keeps in the country. (You can also cross the River Ore at Orford to explore the old Military Testing Site at Orford Ness).
Day 4 Several Options Today : You can take a detour to visit the RSPB Nature Reserve at Minsmere or relax for a few hours at Snape Maltings with it's Art Galleries, Cafes and craft shops. If you want a more active cycling day you can opt to have lunch in one of Aldeburgh's famous fish restaurants before heading inland later in the afternoon towards Shawsgate Vineyard near Framlingham. Overnight in Framlingham, which offers a fantastic Castle, splendid hotel and several quality restaurants.
Day 5 : Before heading back to Diss you can explore Framlingham's amazing 12th Century Castle before returning to your car through the rolling countryside of North Suffolk, you have options to visit Saxted Windmill or the small town of Eye with it's historic houses and folly.
|