By: Blonde Two
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Cycling is something to be enjoyed all year round, no matter the season or weather. What’s more, with plenty of fantastic cycle routes available across the UK, there really is no reason why you shouldn’t get on two wheels and enjoy the great outdoors!

As a popular destination for family holidays, nature lovers and beach-goers, Suffolk is one of the best places to enjoy cycling. The county offers cycle routes for all abilities and they are always accompanied by a beautiful view.

If this sounds appealing to you, we’ve listed five of the most enjoyable cycling routes in Suffolk to help you out.

1. Alton Water

Cycling is one of the most popular ways to enjoy all that is on offer at Alton Water.

Stretching across 400 acres, and home to the largest reservoir in Suffolk, Alton Water is the perfect destination to spend an hour, an afternoon or even an entire day.

As one of the most picturesque places to go cycling in Suffolk, visitors and cyclists can enjoy stunning views of the reservoir and cycling tracks across the Suffolk countryside.

Cyclists have the choice of two routes at this Anglian Waterpark location. Take a steady four-mile bike ride on surfaced tracks or for something more challenging, put your fitness to the test with the cross-country route of eight miles.

Stop off at the designated fishing areas or the public bird hides and take in the stunning views of nature and spot all of the different types of wildlife you will be surrounded by. Alternatively, if you want to take things slower, enjoy a break at one of their cafes before heading out on your second lap.

If you don’t have your own bike, Alton Cycle Hire has everything the whole family needs for a day on the tracks, from helmets, child seats and family-friendly cycles.

A popular destination for families, the tracks at Alton Water are open all year round, meaning that you can take in the scenic views in every season.

2. The Miller’s Trail

Cycle the Miller’s Trail, beginning in the lively yet ancient village of Ixworth, just north east of Bury St Edmunds.

A great route for both beginners and those more experienced in cycling, the trail is 23 miles long. However, if you’re looking for a shorter and more relaxing trail, a 12 mile version is also available.

Taking you back in time, this cycle route heads into an area filled with agricultural heritage where turning sails and waterwheels of historic mills have been a part of Suffolk life for over 800 years. Stop and climb the stairs of the many towers for incredible scenic views and take home some freshly milled flour.

Best enjoyed during the day, cycle through picturesque villages, taking in the sights of the rural landscapes and nature reserves. You can also take a quick break to explore the many churches and Georgian houses that the route has to offer.

3. Thetford Forest Park

Thetford Forest Park is the UK’s largest man made lowland forest with over 18,700 hectares for cyclists to explore. As a result, it has a variety of cycle routes on offer, allowing cyclists to explore deep into the forest.

A patchwork of pines, Thetford Forest is the ideal location for a day out on the bikes. With four different routes available, there is something for everyone.

Cycle routes range from 6 to 11 miles and are colour coded to easily identify difficulty. For beginners, opt for the easiest route, High Lodge Loop, a quiet family cycle trail. Or, if you’re an expert biker, take on the ultimate challenge and choose one of the ‘severe’ graded routes with unpredictability and unavoidable features.

4. Dunwich and Minsmere

Cycle 13 miles and experience the peaceful, quaint landscape of the Suffolk Coast whilst cycling through Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Quiet lanes, bridleways and forest tracks make it the perfect location for cyclists. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty includes wild-life rich wetlands, beaches, historic towns and ancient heaths.

Experience scenery like no other and take in the views of Minsmere’s nature reserve which is one of the best bird watching sites in the UK.

5. Towers and Spires

Cycle through unspoilt Suffolk countryside on the famous Towers and Spires route.

If you choose to explore this route, you won’t travel far without seeing a spire of an ancient church or a soaring tower. This cycle route will take you from the magical St Edmundsbury Cathedral through to the open country, riding along winding lanes, pedalling up hills and freewheeling into wooded valleys.

Choose the longer route of 30 miles and go at your own pace, taking time to explore churches and the town’s history sheltered by towers.

There is also a shorter 19 mile cycle route which is more relaxed, making it ideal for families and younger children.

Those are just five of the most enjoyable cycling routes in Suffolk, but which one will you be heading to first?