Back to Blogs

Discover

A weekend of cycling in Bury St Edmunds and Beyond

What’s better than getting outside and exploring a new area in the summertime? Doing it on two wheels! Get ‘on yer bike’ and take to the twists and turns, coastal pathways, forests and countryside routes in Bury and beyond, discovering new areas of interest, and perhaps even turning it all into a bespoke mini-break for yourself and the other cycling fanatics in your life. Take a look at some of the best cycle routes in the area!

Bury St Edmunds to Woolpit Loop

Distance: 29 miles, Level: Easy

Start off with this easy loop which takes you on a gentle road ride; good for any fitness level. Start off at the train station in Bury St Edmunds and make your way past the atmospheric ruins of the Hospital of St Saviour followed by the imposing Abbey gate and the 11th century St Edmundsbury Cathedral where you might stop for a drink or a bite to eat in the cafe.

Continue via the church of St Nicholas in the village of Rattlesden, to Woolpit where you can discover the quaint village shops and museum; and learn a little about the legend of the green children for which the village is famous. From here, make your way back to Bury St Edmunds to complete the loop.

Click here for the route: Komoot Route - St Edmundsbury Cathedral – Abbey Gate, Bury St Edmunds loop from Bury St Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds to Lavenham Loop

St Peters and St Pauls Church Lavenham Tom Soper 965x540

Distance: 40.6 miles, Level: Intermediate

For something a little more challenging, embark on this 40 mile loop beginning in Bury St Edmunds and making your way out of the town via the Cathedral and towards historic Lavenham; one of the best preserved medieval villages in England.

Explore the market square and the Lavenham Guildhall, the many quaint and quirky residences and even some of the locations from the Harry Potter films. From here, depart Lavenham via the St Peter and St Paul Church and make your way to Brent Eleigh a little further on, where you can sit outside and enjoy refreshments at Cafe Como, a popular cafe with cyclists.

On your way back to Bury St Edmunds keep an eye out for the building with the red, white and blue Union Jack roof - a jolly sight if you spot it!

Click here for the route: Komoot Route - Abbey Gate, Bury St Edmunds – Lavenham Medieval Village loop from Bury St Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds to Thetford Forest

Distance: 50.8 miles, Level: Intermediate

As you make your way out of the town along the Bury Road you’ll see the breath-taking views of the poppy-filled cornfields; a splendid sight. You’ll pass through a beautiful forest-lined route at Ampton and onwards to Knettishall Heath nature reserve where you’ll likely see ponies grazing on the woodland and riverside meadows.

Be careful as you traverse the cattle grids on your way through. Continue along the Brandon Road until you find yourself in the King’s Forest at Thetford; 2333 hectares of woodland and open land. Head back into Bury St Edmunds via the Corn Exchange Wetherspoons for a well-earned pint!

Click here for the route: Komoot Route - Bury St Edmunds to Thetford loop via King's Forest

The Kings Forest Loop from Bury St Edmunds

Distance: 44.3 miles, Level: Hard

This route takes you from Bury St Edmunds to Pakenham Windmill, past Livermere Lake, The Peddars Way trail, along North Stow Forest Path, through Berners Heathto the West Stow Gravel Trail at Kings Forest.

Click here for the route: Komoot Route - The Kings Forest Loop