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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!

Maglia Rosso to Bury St Edmunds Loop

Maglia Rosso Cyclo Cross Maglia Rosso 965x540

Distance: 29 miles, Level: Intermediate

If you're looking to make a weekend of it, Maglia Rosso is one of the best places to stay when on a Bury St Edmunds based cycling break.

Made up of a Glamping Site, Cycle Centre and cyclo cross country circuit, Maglia Rosso is cycling central. The 6 glamping cabins are situated in the 5 acre meadow and come equipped with all you need for a relaxing stay after you’ve conquered local cycle routes. With self-catering and BBQ facilities, cozy beds and sunny decking areas, you and your friends can unwind, crack open a beer and rest your weary legs before waking up to do it all over again. The cycling centre has all you need to equip yourself for a successful cycling trip and even has a country cafe for refreshments or a hearty breakfast to set you up for the day.

Start this route either in Bury St Edmunds (or from Maglia Rosso) and make your way past the Hospital of St Saviour and Angel Hill before heading out along Bury Road to Maglia Rosso. After you've enjoy a lap or two round the cross country circuit and a cup of tea and a slice of cake in the cafe, continue on through the villages of Lawshall and and Shimpling towards Giffords Hall Vineyard. Follow on uphill to Glemsford and enjoy the sweeping panoramic bends past Whepstead, circling back to Bury St Edmunds.

Click here for the route: https://www.komoot.com/smartto...

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: https://www.komoot.com/smartto...

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 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.

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: https://www.komoot.com/smartto...

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: https://www.komoot.com/smartto...