Local Routes and Trails

1. Mountain Biking in Thetford Forest - There are several set cycling trails in Thetford Forest Park as well as acres of forest to explore yourself.  All trails are best tackled on a mountain bike.  For the set trails the best place to start is at the High Lodge Forest Centre.
   • The 6 mile long Green Route is suitable for beginners and families
   • The slightly more challenging Blue Route is 6 miles long
   • The Red Route is 11 miles long and for cyclists who enjoy a challenge
   • The Black Mountain Bike Route is for experienced riders only.  It is 10 miles in length.
2. Day Rides in the East of England - The visit East of England website has some great day rides and traffic free routes for the East of England counties.  Our favourites are given in further detail below.  All of the comprehensive, free maps are courtesy of East of England Tourism.
   • The Jockey's Trail - This is a moderate, circular trail on roads and cycle paths which starts in Newmarket.  The full loop is 28 miles/45 km but there are also two shorter loops of 6 miles/10 km.
           -> See The Jockey's Trail map
   • The Miller's Trail - This trail starts at Ixworth near Bury St Edmunds.  This is a moderate, circular trail on roads.  The full loop is 23 miles/37 km but there is a short cut which makes it 12 miles/19 km.
           -> See The Miller's Trail map
   • The Brecks - This trail starts at Swaffham in Norfolk.  This is an easy, circular trail on roads.  The full loop is 20 miles/32 km but there is a short cut which makes it 10 miles/16 km.
           -> See The Brecks map
   • Apples and Ale - Starting in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire this is an easy, circular trail on roads.  The full loop is 13 miles/21 km but there is a short cut which makes it 11 miles/18 km.
           -> See Apples and Ale map
   • Katherine's Wheels - This trail starts at Graffham Water, near St Neots in Cambridgeshire.  It is a moderate, circular trail on roads and tracks.  The full loop is 15 miles/24 km but there is a short cut which makes it 12 miles/19 km.
           -> See Katherine's Wheels map
   • Cutlers' Way - This trail starts at Stansted Mountfichet on the Essex/Hertfordshire borders.  It is a moderate, circular trail on roads.  The full loop is 29 miles/47 km but there is a short cut which makes it 22 miles/35 km.
           -> See Cutlers' Way map
   • The Witchfinder's Way - This is a moderate, circular trail on roads and cycle paths which starts in Harwich in Essex.  The full loop is 26 miles/41 km but there is a short cut which makes it 21 miles/34 km.
           -> See The Witchfinder's Way map
   • Flint and Forge - This trail starts at Stansted Mountfichet on the Essex/Hertfordshire borders.  It is a moderate, circular trail on roads.  The full loop is 30 miles/48 km but there is a short cut which makes it 14 miles/22 km.
           -> See Flint and Forge map
   • Roisia's Path - This trail starts at Therfield near Royston in Hertfordshire.  It is a moderate, circular trail on roads.  The full loop is 28 miles/45 km but there is a short cut which makes it 22 miles/35 km.
           -> See Roisia's Path map
   • The View Finder Trail - This trail starts at Colchester in Essex.  It is a moderate, circular trail (with linear stretch to Wivenhoe) on roads and cycle paths.  The distance is 17.5 miles/28 km.
           -> See The View Finder Trail map
3. Peddars Way National Trail - The Peddars Way is a nearby national trail which is open to cyclists.  The trail starts in Suffolk at Knettishall Heath Country Park and follows the route of a Roman road to Holme-next-the-Sea on the north Norfolk coast.
4. Biking and brewing in the Thetford Forest - The Brecks Partnership has put together an itinerary for you to do just that.  The Brecks website has further information about cycling activities around the area.
5. The Heart of Suffolk Cycle Route - this is a 125 kilometre circular route, signed in both directions and mainly on quiet lanes.  The route can be done in full or taken in stages and explores some of Suffolks castles and ancient villages.  A 20-page guide detailing the route can be bought in all good bookshops.  Details of the route can be found on the Heart of Suffolk recreational tourism project website.
6. Rendlesham Forest Cycle Trails - The Rendlesham Forest near Woodbridge in Suffolk has two family cycle trails.
7. Cycling in South Norfolk - The South Norfolk Council website offers nine cycle routes in the district, plus a South Norfolk tour map to download.  Pubs, shops, cycle-friendly B&Bs and interesting features are all marked on the maps.
8. The Stour Valley - The Stour Valley running from near Harverhill to Manningtree and passing through Sudbury offers some great cycling.  For information and publications see The Dedham Vale & Stour Valley Countryside Project website.
9. The Suffolk Lanes - The Suffolk lanes to the East and South-East of Newmarket offer some great opportunities for road riding.

If you have information that you think would be useful for the local cycling community please email us at community@reveloutdoors.co.uk