Cycling and Walking

Cycling and walking are the best way to explore the rural landscapes and historic market towns within the Heart of Suffolk.  Enjoy your surroundings in an environmentally friendly and affordable way.  You’ll improve your physical and mental health and well-being at the same time.

Cycling & Walking Routes

There are many recommended cycling and walking routes across the Heart of Suffolk. The following list is intended as a starting point to find good information on how to access and enjoy these routes:

• Discover Suffolk – this website (and app) includes suggested walking and cycling routes. Comprehensive mapping and step by step route instructions 
• Love Exploring – this smartphone app explores routes with storytelling and augmented reality features 
• The Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty & Stour Valley website has many guides. Walking, cycling and accessible routes within the south of Babergh. 
• The Way to Go Suffolk – this webpage includes town cycling maps of Stowmarket and Sudbury 
• Public rights of way and access in Suffolk – these webpages are from Suffolk County Council. They include information about how to access the local public rights of way network
• Quiet Lanes Suffolk – this website provides information about the ‘Quiet Lanes’ initiative. Information about safer spaces to walk and cycle, and where the quiet lanes are
• The Ramblers’ Association promote walks all over Great Britain. Visit The Ramblers’ Association’s website to find their recommended walking routes in the heart of Suffolk. 
• GetOutside, from Ordnance Survey, is a website and app that helps people get outside more often. They have produced a series of walking guides.
• Town and Parish Councils across the heart of Suffolk may also publish local walking and cycling routes on their websites. For example, there is a collection of 11 circular walks in Needham Market . There are also downloadable maps and guides to walking routes in Sudbury. 

Each year, a collection of walking routes across the Heart of Suffolk are showcased within the Suffolk Walking Festival. The festival takes place in May,  and is one of the largest and longest running walking festivals in the country.

Walking & Cycling Safely in the heart of Suffolk

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, are working together on plans to improve the safety of walking and cycling infrastructure across the Heart of Suffolk. Read more about this here.

When walking, you should dress appropriately for the weather, carry plenty of water, take extra care in places you’re likely to encounter motor vehicles, horse riders and cyclists, and always follow the Countryside Code. 

When cycling, you should wear a helmet and wear bright, visible clothing. Suffolk Road Safety offers advice and training that can help you with safe cycling. 

The Good Journey Scheme – Suffolk is now a Good Journey County.

There are already over a dozen attractions welcoming car-free visitors with a discount or reward – and more attractions and adventures will be appearing throughout the year.

More information about the scheme can be found here >> Good Journey – Suffolk – Good Journey County