Saxmundham and Dunwich Loop

Saxmundham in Suffolk is the start of this rolling bike ride, and we have deliberately used the term ‘Rolling’. Many people associate East Anglia with flatter terrain, but it’s not the case everywhere. While this route doesn’t have a huge amount of climbing, for almost its entire length, the rider will be either going uphill or downhill. The sheer number of rivers and streams in this area means the terrain is one valley after another – there are virtually no flat bits on this ride.

Route Description

Starting from the train station in Saxmundham the route weaves around the narrow streets of the town before eventually leaving via the B1121. Shortly after leaving the town, the route turns right on to Clayhills Road, where the rolling hills begin. From Clay Hills, the road eventually becomes Hawthorn Road, which the route follows for its entire length until it ends with a right turn at the T-junction with the B1122. The stretch along the B1122 can be busy, but is thankfully quite short as the left turn to Leiston Road is not far away.

Taking Leiston Road and Reckford Road the route skirts around the small village of Middleton and on to Westleton, which presents the first opportunity for a cafe break. Shortly after leaving Westleton, the route turns right again and follows the Dunwich Road right in to Dunwich itself at the beach head. Dunwich itself is very small now compared to the past. It was once a city, but coastal erosion over the last 700 years has led to most of the city falling into the sea. Some historical sites still remain, and there is a museum, all of which are worth exploring.

After leaving Dunwich via the north leg of the Westleton Road enjoy the lush greenery of the Dunwich Forest. At the crossroads, go straight over and then immediately right on to Butchers Lane. Following Butchers Lane and Hazels Lane after the A12 crossroads, you eventually arrive at the halfway point in the village of Blackheath.

After leaving Blackheath via the Blackheath Road and Thorington Road it’s a rolling meander through some quiet and narrow lanes to emerge in Bramfield. After crossing the A144 it’s a straight run along Walpole Road to just south of Walpole itself. From here, it’s a sharp southern turn along the Peasenhall Road and then the Halesworth Road on to Peasenhall village. A rest is probably a good idea here as the two steepest hills are still to come shortly.

Leaving Peasenham via Church Street, it’s straight in to a climb, but once at the top, there is a relatively flat plateau for a couple of miles. The plateau follows Rendham Road before dropping down Pipney Hill in to Rendham village at the foot of the valley. One last push out of Rendham as the B1119 rises up towards Carlton. From here it’s a flatish run back in to the start point at Saxmundham.

 

Route Summary

Start Point – Saxmundham Railway Station IP17 1BW, O.S. Grid Ref – TM 38515 63164

Distance – 29.0 miles /46.5 km

Elevation Gain – 1144ft / 349 metres

Places of Interest

• Saxmundham Museum – on the route just after the start point.
• Greyfriars Medieval Friary – on the route in Dunwich at the 9.1 mile point.
• Dunwich Museum – on the route in Dunwich at the 9.2 mile point.
• Dunwich Forest and Nature Reserve – on the route in Dunwich

Refreshment Stops

• The Snug Tea Room / Post Office Stores in Westleton – on the the route at the 6.6 mile point.
• Flora Tea Rooms on the beach at Dunwich – just off the route at the 9.2 mile point.
• The Queens Head at Bramfield – on the route at the 15.8 mile point.
• Waevers Tea Room at Peasenhall – just off the route at the 21.3 mile point.

Local Bike Shops

• Sax Velo6, Brook Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1XT   Tel 07484 805507

Closest Railway Stations

• Saxmundham – at the start / end point.

 

Ride With GPS Link – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39163694

GPX file direct download – Click Here

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